Hard black plumage on my Pekin duckling

[Willdeasman]

I'm new to the duck raising community.
We just bought three Pekins from tractor supply and 2 of them have these hard black feathers on their backs.
I don't know if they are molting or what please help me learn!!

 

[HeatherD42]

That looks strange. Are they dirty? Perhaps you could try bathing them to see if it will come off

 

[Quacking Pigeon]

Seems like it could be the membrane from the egg that's dried hard. I had a duck with it on her eye when she was younger and that eye ended up being smaller and facing a different direction then it should have.

 

[fur-mum]

Agreed, it looks like dried stickiness to me too

 

[Willdeasman]

Seems like it could be the membrane from the egg that's dried hard. I had a duck with it on her eye when she was younger and that eye ended up being smaller and facing a different direction then it should have.

Agreed, it looks like dried stickiness to me too

What should I do

 

[Willdeasman]

Agreed, it looks like dried stickiness to me too

I thought they might have been taken out of the incubator a little bit early before they were completely dry

 

[2 many chickens]

What should I do

Run the bathtub a few inches with warm water and let the ducks go swim. They will play and 'preen' themselves. Make sure it's not too deep for them as they can't float yet.

 

[Willdeasman]

Run the bathtub a few inches with warm water and let the ducks go swim. They will play and 'preen' themselves. Make sure it's not too deep for them as they can't float yet.

OK thank you

 

[2 many chickens]

OK thank you

You're welcome. Make sure the brooder is clean when you put them back in. I used to clean the brooder while my ducklings would play in the tub. I was in the room with them the whole time.. too little to leave alone in water just yet.
When they stop playing and preening, they need to be taken out as they'll be getting tired. Dry them off a bit with a towel before popping them back in the brooder. enjoy the babies, they grow FAST!!

 

[chickens really]

Hello...It's growing in feathers. They don't stay downy too long..Normal..Also That is not a Pekin.