Accepted Ways for Handling Ducks

[Steph21]

I've been raising ducks for about 2 years now but I've only had muscovies for a little less than a year. I've always been able to get ahold of my other ducks pretty easily, even the more skittish ones, for things like moving them to different pens or treating injuries. Also, my hand raised muscovies are pretty tolerant of being held. I hold them by gently pinning their wings against their bodies and then lifting them so that their stomachs are slightly faced up and they're kind of on their back but not completely. In my experience they tend to calm down when in this position and stay still. However, it's a completely different experience with my muscovies, specifically the ones that weren't hand raised. I have to clip their wings because they just wouldn't make it free ranging where I live. I'm surrounded by a lot of ponds and woods that they would most likely end up in and the coyotes and dogs would pick them off in no time. Unfortunately, whenever I attempt to clip wings, they put up a huge fight and kick out with their feet. My hands are super scarred up from it and they even manage to cut me when I have gloves on. Also, their wings are so strong that it's really hard to pin them down and get a good grip on them. I've noticed at the flea markets and livestock auctions I go to, a lot of people hold ducks and chickens suspended by their feet. I've recently tried doing this with my muscovies and it works pretty well. I usually get them by their feet and from there I can bring them up and hold them against my chest (not hanging by their feet) to clip wings or do whatever I need to do. However, I'm also worried that it could potentially hurt them and I don't want to get into the habit of it if it's harmful. I try not to hold them by their feet longer than I need to. Are there any other recommended ways of restraining them or is this way ok? Please be nice in the replies, I only want the best for my ducks.

 

[MGG]

I've been raising ducks for about 2 years now but I've only had muscovies for a little less than a year. I've always been able to get ahold of my other ducks pretty easily, even the more skittish ones, for things like moving them to different pens or treating injuries. Also, my hand raised muscovies are pretty tolerant of being held. I hold them by gently pinning their wings against their bodies and then lifting them so that their stomachs are slightly faced up and they're kind of on their back but not completely. In my experience they tend to calm down when in this position and stay still. However, it's a completely different experience with my muscovies, specifically the ones that weren't hand raised. I have to clip their wings because they just wouldn't make it free ranging where I live. I'm surrounded by a lot of ponds and woods that they would most likely end up in and the coyotes and dogs would pick them off in no time. Unfortunately, whenever I attempt to clip wings, they put up a huge fight and kick out with their feet. My hands are super scarred up from it and they even manage to cut me when I have gloves on. Also, their wings are so strong that it's really hard to pin them down and get a good grip on them. I've noticed at the flea markets and livestock auctions I go to, a lot of people hold ducks and chickens suspended by their feet. I've recently tried doing this with my muscovies and it works pretty well. I usually get them by their feet and from there I can bring them up and hold them against my chest (not hanging by their feet) to clip wings or do whatever I need to do. However, I'm also worried that it could potentially hurt them and I don't want to get into the habit of it if it's harmful. I try not to hold them by their feet longer than I need to. Are there any other recommended ways of restraining them or is this way ok? Please be nice in the replies, I only want the best for my ducks.

I use a towel and swaddle them tightly in it. Put it right underneath their wings, and wrap it around several times. I also put their head under my arm so they can't see what's happening and freak out.

 

[DukesDucks]

I have Muscovy ducks that don't like to be handled but sometimes it is necessary. For me this is a 2 person job and fortunately my daughter is a willing "volunteer". We catch each duck by the legs and then lift them up. My daughter holds them securely against her body so they are not hanging by their legs. Their wings pinned by her arms. My main drake, Jack, is never happy to see her coming.

 

[ruthhope]

I am able to pick up and hold my muscovies but I don't clip their wings on my own! I had a neighbor to hold my female muscovy while I extend and clip her wings. She was a strong flyer and needed to be clipped to keep her safe.

I am not clipping my two muscovy drakes' wings as the drakes are huge and do not gain any height when they fly. However, if there is any sign that they might get out and fly off, I would get the neighbor to help me.

