Trimming feathers..to do or not to do?

[Duckfarmer1]

Ok, I’ve seen all the pictures of how to DO the trimming of duck feathers, so that’s not the problem... I never thought I would EVER even consider it. Until yesterday. Our beautiful new Muscovy ducks can take to sky without effort...but they also land on my new new Mercedes and my hubby’s new truck, among other new items, that, we cannot afford to have scratched up. Yesterday I studied the pictures posted of here of how and where to trim..but I was scared. They can still fly and now I don’t want to cut anymore. They can’t soar like they did...But I’m left in a rotten spot...these birds are beautiful in the air... So, do I trim more of those glistening greenish-black and white feathers or lock them in a separate pen, with a net over top, or rehome them again...I hate to even write these words.

 

[casportpony]

Clip all yellow and green feathers to the red line:

If they still fly after this, clip the other wing.

 

[Duckfarmer1]

Clip all yellow and green feathers to the red line:
View attachment 1962411

If they still fly after this, clip the other wing.

So you think ethically it’s ok then I guess

 

[Ebony Rose]

It doesn't hurt them at all to clip the feathers. Clipping will save all of your brand new stuff, thereby ensuring that they don't have to go to a new home with a questionable quality of life. Ethical? By all means. The big wide world is a very dangerous place for domesticated ducks, who have no fear of humans and their pets. A domesticated duck very well may walk right into the arms of someone (or something) very willing to invite them FOR dinner.

 

[Skippersnh]

my muscovies used to land on our cars too before we clipped them

 

[Skippersnh]

one also flew across the street and got hit by a car

 

[casportpony]

So you think ethically it’s ok then I guess

Absolutely okay.

 

[Ratchnick]

You need to weigh the value of flying vs free ranging. I can guess what they would prefer but you know your birds best. As far as ethics, your not going to pinion them! Wing clipping is temporary, try it and if you don't like it stop.

 

[casportpony]