Clipping Muscovy Duck Wings?

[JewelBirds]

Hello,

I've never clipped wings before on any species, so I am looking for advice on clipping my Muscovys' wings. There's five of them (3 males, 2 females). This fall they molted and regrew some feathers (my brother had their wings clipped already when he gave them to me). Recently, they've "rediscovered" their wings. The females especially, have been escaping, from what I call their fake free-range pen (it's close to free range in that it's open, but there's a fence that keeps them in one area). I'm worried that they'll go towards the road or wander too far and not come back. So do I clip the primaries and the secondaries, or just the primaries? Also, what should I cut the feathers with? Will a pair of scissors do? Should I be worried about bleeding?

Thank you

 

[Kkrista123]

Hello! So yes, you should worry about a bleeder. Ducks can bleed to death through a bloody feather so if it get's to a certain point the feather should be plucked. Try not to worry about that though because if you follow the instructions, it shouldn't happen. I am only clipping one wing of my duck because I have seen ducks and chickens learn how to fly a little again with both wings clipped. If you only clip one, they don't have the balance to fly at all. There's different thing you can use to learn, articles and videos! I prefer videos but some people prefer articles so I'll leave both! Also, scissors are fine!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ings-of-your-chicken-to-prevent-flight.47727/
Good luck!

 

[JewelBirds]

I clipped the ducks' wings this morning. The most difficult part was keeping them still - to say they were unimpressed is an understatement. I have a feeling "Gray One" won't eat treats from my hand tonight. Other than that it went pretty good - no bleeders - and it seems to be working so far. Thank you for all the info @Kkrista123

"Gray One"

 

[Jpat]

wrap them up like a burrito in a towell to avoid claws, leave one wing out

 

[Miss Lydia]

I hold mine down on the floor with my knee on their backs not hard but just to keep them still but a towel is good too.

 

[JewelBirds]

Yeah I used both of those ways a little bit. I had a towel that I used to catch them and I kept them on the ground/floor. Luckily I had a helper who stretched out the wing for me while I held the duck in one place and cut the feathers.

 

[Fishkeeper]

You might be able to train them to be less bothered by future trimming. Make a habit of picking them up, restraining them for just a bit, and then immediately giving them yummy treats. Start out with however much restraint they'll tolerate, no matter how little that is. As they learn to put up with it, extend the amount longer and longer. Works on dogs, works on cats, should work on ducks. Makes exams and any sort of trimming way easier.

 

[TracyLM75]

At what age do you usually start clipping muscovies wings?

 

[Miss Lydia]

When they begin flying. As soon as flight feathers are grown in and there is no blood left in them. Then every year after fall molt when they lose their flight feathers an grow them back.

 

[TracyLM75]

Ok. Thank you. With the last 2 that I raised a few years ago, i chose to let them free range but as soon as they could fly they left the yard and eventually never returned despite feeding them well and providing safe housing to sleep in at night.I would like to prevent that scenario this time.