Angle Wing? Goslings wing is sticking out.

[momo18clara]

I have a gosling that's about 6weeks old. Her feathers have started to come in and a few days ago I noticed that one of her wings was sticking out. I suspect its angle wing, but I've never had any dealings with anything like this and have no idea what to do about it. Can it be fixed? If so what should I do to fix it? Also, what causes angle wing? Did I do something wrong or is it more of a genetic thing? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ChristineR]

I have never seen angel wing in person, but that's what it looks like to me. You need to wrap the wing ASAP and change their diet. What are you feeding? There is a thread in the sticky topics that describes how to wrap the wing.

 

[ChristineR]

I lied. It's not in the sticky topics, but I'm sure someone will jump in and tell you how to do it. In the meantime, I got this off the Metzer Farms website:

http://www.metzerfarms.com/AngelWing.cfm?CustID=81775

Angel Wing


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, which causes the twisting and resulting angel wing. 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.

If you want more detailed information on Angel Wing or other wing deformities, we recommend and sell a pamphlet by Dave Holderread titled “Wing Disorders in Waterfowl” for only $7.95.

 

[momo18clara]

I have never seen angel wing in person, but that's what it looks like to me. You need to wrap the wing ASAP and change their diet. What are you feeding? There is a thread in the sticky topics that describes how to wrap the wing.

Thanks for the help. I`m currently feeding them flock raiser, corn, and grass, but I just switched them from chick starter to flock raiser about a week and a half ago.

 

[momo18clara]

Anyone know how to wrap the wing? How long does it need to stay wrapped? Also, if I`m not feeding them right, what should I be feeding them?

 

[momo18clara]

Ok, so I tried to wrap it using some somewhat sticky stuff called medipore. Which seemed to work, but now I'm worried its not on right and/or that its too tight. What do you think? I don't think I like the way it bulges at the top, so unless someone thinks it looks pretty good I`ll probably redo it tonight. Is wrapping both wings ok even if only one of them is AW?

 

[ChristineR]

Here's a thread about how to wrap. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/644239/angel-wing-in-ducks-how-we-wrap-to-mend-it-pictorial

I think the protein level of Flock Raiser is pretty high. Just make sure that you mix in enough oats (or corn, but I think oats are healthier) to reduce the total level of protein consumed. Make sure they have LOTS of grass to graze on. I'm really not a gosling expert; I have more experience with ducks. Hopefully someone else will jump in and offer advice.

 

[momo18clara]

Yeah, I'm more experienced with ducks too. I`ll try to start mixing more corn in, I don't have any oats. Are you meaning the kind they feed horses?
Thanks for the link.

I actually found this one earlier and tried doing it like they showed, but it didn't really work, so I tried my own way and ended up with this mess... I`m not really sure what to do now...guess I`ll try it again. Unfortunately, I'm going on vacation Sunday and will be gone for a week, so I have to get it wrapped up the right way really soon or it may be too late.

 

[ChristineR]

I feed regular old Quaker oats when they're babies. Easier for them to digest without the hull. I'm sure as they get older, rolled oats would work. Mine just get grass and Mazuri waterfowl when they're older.

 

[momo18clara]

Well, I`m happy to report that my goslings wing appears to be fixed! Thanks for the help Christine!