what age should wings be clipped?

[flynntheduck]

Assuming my duck is a Mallard what age do I clip his wings to prevent flight? I really don't want him flying off he's 7 weeks and still has his girl coloring. Hasn't started molting yet.

 

[flynntheduck]

Anyone know? Is it easy to clip them? Or should I look for a vet?

 

[Speceider]

It is easy to do. Do not cut any part of the feather near a feather sheath. I prefer to clip about 3 inches of primaries 6-10 when the feathers are half grown, and the clip 1-10 to the edges of the primary coverts when feather growth is complete. If you wait until feather growth is complete, you risk them flying, and possiblylosing them, before you clip. You with have to repeat after every wing molt. That's why I prefer pinioning.

Clint

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Clint, would you please write up an article on pinioning vs clipping, with pics? That would be an awesome Sticky for BYC!

 

[Speceider]

Give me time....

Clint

 

[flynntheduck]

It is easy to do. Do not cut any part of the feather near a feather sheath. I prefer to clip about 3 inches of primaries 6-10 when the feathers are half grown, and the clip 1-10 to the edges of the primary coverts when feather growth is complete. If you wait until feather growth is complete, you risk them flying, and possiblylosing them, before you clip. You with have to repeat after every wing molt. That's why I prefer pinioning.

Clint

Yeah, had I known he was a mallard when I got him I would have preferred to pinion him. But I think I have finally come to the realization and acceptance that he is a Mallard :'( I am scared to clip his wings! I think he is ready for it now. When I let him roam free he runs and flaps his wings and the backs of his feet come off the ground. He won't let me hold him and open his wings though. I am afraid to force open his wings because he tries to close them. He likes to be held but will not tolerate me messing with the wings. HELP!

 

[Speceider]

You are not going to hurt him. Hold him in your lap with your arm in front of his neck and use that hand to expend the wing and clip with sharp scissors using the other hand.

Clint

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Make sure you've got a good place to sit and all your supplies gathered before you begin.

 

[Prinette]

When should we clip the wings? Mine are six weeks old and I don't want them to do much flying. Is there a way to clip them so that they only have limited amounts of flight? Kind of like a chicken would?

 

[flynntheduck]

Well I clipped his wings today! We did just fine and Flynn was not hurt. He didn't like it but did just fine. He learned to fly yesterday so i had to do it quickly! I also clipped Ruby's (buff duck) just for the heck of it. She flew this morning into the pool.