White Cambell feather question

[Generallee]

I have 3 white Cambells that I have had for over a year (1.5 years old) and they have been fine, but recently one looks like it has moulted, but a few of the long wing feathers are left, just the quill part. The duck in question also seems to lift its wings and flap slightly, as if it is trying to cool itself. I have inspected it for mites and treated it for worms and mites. It seems happy enough although the beak has less colour than the others, more grey.Anyone any ideas or is it just moulting still. Been like this for a few weeks now. 07

 

[dorsetduckowner]

Hello
When they moult the quill of the feather comes loose of the follicle and they come out leaving the follicle free to grow a new one. If the feather itself has been damaged then you may see just the quill with some tatty bits of feather barbs left on. If this doesn't sound like what you can see then you may be seeing the new feather coming through. The whole process from moult to new feathers can take 6 weeks.
The wing lifting is called wing shuffling and is indeed used for thermoregulation and drying purposes and is entirely normal
Beak colours do vary, but paleness of bill, feet and inside of mouth is also a very good indicator of il health, so knowing whats normal for each duck is good. All my ducks have varying bill colours
x

 

[Generallee]

wow, thanks for your reply - ok, I will keep an eye on her. They have been laying virtually everyday for the last 12 months. It's difficult to know which ones are laying though, but the eggs are fine. They appear happy and are feeding well.
Again, thanks for your reply 17

 

[dorsetduckowner]

If she's moulting, she shouldn't be laying. Rare they moult and lay at the same time as growing new feathers requires all their mineral reserves and energy.

 

[Generallee]

I am sure only 2 of my 3 are laying, so she could be moulting. She definately looks like she is smaller then the other 2 at the moment (less feathers?).
I can't believe how many eggs I've had from them!

 

[dorsetduckowner]

could you post a picture?

 

[Generallee]

ha,ha - she must have lost the longest straggly looking one today, but will try and post a pic tomorrow.