Blemishes on a duck bill

[azduckranch]

I have a female Pekin with a light colored bill which is why we call her "Pinky". She has started developing bluish black round spots on her bill. It almost looks like mildew or mold. I can not rub it off with my finger. Does anybody have any ideas on what it could be or how to remedy it? Also,I have a Pekin drake whose bill looks like it is peeling. On close examination it feels more like it is cracking as it is hard and not membranous. Any ideas on this one too?

[Evy]

With the duck, the spots are a hormone induced thing. White ducks seem to get them when they begin to lay & continue throughout their life. Some get very few, some turn nearly all dark.

The peeling is just dryness. Does he have plenty to clean water to get his whole head into? If it bothers you, a little mineral oil rubbed into it may help.

[Katy]

all of my hens have developed the dark freckles on their bills as they mature...some have more than others.
My drake's bill peels every summer, but only him...not the girls. He's in water all the time, so it's not from lack of hydration. I stopped being concerned after the second year it happened...it's just something that happens each year and he's almost 7 now...it's never hurt anything so I just let it be.

[azduckranch]

Thank you for your replies. Again I have learned from the experience of others I never would have contacted otherwise.