Clipping wings (baby ducks)

[Matthew3590]

I bought two baby ducks from TSC and I was wondering if I have to clip their wings so they don't fly away when they are older. If I have to clip them how would I do that?

 

[lauraf]

What kind are they?

 

[70%cocoa]

Do you mean pinioning, which is cutting off the last joint in the wing? That's something you need to research before you do it - plus in some places it is illegal as it is considered cruel (it is illegal in the state I live in).

If you just mean clipping the wing feathers then you do not need to do this until their big wing feathers have actually grown - not till about 8 weeks of age.

With a lot of breeds it is not even necessary to clip the wing feathers as they are too big to fly anyway. I have Swedish and they are lucky if they manage to get a foot off the ground. I don't clip their wings.

As lauraf asked - what breed are they?

 

[DurhamDuck]

Quote:
I never heard of clipping baby duck wings. Most domestic ducks don't fly like the Pekin etc. Mallards will fly, but you only need to clip their feathers, not their wings and that's when they are older and fully feathered.

 

[DuckLover9138]

I don't mean to be rude, but isn't it a bit selfish to do something like it. If they can fly, you will be taking away their choice to stay with you or find a better place. Mallards and other ducks have been known to come back for various reasons. By clipping its wings, you are taking away its right to vote with its feet. It is your duck, but just think about it. Dont worry, no matter how much you mess up, its still nothing compare to the factory farms.

 

[Matthew3590]

They are pekin ducks. They are still at the no feather stage.

 

[The Duck ABC's]

Peking ducks cannot fly, so no worry. Young ones may take a little flight about a foot off the ground, but they will never make a 3 foot fence. It is actually fun seeing them trying to fly.

 

[azhenhouse]

No, your Pekins won't need to have their wings clipped. If you ever do have a duck, or any bird that needs to have their wings clipped it's very easy. David Holderread shows you how to do it in his book, STOREY'S GUIDE TO RAISING DUCKS. I clip my parrots, and chickens wings. Yes, my chickens. They kept jumping up on the fence, and I was worried that the neighbor might not enjoy their company as much as I do. The only chicken that is not clipped is my roosters, as he is the protector of the flock.

 

[azhenhouse]

No, your Pekins won't need to have their wings clipped. If you ever do have a duck, or any bird that needs to have their wings clipped it's very easy. David Holderread shows you how to do it in his book, STOREY'S GUIDE TO RAISING DUCKS. I clip my parrots, and chickens wings. Yes, my chickens. They kept jumping up on the fence, and I was worried that the neighbor might not enjoy their company as much as I do. The only chicken that is not clipped is my roosters, as he is the protector of the flock.

Sorry, don't know why it posted twice.

 

[Quackersmom]

What about buffs?