Treating Wet Feather

[dandkadams]

Picked up a flock (3 Drakes, 8 Ducks) of Pekins Sunday and looks like they have wet feather.

Owner got rid of them because he needed to move the pen due to mud and floods. He bathed them and put them in the shed before we got there so I don't know how dirty they were, but he said it was bad.
I noticed what looked like a bowl of cracked corn when we picked them up as their food and they seem pretty chunky.

We have them in a nice (smallish 229 sq ft) pen as a quarantine with a small shelter and 2 clean water bowls (big enough to get in and rinse) as well as good food.

Do we need to do more or just let good food and clean water do it's job. They're preening and bathing.

 

[chickens really]

Not necessarily wet feather.. Sounds more like management issue. Nothing that a good molt and proper feed won't correct in due time. Regular baths are great also...

 

[apricotvalleywf]

This sounds like wet feather to me. You are doing all things correct and will have to wait until they moult and grow new feathers. As long as they have access to shelter and a place to dry off then they should bounce back. I would limit water exposure if there feathers are infact damaged.

 

[apricotvalleywf]

^^ P.S. Hi Katherine!

 

[dandkadams]

Brilliant thanks everyone! They are looking really good now, Though when it rains I feel bad they look soaked.
I put in and extra shelter so hoping they'll use it.
Hi!

 

[tjo804]

Does this look like wet feather?
Or over sexing possibly?
I just got his pair with their 2 ducklings new to ducks, should I be concerned about the condition of the feathers? The tail on the drake is rangy, like sliced feathers also.

Any help or advice is appreciated
Thank you

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

If it is, here is how to treat it. https://www.hobbyfarms.com/how-to-treat-wet-feather-in-ducks/
If they didn't have proper water sources, they could have parasites. Did you check for that?

 

[tjo804]

If it is, here is how to treat it. https://www.hobbyfarms.com/how-to-treat-wet-feather-in-ducks/
If they didn't have proper water sources, they could have parasites. Did you check for that?

I honestly did not, I am not sure what to look for. Can you advise on that?

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I honestly did not, I am not sure what to look for. Can you advise on that?

I imagine it would be like checking on a chicken, so I would check at the base of the shafts - around the vent if you can. But, since they are muscovy, I doubt they are going to let you check their vent without a big hassle. I would definitely try to check under their wings close to the body.
Ducks and chickens will have some pests, but generally not collections of them - which if you see it, it is a problem.
Ducks seem to have less pests problems though.
Do they stay wet after bathing? You should see water beading up on their backs after they are wet. If they look like a drowned dog after bathing, then it is wet feather.
Otherwise could be a pest or just their situation before was not idea. If that is the case, when they molt, they will definiely look better.
What feed do you have them on?

 

[tjo804]

I imagine it would be like checking on a chicken, so I would check at the base of the shafts - around the vent if you can. But, since they are muscovy, I doubt they are going to let you check their vent without a big hassle. I would definitely try to check under their wings close to the body.
Ducks and chickens will have some pests, but generally not collections of them - which if you see it, it is a problem.
Ducks seem to have less pests problems though.
Do they stay wet after bathing? You should see water beading up on their backs after they are wet. If they look like a drowned dog after bathing, then it is wet feather.
Otherwise could be a pest or just their situation before was not idea. If that is the case, when they molt, they will definiely look better.
What feed do you have them on?

They are on a mix of layer feed chick feed mixed with scratch and 2 times a week I an putting molasses on it. Also the like peas and carrots and love watermelon they get those everyday. About 1 1/2 c peas and carrots and a plate of watermelon. The one duckling I am calling Waldo will take the melon from my hand or eat it off my leg. Getting more less afraid of me still not understanding duck speak but working on it. I will have my son help look for pests on them today

They do get "wet looking" after a swim, but not like when I wash the chickens, they preen dry and off to food again, they only do a full swim usually once a day, the ducklings more often when they are not getting away from Drake.

Thank you!