i got a mallard a couple of monts ago, before christmas, and i was wondering what i means when a duck molts. i have read about it online but it doesnt say what it actually means so if anyone knows please tell me =]
2007-03-28 11:53:38 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Birds
Molting is when a bird loses all it's old feathers and grows new ones. They don't suddenly go bald, but you will end up with a LOT of feathers flying around the yard.
The first molt occurs when a duck reaches maturity. This is when ducks get in their adult feathers (though not all ducks change colors through their lives, some will actually change color durring this first molt).
After that, they molt one or two times a year depending on the breed. Mine molt in early spring and again in late fall. They look hilarious, because I have muscovies, and muscovies are "crested" ducks, which means that they have a little Elvis type hairdo. Every time they molt they males go bald on top with little pin feathers sticking out all over.
When they molt they'll have little prickles sticking out, and these are just the new feathers that are growing in.
2007-03-28 13:14:01 · answer #1 · answered by Theresa A 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's normal. Birds molt periodically to get rid of old feathers so that there is room for new feathers. It's sort of like Dogs and cats shedding their fur and the way that we lose our hair and grow new hair. Cool you have a duck!!
2007-03-28 20:46:19 · answer #2 · answered by Rory 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Molting is the natural process where a bird looses old feathers and grows in new ones.
2007-03-28 19:00:25 · answer #3 · answered by Christie D 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Old featheres come out and new ones grow
2007-03-28 19:08:42 · answer #4 · answered by Trell773 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sheds it's feathers in order to make room for new ones.
2007-03-28 19:00:45 · answer #5 · answered by devon 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the weathers getting warmer, dont need extra feathers
2007-03-28 19:01:35 · answer #6 · answered by Seamus S 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