Clipping Duck And Goose Wings To Prevent Flight

Maybe your like

Search Metzer Farms

March 13, 2011

Clipping Duck and Goose Wings to Prevent Flight

Originally posted by John Metzer on Fri, Feb 11, 2011 @ 04:20 PM Clipping the wings of your birds is really very simple. Some things to keep in mind: 1)Clip only one wing. This keeps them off balance when they try to fly. 2)Leave 3-4 of the large flight feathers at the tip of the wing. By leaving these feathers, the wing looks more normally when it is folded against the body. 3)Use heavy scissors or tin snips. 4)Clip within 1-2 inches of the skin.

Mallard wing before clipping.

Mallard wing after clipping.

Right wing has been clipped on this male mallard duck.

Embden wing before clipping.

Embden wing after clipping.

By leaving a few feathers at the tip of the wing, it appears more normal. The left wing was clipped on this Embden goose. Keep in mind that ducks and geese go through several sets of feathers as they mature. For ducks, wait until they are at least 15 weeks of age and geese 17 weeks of age before you clip the feathers. At that point they will have their final set of feathers. Feather clipping needs to be done annually. Depending on your location, adult waterfowl molt and grow a new set of feathers in the summer or fall. When you start seeing feathers on the ground from their molting, keep a careful watch. You don't want them to fully develop their feathers and discover they can again fly before you clip the wings! The only ducks we have that fly easily are the Mallards. I have read of all breeds of geese flying except the Super African, Large Dewlap Toulouse and Sebastopol. Of course the Canada are very capable of flight. Labels: canada geese, clipping duck wings, clipping goose wings, mallard ducks

107 comments:

