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Why do my duck's new feathers look like quills sticking out?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Male | unneutered | 8 lbs

It looks like my Duck's feathers are growing out backwards. In other words the quill is sticking outward. Does the rest of the feather grow out from inside that?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ady Y. Gancz, DVM, ABVP (Avian), ECZM

Veterinarian, Board-certified avian specialist

Published on December 26th, 2017

Hi, When a new feather grows it looks like a dark gray-blue quill that later opens and the normal structure of the feather emerges. I hope this is what you describe. If so, it is normal. Otherwise you can post again with a pic and we will try to answer. Thanks.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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