Why are my Ducks Getting White Feathers?

Ducks with extended black genes, such as the Chocolate, Blue, and Black Runner Ducks will start as the correct color for their first year. After their first year, you may notice your ducks have some white feathers appearing, and this will continue as they age until they are almost entirely white. In female Runner ducks, white patches are considered normal, and no amount of breeding can stop this from occurring in the offspring. The white feather patches appear in the females due to interactions between specific genes unique to female ducks. 

White patches can also occur in drakes; however, this is much less common. Drakes showing white feathers after their first year should not be used in breeding programs, as this is considered a fault in the males. A specific gene must be present for white patches to occur in males. Even though drakes showing white patches should not be used for breeding, they still make wonderful pets and can be used for insect control or training herding dogs.