Unusually long moult?

Ben n Deb · **Posted:** Thu Jul 14, 2011 10:48 am

How long would you say it should take a duck (Muscovy) to complete their molting process?

We have had our ducks molting for up to and over 2 months now. With one drake which has had no tail feathers for at least 6-8 weeks.

What nutrient deficiencies could be causing this?

Thanks.

becky · **Joined:** Thu Jul 14, 2011 12:21 pm **Posts:** 3

Is it their first molt?

Mine take between 2-5 weeks but I know in other parts of australia it can take 2 or more months.

Give them black sunflower seed that will help also you can give them hard boiled egg and cat biscuits if you can

Good luck

Beck

Ben n Deb · **Posted:** Fri Jul 15, 2011 1:07 pm

For some it is their first moult, but not for others.

I have all those things, so can try them. Tho, they are already getting black sunflower seeds as it is in the mixed grain they get every day.
Out of curiosity, why? what do those things have that helps the feathers growth?

Cheers

parvo · **Joined:** Sat Jan 02, 2010 7:39 pm **Posts:** 735

For birds to grow new feathers they need plenty of protein with a good amino acid profile ( hard boiled eggs), essential fatty acids ( eggs, sunflower), trace minerals and calcium/magnesium.

Sebducks · **Joined:** Wed Mar 11, 2009 3:41 pm **Posts:** 812

I would wonder about too many black sunflower in the new feather growth time, as black sunflower contains the most oil could it not lead to over preening and feather loss as it does in parrots? Alot of people use tinned cat food at this time too.

becky · **Joined:** Thu Jul 14, 2011 12:21 pm **Posts:** 3

I have not had a problem with too much black sunflower I just double the amount in the mix not feeding it just on its own or mix it with the hard boiled eggs I can tell you that does work for me

parvo · **Joined:** Sat Jan 02, 2010 7:39 pm **Posts:** 735

Sebducks wrote:

as black sunflower contains the most oil could it not lead to over preening and feather loss as it does in parrots?

Hi Sebducks,

The high oil in sunflower leads to obesity and liver problems if overfed. The feather plucking claim is a myth. Parrots on high sunflower diets which pluck usually suffer from other nutritional deficiencies as well. Most feather plucking behaviour is behavioural or hormonal.

So I agree you can definitely overdo the sunflower, but used strategically during cold weather or moulting it may help.

Ben n Deb · **Posted:** Mon Jul 18, 2011 7:53 pm

Hi all!

Thanks for the great info. It's good do know.

We are busy working on new pens for our birds at the moment... a dog got in and we have a few less birds now

becky · **Joined:** Thu Jul 14, 2011 12:21 pm **Posts:** 3

Oh that is terrible I am so sorry for you

Frost · **Joined:** Mon Jul 25, 2011 3:25 pm **Posts:** 2

What about the avian Moulting Aid from Vetafarm is that worth using?
http://www.onlinepetwarehouse.com.au/Bi ... g-Aid.html

Here the sales speel

During the moult, the bird’s demand for nutrients is approximately 2 – 2.5 times that of a non moulting, non breeding bird. Remember to feed your moulting birds well! Moulting Aid contains soluble vitamins, minerals and amino acids in a form suitable for addition to the food or water of moulting birds. The proteinated (chelated) minerals in Moulting Aid are formulated to make them readily water soluble and easily absorbed from the gut. Amino Acids (particularly Lysine and Methionine) are necessary for the formation of strong healthy feathers. As seed supplies fluctuate in the amounts of trace minerals and vitamins they contain, it is important during the high demand time of moulting, to supplement the diet with an easily absorbed form of these nutrients to ensure the best feathers for the next season.

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