Indian Runner Duck Dwarfism? Genetic issue or other?

[BavarianRunners]

Something is wrong with "Messi" our smallest Indian Runner Duck, he would be 4-6 weeks old and has not grown since hatching, and the last week he is breathing heavily and loosing his fluff revealing red skin. Compared to his brothers and sisters of the exact same age (see photo) he is tiny. He is fearless and always first to the food, but he just doesnt grow and now scratching alot around his eyes, his upper legs and back are loosing fluff and are red. around his head and neck are also loosing fluff but are not red, all ducklings from this batch are living together and none show sign of disease or infection. Is it possible he has a genetic issue? From day 1 his beak was smaller than all the others, probably half the size. Has anyone got an idea of could be the cause of this and a soluiton? Thank you

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

I wonder if he just has something genetically wrong with him. It happens quite often. But maybe one of the duck experts will have good advice for you. Good luck.

 

[BavarianRunners]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

I wonder if he just has something genetically wrong with him. It happens quite often. But maybe one of the duck experts will have good advice for you. Good luck.

Yeah that is what I think, but on standby for the experts. Thanks

 

[Kenneth Zweerink]

The Best of Luck with your Duckling, What a Huge difference from the others. Your Indian Runner's are Beautiful!

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC. I'm not a duck person but someone will be along to help. I assume you've checked him over well for lice?

 

[muddy75]

Welcome to BYC

 

[CombNWattles]

Welcome to BYC. I'm not a duck person but someone will be along to help. I assume you've checked him over well for lice?

^mites were my first thought too. Fits with good appetite and no growth, and the scratching and redness.