Phillip-Mojave AcresJune 7, 2011 at 3:08 PM
What is your advice regarding pinioning at home for a small flock of 40-50 ducks?
ReplyDeleteReplies
John MetzerJune 7, 2011 at 3:57 PM
I would only recommend pinioning day old ducklings. If you decide to prevent their flight after that age, you will need to clip their feathers. But if you have flying ducks, such as Mallards, pinioning the ducklings is a great way to permanetely prevent their flight. They will not leave but are more susceptible to predator attacks. Most domestic ducks, however, do not fly and do not need flight control.
ReplyDeleteReplies
AnonymousNovember 2, 2011 at 1:01 PM
how can i clip my rescue canada goose wings how can i tell were the blood feathers are please
ReplyDeleteReplies
John MetzerNovember 2, 2011 at 7:51 PM
You can clip the Canada's wings the same as domestic birds - as described above. You typically only have blood in growing feathers and you can see the shafts are darker. But by this time of year (fall and winter), all the feathers should be mature. And, you don't have to cut the feathers extremely short. We only cut off about 2/3 of the feather's length.
ReplyDeleteReplies
AnonymousMay 10, 2012 at 3:28 AM
sound rather cruel to me
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. AnonymousMay 18, 2015 at 7:26 AM
  I had a mallard and because i did not clip her wings, she flew off and got shot during duck hunting season. It does not hurt them and my new mallards are perfectly fine and sit still when i clip the feathers, and now they stay home and are perfectly protected from hunters.
  DeleteReplies
2. AnonymousNovember 11, 2016 at 7:24 PM
  I am not taking a stand, because I see both sides. Yes, they may get hurt if you don't clip them. And, no, it dies not hurt them. But, my family had the great joy of having a duck with wings. We never clipped her wings. She was beautiful. We enjoyed her for quite some time. We never knew how she found us. But, when she was excited to see you she would fly in circle 8s around your head encompassing at least 80 feet in her circles, she would show her enthusiasm by flying. We have a home by the water and there are many Byrd friends that come and go. But, Gertrude was so gorgeous. I am glad we did not clip. I miss her, but she was happy. I would imagine every situation is different. But enjoying birds in the wild, in their natural habitat, having them choose to be with you. It's an experience.
  DeleteReplies
3. TheresaAugust 3, 2017 at 8:53 AM
  How is clipping the wings cruel? It does not hurt or harm the bird in any way. It prevents them from leaving a secure area where they are protected and getting injured. I lost a duck last night because I waited to clip her flight feathers. She flew out of her secure area (there was a 2 foot area that was not wired at the top) and our dogs got her. These dogs are there to protect our other animals including are many birds. They prevent predatory animals from getting to our domestic animals. However When Bob flew out it excited 2 of the dogs and they went after him. Clipping the flight feathers would have saved Bobs life.
  DeleteReplies
4. concerned momAugust 9, 2018 at 6:08 PM
  I agree. Give me one of their feet and I'll cut their toenails to short.
  DeleteReplies
AnonymousMay 31, 2012 at 7:34 AM
I don't see how it is cruel, I mean if your keeping it as a pet, and treating it well, feeding it normally, keeping water with it, and taking good care of it, I don't find it cruel for wanting your duck that you raised up to be healthy... I mean if we had ducks out here, and if it would ever fly, it probably wouldn't come back because of predators... Plus, holding the duck in a position where it's not being hurt isn't cruel... I don't know why some of you people flip out about this because there are millions of wild ducks in the world, like no offence, because I really don't have the time to argue, or get into little immature fights with people.
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. UnknownMay 2, 2016 at 2:41 PM
  I don't understand why anyone would think wing clipping is cruel, you get your hair cut don't you, does that hurt? there is no blood or pain involved.
  DeleteReplies
2. UnknownMay 2, 2016 at 2:47 PM
  Hi I have 7 muscovies I think they are the females fly in their covered pen I live in the woods and have a stream and would like to let them roam so they can be happier than being penned up all the time. I know there are fox and coyotes and owls and the list goes on. But they don't seem happy now. They are a year old do you think they would stick around or take off? Could they get away from a fox? Although I seldom see critters during the day. It would be hard as nailing jello to a tree to round them up on 13 acres. So once I release them I doubt I could get them back. What does anyone think? should I let them roam free and happy? or keep them penned unhappy and safe
  DeleteReplies
3. jimOctober 16, 2017 at 11:30 PM
  Would be sad if they left. But if you clipped their wings doubt they would leave where they have been fed and looked after. Try leaving the pen door open in the day and putting them in at night.
  DeleteReplies
AnonymousAugust 6, 2012 at 5:23 AM
Some people like to make blanket statements, like *I think it's cruel* but have NO IDEA what they're talking about. It doesn't hurt the bird and there's nothing wrong with wanting to keep your pet safe and out of trouble. So when someone makes a blanket statement like that without any facts to back it up, I usually take it with a grain of salt because usually their minds are as small as a grain of salt. It makes no difference if you think it's cruel or not, you have a right to you misinformed ignorant opinion as any other closed minded individual.
ReplyDeleteReplies
AnonymousSeptember 13, 2012 at 12:28 PM
would it hurt the birds?i wouldn't want to hurt birds just so they can't fly ;n;
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. 7quails 3chickensJanuary 2, 2016 at 9:51 AM
  No it doesn't hurt at all, its just like cliping finger nails
  DeleteReplies
joSeptember 13, 2012 at 8:59 PM
