Why do my Muscovy's feathers look so bad?

[FathertoFeathers]

My female muscovy ducks feathers look pretty bad and I don’t know what’s up with it. My other Muscovy hens feathers don’t look like this. There is two drakes I have but they don’t really mate with my Muscovy hens they prefer the mallard hens. I’ve looked for mites but can’t find any.

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[oldhenlikesdogs]

Some of mine are looking ratty already. Feathers are getting old. Most will molt again in another 2-4 months.

 

[Isaac 0]

Also, muscovies don't bathe in water as much in water as do your mallard-derived breeds, so a little bit of wet feather can be expected throughout the year.

 

[justin shrew]

And muscovy ducks feathers are not built for water like most of other ducks and geese. They don't produce much oil in their gland, which is why the lining of their primary feathers, sometimes poke out.