Droopy Wing In Sebastapol Geese

[Willowbrook]

Forgive me, as I'm sure this has been brought up numerous times, but I am new to Sebastapols as I was just given a young pair yesterday.

The male is only three months old and he has what I have determined to be "droopy wing." His wing bones are aligned correctly but he keeps jerking or pulling his wing up to what should be the normal position.

I've read this is due to the weight of the feathers and blood feathers.
I also read that this is not really a condition that should be tampered with as in taping or binding as this will cause more damage than not.

Am I on the right track in my thinking and should I just let it be?
The drooping seems to be equal on both sides and not only one.

Thank you for any advice or encouragement in advance.

 

[shelleyd2008]

Sounds right. As long as the wing is folding properly, just give it time. The wing feathers are very heavy, and that's why they are drooping. And you're right, taping or binding the wing won't help, since the problem is that the muscles are weak. If you tape it up, the muscles won't get stronger, only making the condition worse.

 

[Willowbrook]

Thanks Shelly. Would it help if I cut the outer primary feathers a bit shorter to releive some of the weight? I wouldn't pluck them, just reduce them by half.

 

[shelleyd2008]

I don't know if that would help, or just postpone the strengthening of the muscles. If the wing is laying properly I would just leave it, just be sure to keep an eye on it in case it starts to turn.

 

[goosedragon]

Quote:
the flight feathers once in aren't that heavy, it is that stage where they are filled with blood when they are heavy. Think back a month or so, the wings were nothing but those silly looking 'flappers' and a month from now some of your geese will be flapping across a field trying to get airborn. That is amazing development in that short period of time they are almost bound to have 'growing pains'

 

[Willowbrook]

Thanks everyone for the comments and advice. I will leave the flight feathers be and let nature take it's course.
I've not had "new" gosling's so I didn't know what to expect as far as physical development.