How do you catch ducks that roam free on a large patch of land
ReplyDeleteReplies
joSeptember 13, 2012 at 9:01 PM
How do you catch ducks that roam free on large acres and are the ducks smart enough to find there own protection when first introduced
ReplyDeleteReplies
Metzer FarmsSeptember 13, 2012 at 10:07 PM
To answer the last three comments:1) It hurts them to have their feathers clipped as much as it hurts you to have your hair cut.2)If you want to catch nonflying ducks, you can herd them into a pen to catch. If you want to catch flying ducks, you have to entice them into a netted pen. It is probably easiest to do this with feed once a day. The first day the feed is far from the netted pen. Each day it is closer and closer. By the time you are feeding them in the pen, you can set up a net that closes behind them when you pull a string or rope.3) Ducks are not safe from predators unless they can fly and/or have a body of water to escape into. And some will be caught if they have both of these.
ReplyDeleteReplies
AnonymousMarch 16, 2013 at 5:01 PM
Thank you for your instruction! I cut my ducks wing yesterday to prevent it flying over my fence and being attacked by their dog as my other duck did last night. Prevention is the key and responsible pet ownership.
ReplyDeleteReplies
AnonymousApril 6, 2013 at 8:15 PM
We are new duck owners and we bought are ducks from a feed store,do you recommend clipping the wings on our ducks?
ReplyDeleteReplies
John MetzerApril 7, 2013 at 8:50 AM
You only need to do it if they are true, flying Mallards. But if they are Rouen (which look like Mallards but are much larger and do not fly) or any other domestic breed, it is not necessary. If the feed store does not know if it is a Mallard or Rouen, a back toe should be clipped on Mallards. This is a federal regulation. If you are not sure what breed you have, go to our website and on each breed page, we have a picture of a day old duckling of that breed.
ReplyDeleteReplies
AnonymousApril 15, 2013 at 6:38 PM
Will my Chinese geese fly if I don't clip their wings?
ReplyDeleteReplies
John MetzerApril 16, 2013 at 5:18 PM
It is highly unlikely but the last goose I saw fly here (20 years ago) was a White Chinese.
ReplyDeleteReplies
Annamaul93June 18, 2013 at 8:06 PM
Thank you for posting these clear instructions. I have a white Chinese and she has lots of company from my little dogs, but she's starting to flap around a bit and we want to keep her from getting hurt (ending up in the scrap wood pile, getting into the street, meeting an unfamiliar dog, etc.). I was able to clip her on my own by going into her shed at night and gently sitting over her to clip her wing. I love her and her eggs. I'm glad you made your post.I do have one question for you. What is the best water container for a goose. She poops in every container we've tried so far, or knocked them over. Any DIY suggestions?
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2014 at 8:52 PM
  My mom has three geese and we are in winter weather so she every morning runs a hose out to a small kiddy swimming pool for her geese with warm water in it. They splash and bath but as night fall comes she dumps the pool to do it again the next day. If you forget to dump it the pool freezes and makes it harder to dump the next day. But her geese love it by summer the water gets into her stream and they play in that water. But use a small kids pool so it is easier to dump and they can get into it without any problems.
  DeleteReplies
John MetzerJune 19, 2013 at 9:28 AM
They do not have to have swimming water all the time. I would provide swimming water only once or twice a week for them to clean. The rest of the time it can be a 5 gallon bucket that is hooked on a wall so it cannot be tipped over. Or use a smaller bucket that is set on a shelf so she can drink but not get in the bucket.
ReplyDeleteReplies
AnonymousJuly 8, 2013 at 2:47 PM
Hi, we rescued some duckling which are about 12 weeks old now and we think they are all female mallards, they have got some of their flight feathers growing now, we have them trained to go to their pen in the evening where we then shut them away til morning. Do you thin we will need to clip their wings? Dee
ReplyDeleteReplies
John MetzerJuly 8, 2013 at 7:45 PM
If they are true flying Mallards, you will need to clip their wings as they may decide to fly at any time. If they are Rouens (three times the size of Mallards and they don't fly) you will not need to clip their wings.
ReplyDeleteReplies
igcheleJuly 13, 2013 at 10:38 AM
Do Toulouse geese fly ? mine look like they are practicing and if they do they will be mistaken by the hunting neighbors for Canadian geese and shot for sure. I have grey and white ones and regular African ones too. I would like to keep the look for pictures if there's any that don't require feather trimming...
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. John MetzerJuly 25, 2013 at 11:17 AM
  I have never seen my African or Toulouse geese fly in 35 years. The only time they might fly would be if you had a strong wind one day and something chased them into the wind. If you are still concerned about flight, then just clip one wing and leave the outer few feathers intact.
  DeleteReplies
2. AnonymousNovember 29, 2013 at 10:29 PM
  Sorry Mr. Metzer...I have a pair of African Geese. They can fly especially the female. I am having to clip her because she flew n top of or barn...also was found out in the pasture lost. She tried to follow the Canadians in the field.
  DeleteReplies
AnonymousJuly 15, 2013 at 6:10 PM
we have a baby (month old) cayuga duck. Is this a duck that needs to have it's wing clipped to prevent flying?
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. John MetzerJuly 25, 2013 at 11:25 AM
  No.
  DeleteReplies
RickJuly 20, 2013 at 10:28 AM
I have a mature Embden gander with both wings deformed. Is there any way of correcting this so that he can fold them or should I clip them every year? Is pinioning a solution? I don't know how to do this.
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. John MetzerJuly 25, 2013 at 11:26 AM
