Patridge bantam chicken poorly foot?

[rich0869]

Hello everyone, im back again!

My Indian Runners are now 8 weeks old, fully grown and feathered. Ive had them out in the garden for a month or so now. Ive noticed there are some feathers dotted around the pen, neither of the ducks is showing signs of loosing feathers and ive not seen any bullying going on. Does anyone know if it is normal to loose a few feathers at this age, I was not expecting their first malt until 6 months or so. Anyone help? Thanks...

[tara]

I had mine from a day old and dont remmember any feathers falling out but hope some one comes along soon to give you more idea

[rusky123]

My 2 are about 3 months old, loads of down scattered about their pen. their pond has been covered in down, as well as a few feathers. Just growing up I think. Good luck!

[peanut12]

we got our runners at 8 weeks old and we had some fluffy down for a couple of weeks....then yesterday, we got our first egg.

[rusky123]

Way to go Peanut. . I was so excited when I got my first egg, they are great to cook with.

[peanut12]

we've had two in two days now, but being new to ducks I have a couple of questions:

 

1. We have two runners and one swedish blue: one runner has curly tail feathers - is it a drake? so does the swedish blue???

 

2. If these 2 are drakes,

a) are the eggs ok to eat?

b) will there be ducks in 'em?

c) will the runner and the swedish get it on?

 

Daft questions I know, but can't find an answer anywhere.

 

If we have got drakes, can you incubate any egg or is there a best time to do this?

[Lesley]

It does sound as if you have two drakes - wait a bit longer and observe any activity......you'll soon know!

 

You will need to get rid of one drake - will you be able to take him back to where you bought him?

 

The eggs will be fine to eat - they will be fertile eggs so if one of your ducks goes broody, she may try to hatch a clutch of eggs.

[peanut12]

Thanks Lesley, I'll give it a couple of weeks and see what develops. I'll also contact the breder we got them from to see if we can do a swap.

[peanut12]

The breeder offered to take back our swedish blue, but they are all so happy, that we have kept her. The breeder has also given us a real female runner (jet black) as compensation.

 

When we introduced them it was hilarious, our other female began dancing and the 2 boys were straight in there like teenagers at a nightclub. They jumped straight on her back and it was a bit feisty for around 10 minutes but they have all settled down now and are happily running around like a little flock of sheep.

 

If only introduing new chickens was as easy - that's still to come in 2 weeks when we get 3 new Black Rocks.

[Lesley]

It is that easy, introducing hens - if you have a cockerel!

[peanut12]

Much as I'd love to - not allowed