1. Shedding: Ducks naturally shed their feathers once a year to make room for new ones. It's a normal process and usually occurs in the summer.
2. Stress: Feathers can also be lost due to stress from factors such as overcrowding, poor housing conditions, lack of proper nutrition, or exposure to predators.
3. Molting: When a duck is molting, it sheds its feathers to grow new ones. During molting, a duck's feathers may appear patchy or missing.
4. Infections and Parasites: Skin infections like fungal infections or parasites like lice and mites can cause ducks to lose feathers.
5. Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of certain nutrients, such as protein, vitamins, or minerals can make a duck's feathers weak, brittle, and prone to falling out.
6. Plucking: Ducks sometimes indulge in a behavior where they pluck their own feathers. This is often a result of stress or boredom.
7. Fighting or Injuries: If ducks get into fights, they might lose feathers during the scuffle. Similarly, if a duck is injured, it may lose feathers around the wound.
If your female white duck has missing feathers it is important to determine the cause and address the underlying issues to prevent further feather loss. Providing proper nutrition, reducing stress, and treating any underlying health conditions can help ensure your duck's feathers grow back healthy and strong.