angel wing

JocknJen · **Joined:** Mon Nov 30, 2009 4:04 am **Posts:** 7

what is angel wing?

infoaddict · **Joined:** Mon Nov 30, 2009 1:12 pm **Posts:** 27654

Angel Wing in Ducks and Geese

Angel wing, also known as slipped wing, crooked wing or drooped wing, is a condition of ducks and geese where the last joint of the wing is twisted and the wing feathers point out, and do not lay smooth against the body.

It is more common in geese and typically in either the left wing or both wings, only rarely in the right wing only. Males develop it more than females. The birds that develop the problem are perfectly healthy, they are just not as beautiful.

Because of the discussions I have heard over the years on the cause of angel wing, I did a search for all research on the subject. The best article was one written by Janet Kear, who is the Senior Scientific Officer of The Wildlife Trust in Great Britain. Some of the researchers feel the condition is genetic, but others have proven it is not. Because she works with waterfowl from many parts of the world, Ms. Kear has come to the conclusion that it is a nutritional problem due to excess feed.

She has found that waterfowl that normally mature in the Arctic environment do not show any angel wing because of their naturally fast growth. It does appear, however, in those species that come from a more temperate environment where they grow slower under natural feeding conditions. But by feeding them unlimited, high protein, high energy feed, they grow unnaturally fast and their wing weight seems to outgrow the strength of the wing to support it. Further proof of this is from another article that said "If their wings start drooping they are put on a diet of alfalfa pellets (instead of Chick Growena) until the condition clears up."

The only wild waterfowl populations known to be affected are those fed by man. In Sweden, ten different park populations of Canada geese produced angel wing. The following year one flock was not fed any artificial feed and there were no angel wing goslings produced.

Ms. Kear's suggestions are to not feed high protein, high energy feed (such as turkey feed), provide plenty of room for exercise, keep in small groups, provide plenty of grass or green feed and keep the pen dark at night if possible so less eating occurs. If you do notice a twisted wing, however, you can form a sling to hold the wing in place to allow proper development.

This Info is from - http://metzerfarms.com/angel.htm

Metzer Farms
26000 Old Stage Road
Gonzales, CA 93926

JocknJen · **Joined:** Mon Nov 30, 2009 4:04 am **Posts:** 7

Thank you very much just what I was looking for. Thanks again

POULTRYPERFECTION · **Joined:** Sat Nov 28, 2009 5:16 am **Posts:** 2

Janet Kear (RIP) did so much ground breaking work on waterfowl with Peter Scott the article mentioned is excellent and should be read by all waterfowl people.

Marlo USA Fowls · **Joined:** Wed Dec 02, 2009 8:04 pm **Posts:** 1

Geese and all waterfowl will live contented with this disability so please don't let it deter you from purchasing breeding stock animals

JocknJen · **Joined:** Mon Nov 30, 2009 4:04 am **Posts:** 7

Thank you again I really appreciate your comment and help. It won't deter me as I have decided to buy him so I will show you a picture after I get him.

Thanks a lot

DuckDive · **Joined:** Fri Dec 04, 2009 5:12 pm **Posts:** 1

I have 2 ganders with angle wing and both are healthy and happy and both breed normal goslings every year so yes go for it.

JocknJen · **Joined:** Mon Nov 30, 2009 4:04 am **Posts:** 7

Thanks duckdive I pick him up next weekend

WILDDUCKS · **Joined:** Sat Dec 05, 2009 10:23 am **Posts:** 5

It is good you are going to buy him despite his infliction but as already covered he will breed and behave like any other gander

Anna_Stucky · **Joined:** Sun Dec 06, 2009 11:55 pm **Posts:** 3

Does this have any affect on the gander mating with the goose? I read on Yahoo that is can stop the gander from balancing on the goose

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