Angel (twisted) wing

[donna]

I have read so many conflicting things on this....Is angel wing caused by too much protein or not enough? 

[Pedro]

I've read on a site that:

"There are currently two basic theories concerning the cause of Angel Wing:

- The first involves too much protein and the second involves too many sugars. Angel Wing is not generally observed in waterfowl not residing near humans, and the disease can often be observed in areas where geese or ducks are excessively fed bread. To prevent Angel Wing, waterfowl should not be fed bread, popcorn or other human foodstuffs. Duck seed is an alternative for duck feeders.
- The second theory is that the cause could be genetic, as the same breeding pair can produce several Angel Wing chicks or cygnets over many broods."

[donna]

Thank you, Pedro!  I always thought it was too much protein, but started second guessing myself.  I only have one young drake with angel wing, (out of 20 muscovies),  and it started when he started getting his feathers in.  I know it is probably too late to do anything about it, but I sure wish I could.  I feel sorry for the guy, cause he wants to fly so bad and can't.  The others will leave him behind when they fly down to the pond from the house.  He runs like the dickens to catch up.

[Cathy]

I have an article on my website that was given to me by a friend to make available, written by a friend of his in the waterfowl business.

http://www.muscovyduckcentral.com/witt_farms/somethoughtsonslippedwing.html

I can tell you that there is a genetic component to it as I have only ever had one duckling with it that could not be tied to specific newly introduced birds to the flock.  Once I took those birds out of the breed pen the incidence of angel wing stopped.  It can also be caused by injury which is what I believe to have happened with my one duckling as he had been getting picked by older ducklings and I believe that is what caused it.

[Cathy]

I didn't think to mention, if this duck is still relatively young you can try to fix it.  I use duct tape (or should I say duck tape!) as vet wrap just won't hold up to a Muscovy.

There is information about it towards the bottom of the page here: http://www.longshadowfarms.com/FAQ.html 

[donna]

Thank you, Cathy.  Those are some interesting articles.  I think that Shadow is probably too old and big to try and fix his wing.  He is the only one from a hatch early in the season that hatched.  He is already bigger than my drake that is a little over a year old!  He has all his feathers, except for that wing.  Some of the "sheaths" never fell off and are about 5-6 inches long.  What do you think?

I have also had 2 ducklings from different clutches with "crossed beak".  One of them died at about 5 weeks old, and the other is doing great.  The surviving one is about 9 weeks old now, and not having any problems.  He/she acts just like a youngster and has no problems eating or drinking.  The only problem is aesthetic.

I am starting to think my problems are with my drake, due to the fact that he is the daddy to all three ducklings.  All three have different moms.  I have had my Muscovies for 5 years now with no problems like these.  Everything is exactly the same except for the drakes and ducks.  They are from last year's babies....

Any opinions or suggestions?

[Cathy]

It could be that he's too old; it might be a case where you could try during the next molt when those feathers are trying to grow back in.  If the sheath is still there then he'll lose them later this fall / early winter most likely.  You can pull them but there's really no need to. 

I personally would try to single out who is causing the problems and cull them.  While I do not think that an animal has to be 100% perfect, I wouldn't promote anything that veers too far off course.  If a single bird had a crossed bill, I might not worry about it.  If several do then I'd remove them from the gene pool.  That's just how I feel things should be handled.

[donna]

Thank you.  I may try to "fix" Shadow's wing when he molts.  As far as the "crossed beaks", I will let the little survivor live out his life to the best of his ability.  If I see it starting to affect him, I will take care of it.

I am going to use a different drake next season, and see if that is my problem.....

Thank you so much for your advice!

[Cathy]

You're welcome and good luck with trying to fix his wing. 

I don't wonder if you think I mean to kill the cross-billed duck, which isn't the case.  Cull is to remove from a flock or herd or breeding program, what have you, for not meeting your standards.  Some do kill animals when they cull but I believe that is fairly uncommon.

[donna]

OH NO, Cathy.  I did not think you meant to kill him!  I understand what you meant by "cull", I was just thinking out loud....sorry!

[Cathy]

Ok, that's good to know.  A lot of people think cull is to kill and that's not the case at all.  Some people do use the term interchangeably, but it's not technically accurate.

[donna]

Thank you, Cottage Rose.  I found your reply and website interesting and informative.  I always use chick starter at 17% protein.  The hen and ducklings are penned for the first 2 weeks, with me bringing them grass, etc., until they are big enough to not get eaten by the drakes, fish and turtles.  All my scovies are free range.  I throw out 3 small scoops of mixed cracked corn and scratch once a day.  I have not had this problem for the 5 years I have had ducks, until this year.  I have another with angel wing, now, in both wings,( she has a couple other problems, as well).  I have tried taping, but was unsuccessful.  

As I stated above, I also had 2 ducklings with crossed beaks this year.  One died and the other is going strong.  I am really leaning toward the problem being my main drake.  He is the only thing that has changed.  I am going to pen him this spring, along with the male and female with the angel wing, and let my new drakelet give it a shot, (he is from a totally different flock).  I am hoping to irradicate these problems.

Again, thanks a bunch, and if you have any other suggestions or advice, please don't hesitate to let me know!!!!!