Angel Wing Explanations Here Please

[The Wolf Queen]

Can someone explain what angel wing is? Ive seen what it looks like but I would like some more info such as can it be harmful, is it genetic, etc???
Thanks, the Queen

 

[Wifezilla]

This place has a good explanation....

http://www.spokanecity.org/services/articles/?ArticleID=1850

Many believe it is too much protein, but if you know what young ducks eat in the wild, that theory makes no sense. I believe it is excess carbohydrates that cause angel wing.

 

[2ducky]

Angel wing is caused by ingesting too much protein. You can be feeding the same percentage to all of your birds some will digest it different than others. Always remember though it is not a hereditary issue. If you have a bird with angel wing, and you notice it starting to develop, you can tape the protruding part, under the normal wing, to stop further development. Hope this helps.

 

[pips&peeps]

I had an old timer recently tell me to pull the first primary pin feather (the one that weighs the most) on sebastopols and problem solved. It will develop later when the wing is big enough to support the weight.

I might try this next year. I imagine you will need some sulfur powder when doing this.

 

[[email protected]]

Wow. My girls are free range but almost every day I give them a slice or two or white bread. (5 hens) It's their favorite thing. Should I stop that?

 

[goosedragon]

Oh Mighty Queen -Angel wing has been the subject of much debate at least 3 main groups 1. genetics pure and simple 2. excessive protein in the feed allows the feathers( mostly protein) to develop too fast, 3.genetic disposition brought about by excessive protein. As far as I can see the Carbohydrate theory has few backers and references to the wild seem to be based on the miss conception that ducks don't eat carbohydrates in the wild. It is pretty much agreed that the condition can be avoided by limiting protein in the diet during the critical period when the wings are starting to feather out. Others report that they feed high protein and never have the problem so you can pretty much pay your money and pick the theory you like. It pretty much cripples the bird as far as flying is concerned and they look funny, that is about all damage the condition causes. They can have healthy normal ives with the condition.

 

[CityChicker]

pips&peeps :

I had an old timer recently tell me to pull the first primary pin feather (the one that weighs the most) on sebastopols and problem solved. It will develop later when the wing is big enough to support the weight.

I might try this next year. I imagine you will need some sulfur powder when doing this.

OMG! That is absolutely horrible advice for someone to give you. Talk about a way to accidently kill the bird. If anyone tries this (which I would never recommend in a million years), they would have to be meticulous about pulling the feather out quick and clean and as close to the base as possible. An experienced bird keeper such as yourself could probably do it, but it is recipe for having a bird bleed to death in a matter of minutes.​

 

[Le Canard de Barbarie]

Quote:
I just raised a batch of muscovies, mallards and pekins to market weight using a mash that has 24% protein. Out of the fifty ducks total, there was no angel wing.

 

[CityChicker]

Quote:
I just raised a batch of muscovies, mallards and pekins to market weight using a mash that has 24% protein. Out of the fifty ducks total, there was no angel wing.

Don't you free range your birds too though? I suspect that having adequate exercise and the ability to forage makes a difference.

 

[goosedragon]

Quote:
I just raised a batch of muscovies, mallards and pekins to market weight using a mash that has 24% protein. Out of the fifty ducks total, there was no angel wing.

See I said there were such reports!! personally I think that Muscovy are much less prone to angel wing than other ducks their wing structure is different and And they tend to hold their wings differently.