  You cannot correct it on an adult. I would simply trim the misshapen feathers when they come out each year after their molt. Pinioning would be major surgery so I would not recommend that.
  DeleteReplies
BobCAugust 4, 2013 at 8:57 PM
We just purchased khaki Campbell eggs (candled look like 100% fertile thank you) and I've read elsewhere males can't fly bu the females can.. your take?We have a couple of young Pekin and also about ten of their eggs incubating too.. but understand they can't fly.. please correct me if I'm wrong.
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. John MetzerAugust 5, 2013 at 8:12 AM
  I have not heard of Khaki Cambpells flying but I suppose the rare bird could if they were on a real diet and had a strong head wind.
  DeleteReplies
2. AnnieLaurie BurkeMarch 23, 2014 at 3:23 AM
  I have 4 Khakis (2 ducks and 2 drakes). They "fly" all the time, after a fashion. It's not what you'd call sustained flight. They go for perhaps 30 or 40 feet, and get no higher than about 6 feet off the ground. It seems to be part of their play routine -- they get on a small hill or rise, and take off. All four will fly from my backyard through the breezeway and into the front yard.
  DeleteReplies
3. ByrneAugust 11, 2014 at 11:05 PM
  My Khaki Campbells could fly- both the males and females- usually short flights up to 100 feet in length, but the male could fly over the power line. I never clipped them, as we have lots of open acreage and they know where they live. Now I have 3 Embden/Chinese geese and I'm hoping they can levitate enough to get away from potential danger (fox, who has killed all our neighbours chickens and ducks one at a time, now he wants MINE!)
  DeleteReplies
4. AnonymousMay 25, 2017 at 8:04 PM
  We have four khaki campbells, at least two of which were intentionally catching air (they live on a slope that sees some high winds) and flying up to 50 feet in the air and hundreds of feet away by the age of nine weeks. We live in a rural area but they still make it to neighboring properties, so a bit of a pain. Has happened three or four times in fact. The ducks are now about 10.5 wks. We want to clip their wings but sounds like we should wait another few weeks?
  DeleteReplies
5. John MetzerMay 25, 2017 at 9:12 PM
  I think I would do it asap. It will be easier to catch them later with clipped wings to do it again.
  DeleteReplies
AnonymousAugust 7, 2013 at 8:00 AM
I have 2 mallards that are about 3 months old. We had their wings clipped but one can still do a wing assisted "jump" over the fence of their pen, which is about 3 feet high. Do I need to have her wings clipped more or is there a certain amount of vertical mobility to be expected?
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. John MetzerAugust 7, 2013 at 10:08 AM
  I woujld trim her wings some more. Yes, they have some jump in their legs but I don't think they have 3' of jump.
  DeleteReplies
UnknownAugust 14, 2013 at 7:59 AM
i clipped my chikens wig because he always was always fly around my back yard .i thught that shude do that because i was scard he would fly away .
ReplyDeleteReplies
UnknownOctober 22, 2013 at 11:14 AM
i have tow white ducks and one coloured grey headed duck i dont know who can cut the wings of do you know anyone or a place that i could take them and get them done please reply back thanks
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. John MetzerOctober 22, 2013 at 1:06 PM
  Anyone can do it. You don't need any special skills as long as you can use scissors and are not afraid of holding animals. If you are uncomfortable doing it, ask a friend or neighbor.
  DeleteReplies
UnknownDecember 27, 2013 at 12:23 AM
I cut my pet Mascovys' wing feathers on the one side, when she was young, 4 years later they have not regrown, and the wings on both sides are looking very tatty.is this normal, should i pull them out so they can regrow or just leave it for nature to take care of...
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. John MetzerDecember 31, 2013 at 9:09 AM
  I am very surprised she has not molted those feathers years ago. Normally they get a new set of feathers once a year. If you do remove the wing stubs, they will definitely grow new ones. But I don't know how easy it will be to remove them. If they just pop out, do it. If there is loss of blood, I would stop and, if she is healthy in all other ways, I would just leave her be.
  DeleteReplies
AnonymousMarch 18, 2014 at 12:28 PM
Thank you for these helpful posts. My 15 yr old Emden goose has learnt how to fly over the fence and hangs around by the kitchen door. She loves me but bites everybody else, so needs to be penned. I hope clipping her wings does the trick.
ReplyDeleteReplies
AnonymousMay 1, 2014 at 6:53 AM
How can you tell if the duck is a Rouen or true Mallard when they are seven weeks old? You clip their wings at fifteen weeks?
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. John MetzerMay 1, 2014 at 9:28 AM
  A Rouen will be 3-4 pounds and a Mallard will be 1.5-2 pounds in weight. If the Mallards are hatched in a commercial hatchery, one of their back toes should be clipped off to meet federal regulations.
  DeleteReplies
AnonymousJune 24, 2014 at 11:31 PM
Hi, I got my ducks as ducklings on May 30. However, the feed store didn't know how old they were. They were little, couple days maybe. They are going through their first molt and you said to clip within a certain weeks. Is there something physically with their wings that help me know its time to clip? It looks like from the pictures after the first year its easier to tell. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteReplies
John MetzerJune 25, 2014 at 8:36 AM
The earliest they will be flying is at 12-14 weeks. I would wait until then as if you clip their wings now, they will be soon molting those out and replacing with new feathers. I assume you have Mallards? Otherwise they will probably not fly.
ReplyDeleteReplies
carpet cleaningJune 25, 2014 at 1:08 PM
I have grey calls the miniature mallards do I need to clip their wings?
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. John MetzerJune 25, 2014 at 3:17 PM
  I would.
  DeleteReplies
