“Feathers are a bit like a thatched roof,” she said. “Through preening, and with oils from their oil gland, they put all the feathers back into the correct order and become waterproof again.
“When birds are injured or unwell, they often lose that ability. Surgery is a major event for them, just as it is for people, and recovery takes time.”
The duck will remain at Moyles Court for at least six weeks.
England emphasised that the centre is a charity relies on donations for its work.