I have read in the archives about problems with feather slipage but nothing actually states what it is or what causes it. Can anyone give me an explanation? Also, how to prevent it. Thanks.
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The vent of a duck is the first place this happens. The intestines start digesting themselves and gangrene starts. Grab feathers around the vent,if they stay, you're in good shape. Other than that, washing a bird too long in too strong a soap will also make feathers fall out. Just like hair, feathers will become loose with a high pH.
The kind George mentioned seems to be the most common, and it is the first part to slip when ducks aren't frozen quickly enough after being killed.
Another common kind happens when the birds are thawed improperly before being mounted. In that case they will lose feathers around the face and eyes since those parts thaw quickly and then stay vulnerable while the rest is still solid ice.
Localized slipping can be caused by bruising around shot holes, and/or impact areas if the bird falls hard. Some birds are more prone to this than others, with doves being legendary.
Then there is catastrophic slippage due to freezer failure .... I'd rather not talk about that.