AnonymousJuly 7, 2014 at 9:08 AM
Hi I have 2 Aylesbury ducks do I need to cut their feathers thank you
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. John MetzerJuly 7, 2014 at 10:43 AM
  No, they will never fly.
  DeleteReplies
AnonymousJuly 15, 2014 at 12:36 PM
I have 9 female and 3 male ducks. Is the ratio of male to females too high and how many years will the ducks lay for? I have 4 Blk Cayugas, 4 Golden 300's, 4 Anconas.
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. John MetzerJuly 15, 2014 at 4:22 PM
  I think 1:3 is okay - especially if you have a larger pen. We normally have 1:5 but that is in larger groups. If you see an overly aggressive male you may need to remove him but I doubt if that will happen.
  DeleteReplies
UnknownSeptember 11, 2014 at 5:14 PM
How can I safely catch and hold a call duck that is not hand tame? (She was dumped in our pond) she is currently in a large penned area with her 13 babies... High predator area and cold weather season in Maine. I
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. John MetzerSeptember 11, 2014 at 9:26 PM
  I would use a fishing net with a longer (4'-6') handle.
  DeleteReplies
AnonymousFebruary 21, 2015 at 6:48 AM
hi , are ducklings shipments available to india?, If not can a special shipment be made to india? Please reply? How to to contact and buy the ducklings
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. John MetzerFebruary 21, 2015 at 7:29 AM
  Yes, we can ship to India if India accepts our health certificate and the airline flights are such that we can get them there in time. Please refer to our blog on exporting: http://metzerfarms.blogspot.com/2011/03/exporting-ducklings-and-goslings-around.html
  DeleteReplies
Gail BoswellMarch 22, 2015 at 11:11 AM
We have a number of mallards that visit from time to time and I give them corn and water. At the end of last year a male arrived on his own walking down the bank from the field next door, two other males arrived a few minutes later flying in and when they had eaten they took off but the other duck despite running was unable to take off as there appeared to be something wrong with his right wing. He would not let me get close to him and eventually ran off up the bank back into the field (which is occupied by an elderly goat. This went on for weeks mostly he visited on his own but when the others were there he tried to take off with the. At a certain time in the year they all stop visiting and he was no different all winter I wondered if he was surviving. Two weeks ago they started coming back, flying in and banging on my patio doors with their beaks twice a day. This week the other one came back walking down the bank as if he had never been away, still nervous although today he has been here twice. As I take the food out he walks away from me but comes up to the food as long as I go back into the house.Last year I managed to see him from an upper room in the house through a set of binoculars and it looked like the lower area of his wing had been pulled out and there were short stubby bits visible. Today he has walked up the field next door trying to fly about 5 or 6 times until he got up by the road, he then crossed the driveway and wandered off down one of the farmers other fields that contains pigs.I don't know where he sleeps. Will this wing ever grow back do you think. I can't get close enough to see what really happened and I dont want to frighten him any more than he must be already
ReplyDeleteReplies
John MetzerMarch 22, 2015 at 7:48 PM
If it has not healed by this time, I would guess it will never fly. Maybe it was pinioned? Or bird shot severed part of the wing?
ReplyDeleteReplies
AnonymousJuly 6, 2015 at 3:58 PM
My baby Pilgrim goose, 9 weeks old, got into the neighbors yard. The horrible man took it upon himself to clip her wings. He trimmed them all the way across, very close. I know she is much too young for this. Will she be permanently damaged, or can she recover?
ReplyDeleteReplies
John MetzerJuly 6, 2015 at 4:12 PM
Clipping wing feathers is like cutting hair. The feathers will grow back. As it is a young bird, she will probably have new feathers within 6-7 weeks. Maybe he clipped them so it would not get out of your pen again - though she is not flying at 9 weeks of age.
ReplyDeleteReplies
AnonymousJuly 7, 2015 at 2:29 PM
Altogetehr good news! But I do not have her in a pen. We have ten acres and my chickens are free range, and so is she. She just walks around and socializes with people and animals and eats grass, etc. Should I be keeping her in a pen? Not nearly so much fun for us, but is it safer for her??
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. John MetzerJuly 7, 2015 at 7:28 PM
  If you are there, she can wander about. But at night I would lock her up as that is when they are most susceptible to predators.
  DeleteReplies
DesigncreatureJuly 13, 2015 at 12:42 PM
I found out this morning my Call ducks have no problem flying. I was late getting the wings clipped and they took advantage...bad birds...lol
ReplyDeleteReplies
AnonymousJuly 24, 2015 at 7:30 AM
Hello Mr. Metzer, I would so very much appreciate a response to my questions. I have two 2-yr old Toulouse females, they don't fly but run flapping their wings. I've seen them airborne a few inches for less than 15 seconds, lol. Let it be said, my geese are my kids, they are my life, my world. I love them more than there will ever be human words.1) I recently got a rescued Canada gosling. Unsure of sex, did vent check super fast due to her stress level, appeared female but again not 100% sure. S/he was so very tiny when brought to me at the end of April, literally the same size as a goose egg, seriously no bigger than that. His/her egg tooth was present but was completely gone by day 3 after I got her (as if it had fallen off?). So I'm guessing s/he was at most just a couple days old when arrived? Is this correct? If so, s/he is now ~13 weeks old. Wondering if wild geese egg tooth disappears sooner than domestic geese? 2) S/he has full juvenile feathers with full wing feathers but has been molting/grooming out body feathers (mostly head, belly & chest, few from her back, no wing feathers), this started about 2 weeks ago. (Both my Toulouse molted all body feathers, no wing feathers, in their first fall, not nearly as soon as this Canada is molting). Can you tell me the specifics of how often/when and which feathers wild Canada geese molt their first year from gosling until they are 1 year old at their 2nd spring? I understand they molt once yearly in the spring from their 2nd spring on.3) Also s/he is flying but is not yet your recommended age of 17 weeks to trim wings, so is it safe to trim his/her wings? Can I leave the first 6-9 primaries if I trim both wings? Reason I ask is, I would prefer that s/he not be off balance, rather that s/he can get airborne but no more than a few feet off the ground and only for very short distances. I thank you very very much in advance for your help!
