Angelwings??
I see waterfowl at our parks that have these feathers that protrud outward from their bodies. Is this the angel wings I read about? Is it a deficency. Can it be corrected?
It is caused by improper feeding, usually too much protein, but there may be a genetic predisposition which makes some birds more prone to it when fed higher protein levels. Once the growing bones are solidified, it can't be corrected without surgery.
Yes. A better term would be ''airplane wing''. It can be genetic, feed related ...too high protein content in started birds or, most common in my experience, penmates pulling on emerging flight quills. It can be corrected if taped before the flight feathers are fully in & the joint has fused, 4-6 weeks. Holderread has a good pamphlet on wing & leg disorders.
What I have seen is at our parks. They are pretty ragid with the wings hanging out. Evidently there is nothing I can do. If they are not in pain I can live with it. I see the public interacting with the ducks and they notice the outward wings and cring like it's a sick duck. Can I put up signs to better feed the park ducks, or just let it be?
Yea, good luck with that. The public is generally ignorant. They'll have to read the signs first, which they won't. Even if they do, they'll be ignored. They all have old bread, and the ducks eat it. If you think they'll throw it away and go out and buy food that is better for the birds, you're dreaming. This is one of several reasons why many places prohibit feeding of ducks, but still you get the humaniacs who are indignant that not feeding them is cruel, and who vow to do it to "help" the poor birds, despite warnings and fines.
I had angelwing in one line of Embden geese a few years back. Went from mother to daughter for four generations that I bred. I gave the flock to a local family three years ago, and it appears that the trend has continued. There are several geese with the condition in their pasture.
The first time it appeared, I adjusted the protein level of my feed....that didn't work. I began taping wings, with moderate success....but the condition was still apparent to the more knowing eye.
I'm gonna say it's genetic.....but weak soft tissue, in young birds is a really good possibility also.
Angela (walking on the wild side, not the dark side
Cable ties work well to hold the wings in place while they grow
Cable ties...a few WEEKS? Good grief !!! I'm amazed they don't atrophy completely!! It only takes 5-7 DAYS for the joint to grow into the proper position & this can only be manipulated during that short period of growth at 4 to 6 weeks.Originally Posted by Dondoyle26
Cable ties work well to hold the wings in place while they grow
I used Vet Wrap for about three days when the feathers started coming in. That's about as long as they would tolerate it. Sometimes it work, sometimes it didnt. It was a difficult process for both me and the geese. They were a little large for me to handle alone.
Besides, I didn't want to hurt their feelings.....sigh
2 weeks at most i said that wrong
It's still too long.
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