We are based in Scotland. I have three pairs of Saxony ducks, all derived from different counties in the south of England. Their plumage has been constantly dishevelled since I bought them last summer.They cannot throw off the Scottish rain. Silver Appleyard ducks and Pilgrim geese are fine.The latter seem to thrive in the dreich conditions They have the same housing and feed (mixed grain and free-range grass) as the other birds. Has anyone found Saxonys to be over-susceptible to wet conditions? I have kept Saxonys in previous years and never had this problem with them. Any ideas??
Plumage
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dorsetduckowner
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Hi 
Ive not experience plumage issues in regard to breed.... how was their plumage when you first got them? have they moulted yet? If they have wet feather for whatever reason then they sometimes find it impossible to sort out until they have a hard moult. I had one cherry valley girl like this.
Ive not experience plumage issues in regard to breed.... how was their plumage when you first got them? have they moulted yet? If they have wet feather for whatever reason then they sometimes find it impossible to sort out until they have a hard moult. I had one cherry valley girl like this.Plumage was fine when I bought them in the summer during dry conditions. Since their re-location up here they have been unable to throw off any rain. Given a long dry period (very rare round here) they will gradually come round . I will see if the Spring weather revives them!
dorsetduckowner
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I know some of the heavier birds have looser plumage and do struggle a bit, my muscovies have the same problem. It may be worth supplementing their diet to give them some extra oils and checking their oil glands are not blocked. Poor things, I bet they look miserable! Do they have a sheltered area?