Wing clipping question

[User690263]

Hi,
I currently have 2, seven week old ducks, 1 Cayuga and 1 silver appleyard. My silver appleyard is currently light enough and her wings are strong enough that she is currently capable of flying, at least for short distances. My Cayuga hasn't figured that out yet.
I know that once they're fully mature they'll be too heavy to fly, but in the meantime do you think it would be worth it to clip their wings? I live next to a busy road and don't want them to get out of my yard. I clip my chickens wings, so I do have experience with wing clipping.
I just wanted a second opinion on whether or not it would be worth it to clip the ducks wings while I'm waiting for them to bulk up a bit more.
Sorry for the lengthy post!

 

[Debbie292d]

I would for safety reasons. I would cut just one wing of each. That way they have no balance.

Here's an article on how to do it: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/wing-clipping.76982/

 

[CoriM]

Your domestic ducks will not be flying and there's no reason to clip their wings. You should put up a fence to protect them and keep them in! I can't imagine just letting them run around near a road. Don't you have predators you also are protecting them from?

 

[User690263]

Your domestic ducks will not be flying and there's no reason to clip their wings. You should put up a fence to protect them and keep them in! I can't imagine just letting them run around near a road. Don't you have predators you also are protecting them from?

I guess I wasn't very clear.
I do have a 6' fence around my property, plus a 4' fence around their run. I clip my chickens wings because that used to be able to get over the 6' fence and were going into my neighbors yards. I currently have an Australorp, Orpington, Jersey Giant, Wyandotte, and Sussex, and they all are able to fly with intact primaries.
I've decided to clip my birds wings for my peace of mind and for their safety.
I also figured its better to be safe than sorry.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I would. Most of mine don't/can't fly, but if yours are flying then I would until they stop

 

[Yardmom]

I am surprised that a 7 week old Silver Apple Yard can fly at all. Is there someplace your duckling is going that it won't be able to go without flying?
Some of my ducks can fly a bit, but they do not fly regularly. The only reason to clip wings is because the duckling is using flight to get somewhere it can not get on foot.
Just saw your note about the fences. My ducks stay in a 4 foot fence at night. They do not fly over the fence. I would not expect your ducklings to fly over fences. Their actions and motivations are different than chickens. If it was my duckling I would not clip the wing.

 

[User690263]

I am surprised that a 7 week old Silver Apple Yard can fly at all. Is there someplace your duckling is going that it won't be able to go without flying?
Some of my ducks can fly a bit, but they do not fly regularly. The only reason to clip wings is because the duckling is using flight to get somewhere it can not get on foot.

I just don't want to risk her getting out of the run, since there are some gaps in the fence that goes around the perimeter of my property, and I don't want her to get lost or stuck.

 

[CoriM]

I've never clipped a ducks wings in 7 years. I have a large property and they free range under my supervision, and spend time in their coop/run and a portable tractor every day. They know where home is and love to be with their flock, so there seems no need - they just go where they're supposed to go with my guidance.

 

[User690263]

I just weighed her and she weighs 3 lbs 7 oz