What kind of sebestopols are these?

[Guitartists]

I thought angel wing was too much protein in their diet as they are growing????? Or is it that it makes it worse?

 

[Wifezilla]

It can be genetic OR diet induced.

 

[ThreeBoysChicks]

so what is Angel Wing? I bought my Sebestpols from HatrickSilkies really just to be pets because I think they are neat looking. I did not know there was so much to know about them. To me, they eat and .... well you know. I am intrigued by all these facts.

--Ed

 

[chickygirl2]

From what I have read/heard from long term breeders, There is a genetic predisposition to angel wing in sebastopols.In fact, several years ago when I just started with them, just about all mine had angel wing. I also lived in a place where they could not graze, only eat poultry food .
It is rare for wild geese to have angel wing if they graze exclusively. When they are fed by humans, some can develop it as youngsters.The higher protein in the feed is thought to contribute to faster wing growth resulting in wing abnormalities.
Over the last 2 years, I have rehomed just about all my sebbies that I had hatched from ebay/eggbid eggs. I have started over with Holderreads stock. I had been quite anxious to have sebastopols when I started and felt that hatching was the most economical way to go. Between poor hatches from shipped eggs and less than wonderful feathering in the geese I had hatched, I was unhappy with my stock.
Just about all my current birds are gorgeous. This year I am planning to keep more for breeding purposes. The last 2 years, most were sold as goslings to purchase better quality whites and some colored sebastopols.I also lost some due to predators and reproductive issues.
I will add that I also have changed the way mine eat. They get poultry food in the am and pm, but not so much that they are not hungry and graze much of the day on our grass here.I have found the wings are not as prone to angel wing issues. My giant gray dewlaps have never had any angel wing issues, years ago when I lived elsewhere or here. I see a definate difference between the two breeds for tendency towards the problem.
If you get youngsters, be alert for wing issues and if they develop, you can correct them in your birds if you catch them in time. There are sites that will tell you how to wrap the wing while it is still growing.

 

[chickygirl2]

Ed,
I don't see any problem with your sebbies. I just looked on your page. They are past the point of worrying about full blown angel wing.
Patty

 

[ThreeBoysChicks]

Quote:
Thanks! I was just wondering. One of my injured its foot about a month ago. It got infected. After a round of penicillin and Cypro (Vet perscribed), the infection is cleared up and the color has come back into the foot. The goose is still not walking up on the foot completely, but getting around better every day. I still don't know if I have both boys, both girls or one of each. I guess I will find out this spring, if there are eggs.

Thanks again!

 

[chickygirl2]

Are they from Nickii? Did she have an idea on sexes?

Ours start laying the beginning of March or end of Feb. Often the first few eggs are not fertile. I am being careful not to use artificial light this year as this can start them laying too soon. I lost 1 gal last year that got an egg stuck. I spoke to Dave Holderread who recommended that to keep them from starting too soon, before their reproductive muscles are ready for the season.

 

[ThreeBoysChicks]

Quote:
Yes from Nickii. She thought one was a boy for sure. She said that from coloring the other looked to be a boy, but she thought it was a girl. One is smaller in size than the other and the one is more submissive / docile than the other. I am going to put the two of them in a pen alone away from my big African goose (gander for sure). Then see what happens. One egg, two eggs, see if I catch them mating.

 

[Cottage Rose]

Theres an interesting article on my website about angel wing.
I've been breeding curly to curly with no angel wing problems but most Sebs get twisted wing tips.
Using smoothies might help with that.

 

[banter]

Hi Cottage Rose!
your Saddlebacks are a lovely pair! I think they are beautifully marked. I am impressed with your knowledge of genetics and hope to learn much from your site! Is the smooth the Gander? (you know how I love the smoothies!) I thought my gray goose Zoey had drop wing and was ready to correct it by using the tape method. She only seemed bothered with one wing at her first fledgling, and it only lasted about 10 days. I found a site which said it was often just the weight of the new feathers coming in, and to make sure the afflicted got greens (grazing esp. dandelions if possible) and LOTS of exercise! I had that available for her and siblings. I was really sweating it, but she came around on her own. It never was severe, she just kept hitching up one wing. I saw a whole flock of Embdens with severe Anglewing for sale in Parsonfield ME. last Spring. It was such a sad sight. They were healthy otherwise, and I was so tempted to rescue a couple! I'm sure they were destined to be meat birds.