Just wondering if I should be concerned about my pekin duck. She is a 6 months old female and over the last few days iv

Hi, welcome to Just Answer. This is Dr Beverly Chevallier, and I would like to help you with your duck today. I am sorry you are having concerns with your duck having dirt on her feathers and possibly being thin.

We act in an advisory capacity only and are unable to physically examine your animal and are only able to give you advice.

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Thank you.

Dr Beverly Chevallier

What is your duck's name?

Her feathers do look a little rough, but she looks normal.

In order to see if she is thin, you will need to feel of her keel (breast bone) and see if is sticking out more than the other ducks'.  Feeling of her is really the only way to tell.  Feel her and feel another one to compare them.  Her feathers are too fluffy to be able to see anything from the outside.

She looks ok to me, but feel of her and if she is thin, you should take a fecal sample in to your veterinarian to check for internal parasites.

I have to step away for a few minutes.  I will be right back.

Let me know if I can help.

I wouldn't worry about the feathers if the fecal is good. It should be ok.

Oh, if she is sitting in her nest, she might be nesting and wanting to hatch eggs.  That might be making her act oddly and might account for the ruffled feathers.

Oh, yes,  they will sit there and be broody for several weeks until they just give up.  It's perfectly natural.

Yes, I hope so.  That is what is sounds like.

Yes, it could be.  They "talk" to their babies.

That sounds good.

Please keep me updated on Pepper.

If I can ever help you with any of your animals, please just text me back here and I will get the message much faster than if you post it on the site.  I will help you all I can.

Thank you,

Dr Beverly

You are welcome

How is her appetite?

I'd say if she is eating and walking around good, she is probably ok.

If you could send a video, I'd like to see how she is talking and moving.

You should be able to attach it just like a photo.

Oh well.  Sorry about that.

Keep me updated on little Pepper.

You are welcome.