I advise that you don't hold ducks suspended upside down by their legs. Particularly not muscovies that are heavy birds and you might dislocate their hips. When I pick up my ducks I put my arm underneath them near their legs so that I am carrying their weight on their pelvis. They are unprotesting and so I am able to put my other arm across their back and underneath from the far side, holding them against my body. I say they are unprotesting, but my hand-raised drake -- the largest of my muscovies is a wily fellow and will run away if he thinks I am going to pick him up. But he is unprotesting when I do pick him up.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

I take care of my birds by myself. So, when I do have to trim wings, I wear long pants and a jacket plus gloves and a towel for my lap. I don't mind getting scratched, but those muscovy claws can get pretty deep.
The drakes are super strong. So, first thing is catching and holding their wings just so.
I hold them tightly to my body with their head facing towards my back and their rear is towards the front. I then hold the wing out that is furthest from my side and trim it as best that I can. Sometimes, I do both wings for my girls because they still can get up high and jump over fences with one wing trimmed.

Kind of like this guy - you can start watching at min 3 because he talks a lot with nothing to see.

This is also a good video with how and why you trim duck wings. At about 2:52, she shows how she trims wings by herself.

I could do that with my drakes if needed, but I don't need to do that with the hens.

 

[Steph21]

I take care of my birds by myself. So, when I do have to trim wings, I wear long pants and a jacket plus gloves and a towel for my lap. I don't mind getting scratched, but those muscovy claws can get pretty deep.
The drakes are super strong. So, first thing is catching and holding their wings just so.
I hold them tightly to my body with their head facing towards my back and their rear is towards the front. I then hold the wing out that is furthest from my side and trim it as best that I can. Sometimes, I do both wings for my girls because they still can get up high and jump over fences with one wing trimmed.

Kind of like this guy - you can start watching at min 3 because he talks a lot with nothing to see.

This is also a good video with how and why you trim duck wings. At about 2:52, she shows how she trims wings by herself.

I could do that with my drakes if needed, but I don't need to do that

I take care of my birds by myself. So, when I do have to trim wings, I wear long pants and a jacket plus gloves and a towel for my lap. I don't mind getting scratched, but those muscovy claws can get pretty deep.
The drakes are super strong. So, first thing is catching and holding their wings just so.
I hold them tightly to my body with their head facing towards my back and their rear is towards the front. I then hold the wing out that is furthest from my side and trim it as best that I can. Sometimes, I do both wings for my girls because they still can get up high and jump over fences with one wing trimmed.

Kind of like this guy - you can start watching at min 3 because he talks a lot with nothing to see.

This is also a good video with how and why you trim duck wings. At about 2:52, she shows how she trims wings by herself.

I could do that with my drakes if needed, but I don't need to do that with the hens.

I always try to dress so I'm covered up whenever I have to handle them but they still manage to get through my gloves sometimes. I don't mind the scratches too much but I feel like they're capable of ripping me open if they hit me just right and I just don't want to push my luck. I usually do it by myself because everytime I get my dad involved he gets cut so bad and I know my mom couldn't do it. My sister just completely refuses. Thankfully, I don't have to worry about my drake flying away cause he's just so big and seems to really like his home here. However, I did clip his wings when I first got him just to be safe and surprisingly he cooperated very well. So far, one wing has worked for my females and I really hope it continues to work, but some are a little more rebellious than others . I think I'm gonna start using a towel and hold them backwards like everyone seems to be suggesting.

 

[Luv Ducks]

This may sound cruel to some of you but I get my ducklings by or at 3 days old and pinion them myself. This keeps them safe and I no longer have to clip their wings. Mine are hand raised but still do not like to be held. I ordered two from Metzer Farms and my Mallards were supposed to be pinioned but they forgot to do it. They are old enough that now they no longer try to fly away. I have a covered pen but let them free range in a small area of the yard where there is still grass left. I am older and cannot chase them as much as someone else might be able to. I do love them though and they have a good home with me. Please do not take offense to what I have to do in order to keep my ducks safe. I have never lost one yet.

 

[BelovedBirds]

This may sound cruel to some of you but I get my ducklings by or at 3 days old and pinion them myself. This keeps them safe and I no longer have to clip their wings. Mine are hand raised but still do not like to be held. I ordered two from Metzer Farms and my Mallards were supposed to be pinioned but they forgot to do it. They are old enough that now they no longer try to fly away. I have a covered pen but let them free range in a small area of the yard where there is still grass left. I am older and cannot chase them as much as someone else might be able to. I do love them though and they have a good home with me. Please do not take offense to what I have to do in order to keep my ducks safe. I have never lost one yet.

interesting definition of "safe"
Simply clipping wings would be better- but I'm not here to start an argument.