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. John MetzerJuly 24, 2015 at 8:26 AM
  1) I do not know about the disappearance time of a wild versus domestic egg tooth.2) Young geese go through three sets of feathers as they grow. The first set is lost with the first molt at about 10 weeks, and the second set is lost at about 17 weeks for their second molt and then they get their final set. I do not know if wild geese molt a third time though I doubt it.3) You can try that but if you guess wrong, she may fly away.Hope this helps.
  DeleteReplies
2. AnonymousJuly 24, 2015 at 9:55 AM
  Thank you, this helps. So, since this is her first molt, it means I was fairly accurate with her age since the molt started about 2 weeks ago.When you say young geese go through 3 sets of feathers (2 molts), do they molt their wing/flight feathers at 10 & 17 weeks too?.......or do they just molt body feathers twice, and then molt wing flight feathers the following 2nd spring? (both my Toulousse molted their wing feathers the 2nd spring at 1 year old)
  DeleteReplies
3. John MetzerJuly 24, 2015 at 11:22 AM
  When they molt, all feathers are replaced at that time.
  DeleteReplies
AnonymousAugust 1, 2015 at 9:53 AM
Mr Metzer you're super nice to respond to these questions!! I received 5 golden hybrids from you all in early May.They're healthy and we're really enjoying them. Some of them are getting 5 feet off the ground in flight. Should I clip them? More like big jumps really.They are part Mallard, yes?
ReplyDeleteReplies
John MetzerAugust 3, 2015 at 10:31 AM
I don't think they will get any more than 5' off the ground. Almost all domestic ducks originate from Mallards so, yes, they have Mallard blood in them. But I did not use the Mallard breed in my breeding program to produce the Golden 300. Glad you enjoy them!
ReplyDeleteReplies
UnknownAugust 3, 2015 at 10:48 AM
I have to Romen geese do they need to be clipped that's the first question second question as I've got a camo duck does it need to be clipped
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. John MetzerAugust 3, 2015 at 1:27 PM
  No, you do not need to clip the Roman geese. Sorry, I do not know what a camo duck is.
  DeleteReplies
Trish Jeffers-ZehNovember 3, 2015 at 1:47 PM
I have both Rouen & Muscovy ducks. They will go from pen to pond & back in the evening. I know I don't need to clip the Rouen's but what about the others? Three over a year old drakes were given to me in the spring. They had been clipped a couple of months before I received them. I've had predator issues & one was killed. Something went for the neck, made the kill, yet didn't eat it. Three in total were killed that way {2 were the young Muscovy at dusk in the run}. To deter that issue we got them to come in at night & netted the whole coop & run. No more problems. Sometimes they have been obstinate to come in though {in particular the males & Rouen}, since the pond is really fun for them. I prefer they fly for protection however if that means they will fly off that's another thing. The teen Muscovy hens at 19-20 weeks just started roosting in the coop a couple weeks ago. Today they flew into the pond. Still they were the first ducks coming back to the pen this evening. To clip or not to clip? They are absolutely beautiful to watch in motion. I like the idea they can get away from predators which are many out here in the country. I appreciate your response. Thank you
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. John MetzerNovember 3, 2015 at 3:05 PM
  I would leave the wings uncut. No guarantee but they probably will not fly away.
  DeleteReplies
2. Trish Jeffers-ZehNovember 4, 2015 at 8:41 AM
  Thank you John. I'll post an update on how it goes.
  DeleteReplies
AnonymousNovember 30, 2015 at 5:34 PM
I just bought three Embden, each 7 months old, to go with my three Sebastopols. I know the Sebastopols cannot fly, but what about the new Embden? Should I clip their wings before setting them loose with the others? Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. John MetzerNovember 30, 2015 at 9:40 PM
  I have never seen an Embden fly. You do not need to clip their wings.
  DeleteReplies
2. Alan BreezeDecember 24, 2015 at 3:33 PM
  I acquired two embden in the summer at about 12 wks old and one of them has taken to flying. We have a big garden and he has flown three times over the fence out onto a road so I now must clip one of his wings and was looking here for advice. I have CCTV and have video clips of him taking to flight, its quite impressive for him as he is almost swan sized.
  DeleteReplies
3. John MetzerDecember 25, 2015 at 7:06 AM
  I would clip one wing as shown on the video if you do not want him to fly. Yes, they are impressive when they fly.
  DeleteReplies
AnonymousJanuary 3, 2016 at 8:39 AM
We have five ducks that are flying but annoying neighbours -we are desperate to clip there wings but are finding it impossible to catch them-any advice would be so appreciated
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. John MetzerJanuary 4, 2016 at 5:10 PM
  Can you train them to go inside an enclosure for feeding? Once they are going in easily, close the door behind them and catch them.
  DeleteReplies
DesigncreatureJanuary 6, 2016 at 2:58 PM
