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Prevention of duck feathers
Duck feather picking, also known as "duck duck feather," is a harmful behavior observed in ducks during their breeding period. It typically involves one or more ducks in a group licking or attacking the feathers of others. The most common sites affected are the back and wing tips, leading to sparse feathering, damaged hair follicles, and even skin tears. Once the feathers are removed, they are often eaten by the ducks. This behavior causes restlessness, physical damage, and loss of appetite, which can significantly impact the normal growth and health of the flock.
The main causes of feather picking are usually related to improper feeding and management practices:
1. **Poor Environmental Conditions**: Overcrowding, lack of space for movement, excessive heat, high humidity, and poor ventilation can lead to uncomfortable living conditions. High concentrations of ammonia and carbon dioxide can irritate the ducks. Inadequate or uneven lighting, such as overly bright or dim light, can also contribute to stress and abnormal behaviors.
2. **Nutritional Deficiencies**: Feeds that are unbalanced or lacking in essential nutrients like protein, sulfur-containing amino acids, vitamins, and minerals can trigger feather-picking. Prolonged salt deficiency or irregular feeding schedules may also play a role. Additionally, a lack of cobalt can lead to feather loss and increased aggressive behavior.
3. **Improper Management Practices**: Failure to clean duck droppings regularly can result in the buildup of harmful substances like toxins and ammonia, causing skin irritation. Confinement, unsanitary conditions, and overcrowding can also encourage self-mutilation and aggression among ducks.
4. **Pest Infestation**: During summer, mosquitoes and flies can bite ducks, causing discomfort and irritation. At around 24 days old, when the primary wing feathers begin to grow, these bites can cause bleeding and damage to the feather follicles, worsening the problem.
To prevent and control this issue, several measures should be taken:
1. **Improve Housing Conditions**: Maintain appropriate stocking density, ensure good ventilation, and regulate temperature and humidity (60-70% relative humidity). Provide sufficient lighting without being too intense. Keep the environment clean, dry, and free from irritating odors.
2. **Early Intervention**: Cut off the tips of young ducklings at 8-10 days old to reduce the risk of feather pecking. Use natural remedies like stewed young duck tips to prevent parasitic infestations.
3. **Balanced Nutrition**: Feed high-quality, well-balanced compound feeds that contain adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals. Adjust feed composition based on the ducks' age and needs. For example, adding 5% soybean meal, 3% fishmeal, or 2-4% bone meal can help address deficiencies. If there's a lack of salt, add 1-2% salt for 2-3 days. Supplement with zinc sulfate or calcium sulfate if sulfur is lacking.
4. **Control Lighting**: Use 25-watt bulbs to provide enough light for ducks to see food and water. Red or orange-yellow lights are suitable for ducklings, while red or white light works better for adult ducks, as it helps calm them down and reduces feather-picking.
5. **Pest Control**: Regularly manage mosquito and fly populations during summer, using safe methods to avoid poisoning. Add vitamin B12 to drinking water or feed to prevent stress-related behaviors.
6. **Prompt Treatment**: Isolate affected ducks and treat wounds with potassium permanganate solution, gentian violet, or erythromycin ointment. After recovery, re-group the ducks to prevent further aggression. Encourage exercise and add natural gypsum powder (1-4 grams per duck daily) to the feed for effective control.