Ducks Molting – Why, When, All In A Nutshell!
Molting in ducks is a natural process of losing old feathers and growing new ones. So, the first thing that I want to ensure is do not worry if your backyard ducks are molting.
The question is, how do we recognize ducks molting? Well, the drakes may lose their colorful feathers and their fancy curly tail feathers. Female ducks they’re pulling out their down feathers for nesting during summer and spring.
There are other additional symptoms that will tell your domesticated ducks are molting. Plus, wild ducks and domesticated ducks might not be on the same boat about their molting scheduling over the years. We will discuss it all later. Keep patience and continue reading!
Wild Ducks And Their Molting
There are two original wild ducks in the world. These are Mallards and Muscovies. But mallards are probably the duck, from where the maximum backyard duck breed has been expanded. As we want to know about molting, I assume we’re talking about backyard ducks mainly. So, Mallards will be in our discussion the most.
Wild ducks and their molting can be done in different ways. In addition, in terms of gender, the molting process can also vary. Let’s not make things complicated and get started.
2 Molting Stages of Wild Ducks
First, let me share the two types of molting wild ducks go through. These are as follows:
Eclipse molting:
In wild mallards, the eclipse molting occurs shortly after spring nesting. The time duration might vary, but on average, it would be 3 – 5 weeks. What’s the sign of eclipse molting? Well, it varies depending on the gender. The discussion is incoming within a short time.
Nuptial molting:
During late summer and early fall, wild ducks, such as Mallards, experience their nuptial molt. This molt mainly involves their body feathers. The most noticeable color changes occur in male ducks with their striking green head feathers.
However, female ducks also undergo some feather color and pattern variations during this molting phase.
Let’s have a look at the Symptoms of male and female ducks while molting.
| Molting Stage | Male Ducks | Female Ducks |
| Eclipse Molting | Lose nuptial feathers | Pull out down feathers for nesting |
| Shed curly drake tail feather. | Experience hormone-triggered feather loss | |
| Simultaneous wing molt, flightless | Lose primary feathers, usually post-brood | |
| Transition to drab eclipse plumage | Camouflage for predator protection | |
| Continue incubation and care for ducklings | ||
| Nuptial Molting | Vibrant green head feathers return | Some feather color and pattern changes |
| Body feathers molt | ||
| Regain attractive plumage |
How Do Backyard Ducks Molt?
First things first, domesticated ducks might have differences in terms of the time of molting and how their behavior changes. It is because wild ducks, in general, belong to a completely different living environment.
Unlike wild ducks, backyard ducks have a more comfortable life, with humans providing ample food and protection. However, molting still happens.
- During molting, you might observe their feathers looking disheveled and some missing.
- They might appear less colorful as new feathers grow in.
- Additionally, egg production can drop during this period.
These signs are common for backyard ducks, indicating that molting is a part of their life, even in a more sheltered environment.
To have a better understanding of home-raised duck molting, you may watch this video:
How Can I Predict My Ducks Are Molting?
To predict the ducks molting, it can be a little later than the general molting period or a little sooner. Kimberley Link, the author of the Ultimate Backyard Duck Guidebook, says,
The timing and manner of your ducks’ molting can be influenced by various factors, such as their
- Breed
- Gender
- Genetic makeup
- The local climate
- Weather conditions
- The amount of available light
- Their diet.
However, experienced duck parents share that their ducks molt at different times. Even sometimes, ducks molt for over 5 or 6 months in a row. Not a short time, for sure!
A Pacific Northwest duck raiser shared his experience with his ducks molting. It was a total of 4 months that they were in different molting stages. So, it’s not specific. But in general, it might be a time between November and January.
Recommended article: Causes of Ducks Losing Feathers
Diet That Should be Provided to Ducks While Molting
Diet has a big role to play while ducks are molting. Here’s how.
See, molting is like a makeover for ducks, where they drop their old feathers and grow fresh ones. To make sure their feathers grow back all nice and pretty, they need a good, balanced diet. It’s not just about looking good but also a matter of keeping them healthy and happy.
Here’s a personalized dietary chart for molting ducks. Just look at the nutrients they require.
| Food | Nutritional Value | Benefits During Molting |
| High-Protein Poultry Pellets | Rich in protein and essential vitamins and minerals. | Supports feather regrowth and overall health during molting. |
| Mealworms | High in protein and healthy fats. | Provides an extra protein boost for feather development. |
| Fresh Vegetables | Contains vitamins, minerals, and fiber. | Aids in feather growth and helps maintain skin health. |
| Grains | Carbohydrates, fiber, and some protein. | Provides energy and dietary variety for ducks. |
| Leafy Greens | Rich in vitamins and fiber. | Offers additional nutrients to support overall well-being. |
See, Ducks have their own set of nutritional needs when they go through molting. One big thing they require is protein, and it’s super important for their feather development.
Their feathers might not turn out too good if they don’t get enough protein. Consider vitamins A and D in this list, as all these help their feathers grow well and keep their skin healthy. Plus, to keep their energy on a steady level, offer them food that comes with carbohydrates.
Related reads: Everything About Duck’s Diet
How to Support Your Ducks While Molting
During molting, ducks look a bit different. Their feathers could be sparse or see-through. It’s all natural, though.
Ducks usually don’t like to be touched during this time because it’s a bit uncomfortable for them. Duck experts also advise against handling them.
So, just let your ducks be during their molt. There’s not a whole lot you need to do for them during this period.
Give Them a Good Place to Stay
Ducks need safe and comfortable homes during molting. Make sure they have:
- A shelter to protect them from the weather. It can be a duck coop that will act as a great duck shelter. You’ll find ready-made duck coops in the market.
- A pond or water source to swim in.
Keep Them Safe
Ducks can be vulnerable during molting. So, remember to
- Protect them from predators. Make sure there’s a latch in the coop door that will save the ducks from being attacked.
- Don’t chase or bother them.
Recommended Readings:
Bottom Line
Duck molting is a natural process. For wild ducks, summer and spring might be the time they molt. Backyard duck’s molting schedule can be a little different as their habitat isn’t the same as wild ducks. It can be a time between November and January. Even some domesticated ducks can molt all over the years!
However, since it’s natural, you do not have much to do but show a little supportive care. Ensure a protein-rich diet for them as well as safety and good habitat.
Sources and References:
- https://www.timesargus.com/features/weekend_magazine/the-outside-story-total-eclipse-of-the-duck/article_92768b39-4fe6-50dd-92b5-eb251e1c91e6.html
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/252681443_Molt_and_the_Basic_Plumage_of_Male_Harlequin_Ducks
