Why isnt this common teal waterproof?

[bliss]

Hi
We have had pet ducks, chickens and geese for yrs, and often take in injured or old strays. Our newest family member is a male common teal, given to us by our vets - he has an injured wing and wasnt eating at the vets.
He's settled in well, but is clearly domesticated, he even seams agraphobic when we put him in an outdoor run But his big problem is that he isnt waterproof, even after sitting in water just 20 seconds hes completely saturated - our vets dont know why, so I'm seaking out duck knowledgeable people who might know a reason for this
All and any advice welcome
Thanks
Bliss

[RobinP]

Hi

I'm not a Vet and certainly no expert but I believe there is a waterfowl disease called 'wet feather' which has symptoms similar to those you describe.

If you search the web you will find out more about it.

[Elizabeth B]

Bliss - why not contact a wildlife rescue place? They might have more experience of dealing with this problem.

There's a list of such places here:

Wildlife Rescue Centres

[epops]

Dont know if this helpsDuck Diseases: Wet Feather

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by epops

Dont know if this helpsDuck Diseases: Wet Feather

wow that's amazing Bliss you should send a copy to your vet.

[bliss]

Thanks everyone
I'd never heard of wet feather, we dont know his history, but as hes sooo tame I think he must be a domestic pet / show bird, which could be why he has wet feather, if he hasnt had the correct living conditions / water to swim in and food!
I contacted the RSPB yesterday hoping they would be able to advice me, but I haven't had a reply yet, I will get in contact with other wildlife centres as well
Ive printed off the info about wet feather from that link, and I'll do some more investigations into it
Thanks again
Bliss

[PMG]

When you've had a rescue bird - particularly one that should be able to float on water - as part of their recovery they have to be introduced to water again in controlled conditions (otherwise they might drown!) as once they are wet it stimulates them to preen - which puts the oily secretions from the preen gland back into their feathers! Eventually they should become waterproof once more and be ready to go back into the wild. Thats the theory for birds you hope to release - yours may not ever be ready if it has other problems and may need keeping - as it sounds as tho its been kept in un-natural conditions prior to you rescuing it?

Pauline

[bliss]

We've tried to introduce him to shallow water, so he dosnt get too waterlogged, but hes so absorbant and its so cold at the moment, he starts shivering instantly - we havnt seen him preen, even when soaked he just sits there looking depressed, so we have to take him out and towel dry him, he would def drown if he was in deep water, as he can bearly walk straight when hes waterlogged, hes so heavy he has to hold his wings down on the ground for stability

We might have to try and put him in the stable with water and the heatlamp on, so he can wash, but stay warm

We have taken on wild birds before inc a male mallard rescued by the vets, he can fly and does often fly onto the river at the front of our house, but he chooses to stay (he has 3 girlfriends, our apricot crested ducks) and come in the stable at night with the others

I doubt the teal will be able to be released, hes too tame, but we'll see if he heals and becomes fully waterproof, we'll leave the decision to him, like the mallard. If he never becomes releasable he'll live his days out in the pen with our blind duck (who was wild for 4 yrs that we know of, but has cateracts and can only see shadows now)

Thanks again for all the advice - I hope to be able to update with news that hes waterproof