John, that's what I'd recommend as well. Ducks are so easy to train to herd when the are just babies. That's what I do. If they have no other feed than what they get from you, let them get good and hungry.One other suggestion is...if you have some sturdy wire, make a large circular enclosure around the birds and carefully enclosed them in it. You will have to work slowly and then when it looks like a go, then go. Would help to have a someone work with you. They may be a bit dumb but they are fast...experience talking here...LOL
ReplyDeleteReplies
Bird Removal New JerseyJanuary 7, 2016 at 11:17 AM
Having issues with birds on your property? Are they leaving behind trails? Call a professional to move the birds humanely without harming them. It's a life saver!
ReplyDeleteReplies
AnonymousJanuary 16, 2016 at 11:21 PM
what happens when you cut both wings.
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. John MetzerJanuary 17, 2016 at 7:11 PM
  If you cut both wings they are more balanced than if you only cut one wing. As long as you cut of plenty of feathers, they are still flightless if you do both wings. It is just easier to only do one.
  DeleteReplies
AnonymousFebruary 20, 2016 at 1:27 PM
How much do you have to cut, if you cut both wings? I already had, but as a heads up I need to know. How many inches?
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. John MetzerFebruary 21, 2016 at 2:29 PM
  I would trim 70-75% of the feather length on the last joint of the wing. I can't give you inches as I don't know what kind of bird you are trimming.
  DeleteReplies
AnonymousMarch 9, 2016 at 3:44 PM
I clipped my ducks wing, will it grow back?
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. John MetzerMarch 9, 2016 at 4:08 PM
  If you clipped feathers, they will replace those feathers the next time they molt - probably this summer.
  DeleteReplies
UnknownMarch 25, 2016 at 12:48 PM
We ordered runner ducks and are getting conflicting information. Will we need to clip their wings? Several sources say they can't really get any lift, then others say they are proficient flyers. I appreciate any information you can give me!
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. John MetzerMarch 26, 2016 at 2:53 PM
  Apparently it varies quite a bit. Ours never fly over a 2' fence (I have never seen any of our Runners fly in 30+ years) but others say their Runners fly quite a ways.
  DeleteReplies
UnknownMarch 26, 2016 at 2:01 PM
I have 2 runner ducks they got spooked and both flew into my neighbors backyard lucky it was up for rent and no dogs got to my ducks! I started calling for them because they were crying like crazy! One made it back and one got trapped beyond my alley in the oilfields.. After taking apart the fence I was able to rescue my duck! After that whole big ordeal and putting the fence back together I clipped their wings! Better safe then sorry Right!
ReplyDeleteReplies
UnknownMarch 26, 2016 at 2:02 PM
I have 2 runner ducks they got spooked and both flew into my neighbors backyard lucky it was up for rent and no dogs got to my ducks! I started calling for them because they were crying like crazy! One made it back and one got trapped beyond my alley in the oilfields.. After taking apart the fence I was able to rescue my duck! After that whole big ordeal and putting the fence back together I clipped their wings! Better safe then sorry Right!
ReplyDeleteReplies
UnknownApril 12, 2017 at 5:18 AM
I have a couple of Cayuga Ducks that have developed Angel wing. Would you recommend clippings their wings? I assume they would need all the wing feathers clipped.
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. John MetzerApril 12, 2017 at 9:30 AM
  Clipping the wings is cosmetic only. It just makes them look nicer.
  DeleteReplies
UnknownSeptember 12, 2017 at 5:38 PM
Some people had bought Mallards for their children for Easter.(I do have a private wetlands on my place). The people gave their kids a song and dance story about the VERY domesticated ducks.They brought them out to the open field next to me and set up a "new home" for these babies, I do mean babies. The brought their little boxes and set them up along the irrigation ditch that irrigates the farms here. I was so upset at his "city" ignorance. I asked him why he didnt bring them to my place. He replied "the kids still wanted to play with their ducks. I mentioned about them becoming dinner for the "coyote" "foxes" etc. He didn't believe me. "There's no coyotes or foxes here"( oh yes! Huge coyotes, foxes,hawks and eagles!) Needless to say one came to me and he grew up with my flock.I assume the other is dead. This young gentleman is beautiful, and begining to fly. I want to trim his wing to keep him safe. Please advise. I am a chronic tree-hugger, snd I have been to your fabulous place.
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. John MetzerSeptember 12, 2017 at 8:25 PM
  On what do you need advice? This blog post gives instructions on trimming wing feathers to prevent flight.
  DeleteReplies
Peter.SFebruary 9, 2018 at 4:26 AM
Hi John i have an orphaned Egyptian goose (about 15 weeks old) she loves to fly. Problem is she will fly to an open park area, and i am not sure if she can navigate her way back. My fear is she is quite tame and tends to follow pedestrians because she only knows us.today i went to the park and she followed me back. She would fly off and then land back next to me and do the same like its a game.She is absolutely beautiful.How can i have her have the freedom but to be able to navigate her way back home.Any suggestions or do u think she might still be too young? I am hoping her natural instincts will come back (some have) where she will be more alert and skittish for her own safety.thanks Peter
ReplyDeleteReplies
Harish D TimiriMarch 17, 2019 at 8:52 AM
What if I clip both wings? Will they still manage to fly done distance due to the balance?
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. John MetzerMarch 18, 2019 at 9:28 AM
  That is why we suggest only clipping one wing. If the wings are balanced out, then there is a chance of flight.
  DeleteReplies

