Young mallard- angel wings??

[chrissywhalen]

I just took in this young mallard who was initially picked up by a friend of mine as a seemingly orphaned hatchling. The duck stayed with my friend until yesterday when she dropped the duck with me. My guess is he/she is about 6-8 weeks old now. Immediately i noticed this duck has wings that droop and drag all the time and the feathers seem flouncy and are not repelling water. The wings do move, and he/she occasionally stretches them out for a few flaps. The duck spends a lot of time grooming and picking its feathers and as a result of not repelling water, it seems, and consequently his feathers are shabby. Could something be inherently wrong with this duck or is this a normal part of maturing? Is this an early sign of angel wing? Or could this just be a case of malnutrition?
I only have experience with khaki campbells so i am not sure if wild mallards could be this different.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Going Quackers]

Oh my, well no that is not angel wing.. that is where the wing goes out to the side, however that is not normal.. has someone clipped the wings at all??

I am wondering whether there has been a deficiency in the birds diet... going to have to do some looking and come back to offer ideas.. on the waterproofing some BOSS and corn is good for that... not excessive amounts and i would let it bathe a bit just not to extreme since it will soak and can drown.

At this age it should be massively water proofed, i have some calls i had to raise and they are really water repellent at 6wks old.

 

[Amiga]

My first thought is that the duck has been injured somehow. Perhaps flying against the cage repeatedly, getting caught between somethings, and it has not healed properly.

Regarding feather condition, I would go with the best nutrition I could find - a good waterfowl food, once a week vitamin-probiotic-electrolyte supplement, a tablespoon of ground flaxseed daily, a couple of tablespoons of high quality dry cat kibble. Then keep that up until a couple of months after molt, then back off to once a month with the vitamins, keep going with the flaxseed, and drop back to once or twice a week with the kibble. Make sure plenty of fresh greens are offered.

There is a law that restricts possession of wild birds - I don't want you to be ignorant of that. It is good that you care. You may want to consider finding a compassionate waterfowl rehabilitator.

 

[chrissywhalen]

Thank you both for your replies. Very helpful suggestions and ideas. I do think i will reach out to a waterfowl rehabilitator in my area. My khaki campbells arent going easy on this little guy and i worry he may have other health or developmental problems that are connected to the noticeable problems. Im keeping him separated and safe till he is in capable hands. Thanks!!