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The Great Feather Explosion
The Great Feather ExplosionMetzer Farms September 2026 Newsletter
Fall is just around the corner, and there’s lots to look forward to! This month, we’re talking molting season, sharing tips to keep your flock feeling their best, announcing our annual Metzer Farms Photo Contest, and spotlighting a favorite breed.
Has your yard suddenly started looking like a pillow fight broke out? If you're finding feathers scattered across the lawn, floating in the pool, or piling up in the coop, don't worry. Your ducks are most likely going through their annual molt.
Molting is a completely natural process where ducks shed old, worn feathers and replace them with a fresh new set. Most ducks begin molting in late summer as the days start getting shorter. During this time, good nutrition is important. While they may look a little scruffy for a while, it's all part of staying healthy and well-insulated.
As fall approaches, drakes will molt again, replacing those eclipse feathers with their colorful adult plumage. Whereas female ducks will lose and replace all their feathers, including their flight feathers, males will not molt their flight feathers this time. They will continue flying because they replaced their flight feathers during their eclipse molt earlier in the summer. If you missed it, check out our blog about eclipse plumage.
What to Expect During a Molt
Lots of loose feathers in the yard, coop, and water.
Fewer eggs or a temporary pause in laying as your ducks redirect their energy to growing new feathers.
A less-than-glamorous appearance. Patchy feathers and a scruffy look are completely normal!
How You Can Help
Feed a high-quality, balanced diet with adequate protein. Since feathers are mostly protein, providing a higher-protein feed or supplements like meal worms, legumes, or a poultry protein supplement can support healthy feather regrowth during a molt.
Keep fresh water available at all times for drinking and bathing.
Minimize stress by keeping their environment clean and avoiding major flock changes, if possible.
The Good News
A full molt typically lasts 6-12 weeks, depending on the duck. Once it's over, your flock will be sporting a fresh set of beautiful feathers and, in most cases, egg production will gradually return.
📸 We'd love to see your flock's makeover! If your ducks are molting, please send us a before-and-after photo or tag @MetzerFarms on social media. And if you have a drake showing off his eclipse plumage, we'd love to see him, too. Your feathered friends might be featured in an upcoming post or newsletter.
VitaMetz Waterfowl Boosthelps support your flock with essential vitamins and electrolytes during periods of stress, including molting, extreme heat, shipping, and other seasonal changes. Simply add it to their drinking water to help keep your birds hydrated and supported while they grow those beautiful new feathers.
It’s time for our annual Metzer Farms Photo Contest!
Every year, your photos capture the beauty, personality, and hilarious moments of life with waterfowl, and we love seeing them. We can’t wait to see what you share this year.
See the details below and start snapping!
HOW TO ENTER:
Simply post your photo submission(s) on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, tag @MetzerFarms, and use the hashtag #METZERFARMS2027 to enter. Have a favorite photo you’ve already shared? Just add the tag and hashtag to that post to enter it, too! You can also upload your submissions through “Breed Photo Upload” on our website, found in the “Account” tab after logging in.
Multiple entries are welcome! By submitting a photo, you confirm that you own the photo or have permission from the copyright holder to submit it, and you agree that Metzer Farms may use the photo in future marketing and communications.
Winning photos will be featured in our 2027 Catalog.
PRIZES:
We’ll select two favorite photos as our First and Second Place winners:
First Prize: $100 Metzer Farms Gift Certificate (or $100 donated to the charity of your choice)
Second Prize: $50 Metzer Farms Gift Certificate (or $50 donated to the charity of your choice)
TIMELINE:
Photo submissions will be open from September 1 through October 18. We’ll announce our winners on November 2.
WHAT WE LOVE TO SEE:
Show us your flock being themselves! We love photos that capture their personalities, everyday adventures, funny moments, or special memories. Photos that include you or your family are fun to see, too. If you’d like, share a little about your birds or the story behind the photo. We’d love to hear it!
Top left: Caitey F., top right: Brianna F., bottom left: September Belle Photography, bottom right: Andrea Martin Photography
With their striking black-and-white plumage and calm personality, Magpie Ducks are one of the most eye-catching breeds around.
Originally developed in Britain shortly after World War I, the Magpie's exact ancestry remains a bit of a mystery. While breeding records date back to the 1920s, many believe the breed may have roots tracing back to the Indian Runner. Magpies first made their way to the United States in 1963 and have since become a favorite among waterfowl enthusiasts and poultry exhibitors.
Beyond their unique appearance, Magpies are known for their quiet, gentle nature, making them a wonderful choice for backyard flocks. Whether you're looking to add a little extra personality to your pond or a beautiful bird to your show lineup, the Magpie is sure to stand out.
You’re the heart of what we do, and your experience means everything to us. One of the best ways to support Metzer Farms is by sharing a quick review. It only takes about 30 seconds, and your feedback helps future customers feel confident starting their own flock.
Your insight not only helps others choose the right birds, but also helps us continue improving and providing the best possible experience. We truly value your feedback.
Thank you for being part of the Metzer Farms family. We appreciate you!
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