Please help!!! Angle wing?

[Isaac 0]

I see no Angel Wing development in the photo.

As far as the hole oats thing, you'd be better off buying a feed lower in protein than "diluting" the feed you have now of nutrients. Most chick starters don't contain adequate amounts of niacin either too, so something like Purina Flock Raiser, Manna Pro Duckling Feed, and Mazuri would be better.

 

[Isabelle Johnson]

I see no Angel Wing development in the photo.

As far as the hole oats thing, you'd be better off buying a feed lower in protein than "diluting" the feed you have now of nutrients. Most chick starters don't contain adequate amounts of niacin either too.

Purina Flock Raiser, Manna Pro Duckling Feed, and Mazuri are some great brands.

Ok thank you very much for giving me other options.

 

[Isaac 0]

Ok thank you very much for giving me other options.

Some of the brands I mentioned contain 20% protein. Some people may say that's too high, I don't. Many people on here feed Game starter to their waterfowl which is even higher than that, around 28% protein, and never have any problems with AW.

Regardless of how many articles you read don't let the whole "protein-deal" get the best of you. Genetics included, AW can be caused by anything that causes's fast growth. IME, too high protein seems to be one of the lesser causes.

 

[Isabelle Johnson]

Some of the brands I mentioned contain 20% protein. Some people may say that's too high, I don't. Many people on here feed Game starter to their waterfowl which is even higher than that, around 28% protein, and never have any problems with AW.

Regardless of how many articles you read don't let the whole "protein-deal" get the best of you. Genetics included, AW can be caused by anything that causes's fast growth. IME, too high protein seems to be one of the lesser causes.

The feed my duckling are getting is Dumor it is 20% protein would you recommend switching/adding oats/or letting it be?

 

[Isaac 0]

The feed my duckling are getting is Dumor it is 20% protein would you recommend switching/adding oats/or letting it be?

I would recommend switching to one of the feeds I suggested previously. The feed you're feeding now is formulated for chicks, therefore, it lacks certain vitamins ducks need more of. A good example is vitamin B3( niacin).

 

[Isabelle Johnson]

Oh ok. Thank you, that is very helpful.

 

[WVduckchick]

I agree with @Isaac 0 I’m not seeing angel wing, but best to keep an eye on it. And I agree with him about the feed also.

But concerning angel wing, there are many theories on it, I don’t think any have really been proven. I have had a few ducklings with it, and it always seems to be the ones that spend more time at the feeders. You know, the ones that seem to eat constantly! Personally, I think they grow faster than their wing muscles can develop, but that’s just my theory.

Check out this post, it’s my favorite explanation between angel wing and what I think you are seeing in your duckling right now:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/posts/19848614/

 

[Isabelle Johnson]

I agree with @Isaac 0 I’m not seeing angel wing, but best to keep an eye on it. And I agree with him about the feed also.

But concerning angel wing, there are many theories on it, I don’t think any have really been proven. I have had a few ducklings with it, and it always seems to be the ones that spend more time at the feeders. You know, the ones that seem to eat constantly! Personally, I think they grow faster than their wing muscles can develop, but that’s just my theory.

Check out this post, it’s my favorite explanation between angel wing and what I think you are seeing in your duckling right now:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/posts/19848614/

Ok thank you so much, I think it is similar. I will keep an eye on it and wait until the flight feather start growing. My one concern is my other duckling keeps pecking the pin feathers and she will kind of quack I guess. Do you have any tips for keeping my other duckling from pecking her.

 

[WVduckchick]

Ok thank you so much, I think it is similar. I will keep an eye on it and wait until the flight feather start growing. My one concern is my other duckling keeps pecking the pin feathers and she will kind of quack I guess. Do you have any tips for keeping my other duckling from pecking her.

Other than separating her from them for a few days, I’m not sure what else could be done. They grow so fast, I think it will stop within a few days. And it’s usually harmless.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Cut the food protein level back by adding oats and if you're lucky it will heal itself.
Worked for me.

Well I was going to respond about this being fallacy in addition to possibly bad advice.. but I see others have already stepped up with fantastic information.

They are eating chick starter food 20% protein. (The worker at tractor supply says he feeds this to his ducklings) They also get grapes a couple times a weeks, they sometimes get corn, peas and lettuce.

Some well meaning folks might give poor advice. It's ALWAYS good to get a second opinion!

Most chick starter feeds are deficient in niacin for ducklings.. so unless duckling is literally listed on the feed direction or they have called the company and gotten nutrient information that is not listed on the bags or required to be by law.. only certain ones are.. they have simply either been lucky to not face issues OR didn't notice the issues.

But with all things genetics can not be dismissed. It's a wild card we generally don't know about.

But WHY would a person go to cutting in oats recommended by a new be and dismiss the more experienced person saying they don't see angel wing?? This dumbfounds me.. folks.. use YOUR best judgement and don't just jump on a suggestion without researching it! I understand we are all on a learning journey and being more experienced (according to post count anyways) doesn't mean I don't make mistakes. But why spend my time answering if so easily dismissed?! Well, I can't change the world, I guess.. Oh actually, come to think of it I see it all the time.. folks respond to what they WANT to hear and dismiss what doesn't fall in line with their current thought process or desire. Guess I still do it for those it MIGHT help when they come across it in the future!

I fed Purina flock raiser 20% protein (it has 55mg/kg niacin, per a phone call to the company).. only.. no treats, no oats.. free range ..full time and never had any problems with my ducks facing angel wing.. which as far as I can tell may be caused by extra energy from ANY source even fat or carbs not just protein, COUPLED with genetic predisposition.

I would start by taking them off of the 20% chick starter right away. 20% protein is too high after 2 weeks of age unless you're raising meat birds.

According to Metzer.. ducklings need 22% protein for a bit and if you feed lower like 20% should stay on it not less than 4 weeks before reducing protein...
https://www.metzerfarms.com/NutritionalRequirements.cfm?affiliate=undef&CustID=27114272

Glad we are able to share information with and support each other!