What Is Angel Wing?
Angel Wing typically appears in young waterfowl, often affecting one wing, but sometimes both. If only one wing is affected, it is usually the left wing.
The condition usually appears before 8 weeks in ducks and 12 weeks in geese, when they are growing the fastest. A high-calorie, high-protein diet can fuel rapid feather growth, which may outpace the development of muscles and ligaments. This can cause the wrist joint to twist and the wing feathers to stick out.
How to Recognize Angel Wing Early
Early detection is the most important factor in successfully correcting Angel Wing, especially for first-time duck and goose owners.
Be on the lookout for these early warning signs, which can appear subtle at first:
- Flight feathers angle outward instead of lying flat
- Uneven flapping or slight imbalance when moving
- One wing looks different than the other
- A visible twist at the wing joint
Preventing Angel Wing
Proper nutrition and husbandry are the best ways to prevent angel wing:
- Feed balanced waterfowl or duck grower feed, avoiding high-protein meat feeds.
- Avoid bread and human snacks; instead provide nutrient-rich greens and forage.
- Ensure young birds have room to run and flap, allowing muscles and bones to develop in sync with feather growth.
- Go to a lower protein level (12-14%) if you see any signs of Angel Wing in your flock.
Treatment
If Angel Wing in a bird is detected early, it can often be corrected:
- Wing wrapping: Use a figure-eight wrap or sling to hold the wing in the proper position while it grows. Check wraps daily to ensure proper alignment.
- Early intervention is key: Once bones harden in the wrong position, the condition becomes permanent.
With timely care, many cases of Angel Wing can be corrected, allowing the bird to develop strong, functional wings.
Wing Wrapping (Beginner-Friendly Guide)
Wing wrapping helps gently hold the wing in the correct, natural position while the bird continues to grow. When done early and correctly, this can prevent the condition from becoming permanent.
What You'll Need
-Soft vet wrap, cohesive bandage, or gauze (never use tape directly on feathers)
-Scissors
-A calm, gentle approach
Step-by-step basics:
1. Hold the wing in its natural position – Gently fold the affected wing flat against the bird’s body, matching how the healthy wing rests.
2. Use a loose figure‑eight wrap – Wrap around the wing and body in a figure‑eight pattern so the wing stays folded but is not tightly pinned.
3. Keep it snug, not tight – You should be able to slide a finger under the wrap. Tight wrapping can restrict circulation. Birds should still be able to walk, eat, and drink comfortably.
Daily care is essential:
- Check the wrap periodically to ensure it hasn’t slipped, tightened, or caused irritation. If the bird shows swelling, discoloration, or distress, remove the wrap immediately.
- Rewrap every 1–2 days as the bird grows.
- Remove the wrap after several days to check progress; repeat if feathers still angle outward.
Conclusion
Angel Wing is largely preventable with proper nutrition and management. Recognizing the signs early and adjusting diet and wing position can save your waterfowl from permanent deformity. Ensuring young ducks and geese grow at a healthy pace sets the foundation for strong, healthy wings and a thriving flock.
At Metzer Farms, we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you have any concerns about Angel Wing in your birds, we’d be happy to help. You can text us a photo at 831-679-2355 or email metzinfo@metzerfarms.com, and our team will gladly review it with you.