Clipping wings of Muscovy ducks

[mark-rfuqaehc]

Dear all,

The 10 ducklings are now 5 months old and learned how to fly. They like to sit on top of the roofs during the night at the pond and fly to the roof of the workshop etc.
It's not really a problem except reducing the lifetime of the (leaf) roofs. There has only been a two times where they have flown out of the property and I had to find and guide them back.

However, they have now started to fly to and sit on top of some bungalows at my neighbour (which is a resort). The owner came and let me know that they would like to avoid that in the future. I think it has only happened 1 or 2 times.

Any ideas? I think I have heard that it's possible to clip the wings of the ducks and that it's a normal and painless procedure. I must admit that I would rather avoid it but I don't know what other options there are if they are starting to fly out of the property.

Any input on this?

All the best, M

 

[Daisy Minotaur]

Yes, wing clipping is normal and painless. Clipping feathers is no more invasive than cutting your hair or nails.
you use a sturdy set of scissors or similar clippers. Something strong enough to cut through the thick quill/shaft of the feather. You cut the last feathers on the wing. Some people cut feathers off of both sides so they don’t look lopsided (less lift disables prolonged flight). Other people clip only one side (this puts the duck off balance in flight and disables prolonged flight). If you are worried about aesthetics leave the very last two feathers intact so that when their wings are folded they still have a sleek natural appearance. Wing clipping will need to be repeated after every molt to prevent flight. (Do not clip pin feathers during a molt as they will bleed and there is a slight chance of infection)
You might only need to clip once as a flightless period may be all it takes to discourage the undesirable behavior.
You might need two people when you first start clipping. One person to hold the duck and another to clip. Once you get the hang of it you should be able to clip by yourself. I hold the duck under my arm and use my hand to hold the wing outstretched and use the other hand to cut.
Search wing clipping on here and you should find some good articles, discussions, and maybe even a video.
Here’s a good diagram of the feathers:

I don’t know of any other way to prevent this behavior short of penning them up. Except perhaps to figure out what they are after when they leave and try to make it available at home. But if it’s just curiosity clipping is probably your best option.

Best of luck!
let us know how it turns out

 

[mark-rfuqaehc]

Best of luck!
let us know how it turns out

Thank you so much for the info. I have decided to wait and see if they fly out again and if so, then proceed with the clipping.

Thanks again!

 

[Daisy Minotaur]

Thank you so much for the info. I have decided to wait and see if they fly out again and if so, then proceed with the clipping.

Thanks again!

Sounds good! Hopefully they’ve gotten their fill of wandering about and you won’t have to go through the bother of clipping.

 

[Scobiedew]

Yes, wing clipping is normal and painless. Clipping feathers is no more invasive than cutting your hair or nails.
you use a sturdy set of scissors or similar clippers. Something strong enough to cut through the thick quill/shaft of the feather. You cut the last feathers on the wing. Some people cut feathers off of both sides so they don’t look lopsided (less lift disables prolonged flight). Other people clip only one side (this puts the duck off balance in flight and disables prolonged flight). If you are worried about aesthetics leave the very last two feathers intact so that when their wings are folded they still have a sleek natural appearance. Wing clipping will need to be repeated after every molt to prevent flight. (Do not clip pin feathers during a molt as they will bleed and there is a slight chance of infection)
You might only need to clip once as a flightless period may be all it takes to discourage the undesirable behavior.
You might need two people when you first start clipping. One person to hold the duck and another to clip. Once you get the hang of it you should be able to clip by yourself. I hold the duck under my arm and use my hand to hold the wing outstretched and use the other hand to cut.
Search wing clipping on here and you should find some good articles, discussions, and maybe even a video.
Here’s a good diagram of the feathers:
View attachment 2288658
I don’t know of any other way to prevent this behavior short of penning them up. Except perhaps to figure out what they are after when they leave and try to make it available at home. But if it’s just curiosity clipping is probably your best option.

Best of luck!
let us know how it turns out

Thank you so much for the great and helpful post. We clipped 6 of 10 Muscovy ducks wings. They are semi wild but we had to trap them and wing clip them. 4 to go.

The clipped ones seemed to be holding a grudge at first and one did escape (my fault) but generally they are settling in. The escapee wants to come back but afraid to go thru the gate.

We will have to figure it out and trap the other 4 soon. Last time it took almost a whole day. But this is better as they cross the road on foot (even with full wing power) if they are not contained.

Much appreciation to you for the excellent post!!

 

[bhaugh]

Sadly they don't get over trying to fly until they are older. I clip until the ducks decide flying off is too much trouble usually around the 2 year mark