Add commentLoad more... Home Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom) Enter your email and receive all of our information and updates! Return to Metzer Farms Homepage Index for 90+ Metzer Farms Blog Posts

Getting Ready for Your Ducklings and Goslings: Brooder and Bedding

BEFORE your ducklings and goslings arrive, there is a lot to do and we understand that prep can be stressful for new duck owners. We ...

Clipping Duck And Goose Wings To Prevent Flight

Search Metzer Farms

March 13, 2011

Clipping Duck and Goose Wings to Prevent Flight

107 comments:

Getting Ready for Your Ducklings and Goslings: Brooder and Bedding

Popular Posts

Clipping Duck And Goose Wings To Prevent Flight - Metzer Farms

Clipping A Duck's Wings - Raising Ducks

How To Clip A Ducks Wings - YouTube

How To Clip Ducks Wings - YouTube

How To Clip Your Birds Wings (with Call Ducks) - YouTube

[PDF] Wing Clipping For Waterfowl - CornerStone Farm

How To Clip A Duck's Wings - Fowl Guide

How To Clip Duck Wings - Pets On

Clipping A Duck's Wings - ThriftyFun

Flying Ducks | Duck Health | Ducks | Guide | Omlet UK

Wing Clipping: Should You Clip Your Duck's Wings? - Calico Blossom

⋆ How To Trim Duck Wings ⋆ Farmer

How To Clip Duck Feathers To Prevent Flight

Contact