Question regarding health of muscovies

muscovieduck · **Posted:** Wed Jun 08, 2011 10:53 am

I've noticed lately that one of my muscovy ducks has 'drooping' belly feathers. I think they're all in various stages of molting at the moment, and they've all looked a little 'rough' but none of the others that I noticed had sagging feathers. It's only the feathers on her chest and between her legs that's hanging quite low, all the other ducks feathers are tucked up neatly against their bodies. I took the photo of her next to one of the others so you can see the difference. The duck I'm talking about is on the left in the photo. Is this something I should be concerned about or does anyone know a possible cause for this?

The other question I had was my drakes feathers seem to always be dirty and separated. None of my other ducks have this, all their feathers are sparkling white and normal looking. Is it just because this drake doesn't like bathing or could there be a problem with his oil gland? I see him preening his feathers, and I know he used to go in the bath, I can't say I've seen him in there recently but I'm not constantly watching them so he might be bathing in there.
Here's a photo to show his feathers:

boatingben · **Joined:** Sat Jun 11, 2011 2:43 pm **Posts:** 1

I had this in a muscovy once and in mine it was a fatty build up under the skin, have you caught her and felt the area to see if its just feather or lumps? could also be the 'egg pouches' so she could be going to start laying very soon is she about 6-8 months old?

muscovieduck · **Posted:** Thu Jun 16, 2011 11:49 am

boatingben wrote:

I had this in a muscovy once and in mine it was a fatty build up under the skin, have you caught her and felt the area to see if its just feather or lumps? could also be the 'egg pouches' so she could be going to start laying very soon is she about 6-8 months old?

I spoke to someone who has geese and she suggested it could be a fat build up as well, as her female goose sometimes gets that. I haven't had a chance to catch her and investigate yet, I'll see if my partner can give me a hand in catching her. All these ducks will be between 1-2yrs now and all of them have laid at least one clutch so far. One of them has started laying again a week ago, so it could be this duck.
Thanks

mickt · **Joined:** Sun Mar 28, 2010 8:52 pm **Posts:** 51

hi muscovyduck both of those birds look as healthy as can be to me the bird on the left is the one i would be breeding with can you get a side on photo of here? and a weight?. regards mick

Muscovy J · **Posted:** Sat Jun 18, 2011 3:58 pm

they both like like good ducks mate

it is quiet normal to see girls shaped like that,

a side shot would be good to see,

GOOSE.STEP · **Joined:** Fri Jun 17, 2011 7:55 am **Posts:** 9

The top picture and the duck on the left is not normal?? I have heaps and they don't look like that I can tell you, I think she has or is going to lay and that is why she has the low stance but check her anyway just to be sure

OakA · **Posted:** Sun Jun 19, 2011 9:15 am

Sorry Goosestep but I have to disagree with you.
They all look perfectly healthy, fit and well.
The duck in question (on the left)is perfectly normal for a female in full lay or about to.
The abdomain drops just before laying and gives depth to the body to accomodate the organs of reproduction ie egg production,also to lay she has to be in peak condition so is carrying fat, she also has to take in more food and so her digestive system is working at full capacity, all of which has to be accomodated and a lowering of the under side/belly is the most evident and visable sign of her body functions.
It is also a characteristic desired in the breed, great size, length, width and depth to the body.
The duck on the right is still moulting, this you can see by dappled feathers on the breast & body and the loose wing feather.The dappling effect is because some feathers are still emerging and shorter thus the effect is not an even smooth cover to the breast and body, within 6 weeks she will be as smooth and sleek as her mate.
The drake may not be bathing and preening, with females present, on or about to lay he has other priorities on his mind.He also shows old feather so may not yet have moulted, I would suggest he carries a lot of old feather.
As a first impression you have them in great condition and they look really healthy.
Good job.

muscovieduck · **Posted:** Tue Jun 21, 2011 8:30 am

Well that's great to hear that they look like healthy birds

I was only concerned because I have had these ducks for less than a year and I'd never seen one with the lowered belly before, thus I thought there may be something wrong, glad to hear it's a common and normal occurrence. As for my drake, that does make sense, I've had him since about November and he hasn't moulted yet to my knowledge.

Mick, I will try and get a side on photo. Not sure I'll be able to get a weight as easily, I'll have to get my partner to give me a hand catching her.

Thanks everyone :-D

muscovieduck · **Posted:** Tue Jun 21, 2011 9:58 am

Mick and Jase, here's a photo of her from the side.

OakA · **Posted:** Tue Jun 21, 2011 11:35 am

Just as I thought, perfectly normal for a female in lay, she is a good size also.
If I had a negetive comment to make she is not quite long enough in body to be a good show specimen, otherwise lovely and in the peak of condition.
It appears she also has a couple of old flights she has yet to moult and her tail also has not come through/grown to it's full length , when it does she will appear longer in body and may yet do well in a show pen.

AUSTRALIAN POULTRY FORUM™

Question regarding health of muscovies

Who is on the Forum