[SouthMains]

Have just taken in two ducks, which have had a pretty poorly start in life.  We have introduced them to the pond which they are extremly excited about, which is good news as they are really filthy. Only problem is that they dont seem to have much oil on their feathers so the water seems to soak right through and they stay wet most of the day.  yesterday they went in the pond for about 15 minutes, then they came ot and went back into their house and didn't come out again for about 4 hours, when they came out they still looked really wet.  they are preening and I have read that this will help in the production of the oil.  So my question is, should I just keep watching and waiting or should I attempt to wash some of the muck of them (then dry them)?

[jaykay]

I acquired a gander in this state.

He eventually sorted himself out though to be truthful his feathers weren't truly waterproof until he moulted and grew new ones.

I think what happens when they don't have access to clean water is that they preen and preen and use up all their oil.

I watched mine and he was so happy to have clean water, kept washing and preening, that I decided he'd be ok, and so it turned out. Sounds like yours will be too 

The only thing I would say is that they get cold when they're like this, since as you say, they do get wet. You just need to adjust for that - somewhere to live with plenty of clean straw will help.

[DartmoorLiz]

Hi,  I love ducks and recently bought 5 from a livestock auction.  They are such fun dabbling about, quacking to each other and enjoying the wet weather (a blessing given the amount of rain this year).  I'm sorry to hear that yours came to you in such a state.  If your ducks are short of oils they may appreciate some poultry corn which, I have read, can make healthy ducks overfat so logically poorly ducks put on condition.  I've also read it helps them stay warm.  Its all book learning but when you have no experience, what else can you do.  Please let me know how you get on.  I just wanted to applaud you for getting ducks and giving them a caring home.
Liz

[northfifeduckling]

One of mine had an issue with her oils last year. After she could get access to good water I think it took about 2 weeks for her to look all normal again. Trouble is that they might get too cold at this time of the year - hope they won't catch a chill! Good luck! 

[SouthMains]

update on the ducks, the female (now known as cinammon) has come up a treat, she is looking good and I am sure that ater her next molt she will be all back to normal.  the drake (now known as slade) is still a poorly looking chap.  He is perfectly happy but just looks like a wet ragcloth.  So we are going with the watch and see method, and making lots of nice dry straw available,  I am also going to put in my very large seed proppgator which will provide "bottom"  heat with some straw on it.  we have used this in the past to rescue some very cold african land snails so thought thaht this might give a little extra warm boost for Slade until he gets back to tip top condition.  I like the idea of giving them a bit extra treat food to hlp them get better a good does of fatty food always brings me back to form, so I will up there corn rations!

[northfifeduckling]

it should get better well before the next moult - unless this winter's is still due for them! The lack of oil is due to them not having had water to bath in. As a nourishing and warming treat I recommend cooled porridge, cooked just like for us but of course without sugar  . You can well mix in any additional fats and mineral powders while it's still luke warm.

[SouthMains]

great idea...dont know why I didnt think of that before as we often give the chickens posrridge as wee treat for Sunday brekfast in the winter!

[robbiegrant]

We pop oor wee-est ains ( Bali and Ooty ) in the bath and turn on the shower head for 10 mins or so....


They love it!