Are there any Duck owners in the Dever area?

[LuvLexi]

I have recently added 2 ducklings and 3 chicks to our family! I have done lots of research on the animals however it would still be helpful to have someone who lives in the area to talk to about them! I am looking to clip the ducklings wings once the come in so they will stay with us! I do not know if this would be easier done by taking them to a vet or doing it myself however I am unable to find a vet who will do it with out doing the $60 exam first!

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[ChickGirl6]

What breed of ducklings do you have?

 

[Amiga]

So many domestic breeds don't need clipping at all, by the way.

 

[duckyfromoz]

It is quite an easy job as long as you know the correct feathers to trim. Better to have a second person help with it though. Most domesticated ducks have been bred for meat and egg laying capabilities- and are often too large and heavy to be able to fly.
here are some links with pictures and instructions that might help.

http://www.omlet.co.uk/guide/guide.php?view=Ducks&cat=Duck Health&sub=wing clipping

http://www.animalsheltering.org/res..._aug_2001/how_to_trim_bird_wing_feathers.html

 

[duckluck]

Quote:
You're better off doing it yourself, IMO. The diagrams are easy enough to follow, but you need to know if you even have a flying breed of duck. If you do wind up clipping, I would clip only one wing, as that impairs the ability to fly more than both being clipped. You need to be sure the feathers are completely in before doing any clipping.

I think the secret to keeping ducks around without clipping is, be sure you have a constant water source, like a small kiddie pool, available all the time. Ducks are reluctant to leave their water.

 

[LuvLexi]

Thank you everyone for your input! I have 2 white pekin ducks. If I have to clip the wings I will only do one side, as this was what was suggested to me where I purchased them. I would rather not have to clip their wings if I dont have to!

 

[keeperofthehearth]

Pekins shouldn't need clipping. ..... and

Are you fm the Denver/Thornton area? We moved fm Aurora about 10yrs ago. My DH grew up in Thornton & still considers Colorado as his home though we've been here for 10yrs now.

 

[veronicasmom]

I'd be very surprised if your Pekin could fly any appreciable distance. My Pekin can get only fly in a very small spurt. She probably only goes about 6-8 inches off the ground for a few feet. She is so bottom heavy. Others will probably chime in, but IMO you don't need to clip their wings, they are probably not going anywhere fast.

 

[Wifezilla]

Pekins don't need wing clipping. They get too fat to fly.

I am down in the Springs area. Welcome!

 

[LuvLexi]

keeperofthehearth- Thank you! Yes I am in the Thornton area! I love it! We are actually in a neighborhood and have no land, the ducks live in our back yard! That is awesome! So you are in the Thornton area? What animals do you have?

Veronicasmom & Wifezilla- Thank you! Ill be sure to make my ducks plump to lessen the chance of them flying! I will just be sure to spoil them and keep them happy! How do you like your pekin ducks? Wifezilla, thanks! I love Colorado! What do you own pet wise? How do the outdoor pets do in the winter?