angel wing

[rita]

hi my worry has been confirmed my duckling has angel wing, i thought that they could stay on crumb till they were 4 weeks, they are now 5 weeks old and i have put them on growers pellets, they have been eating lettuce since they were 1 week old, does anyone know what has caused this as the others are ok.
I bought some non sticky badge that will stick to it's self but not to the duck and wrapped him in that but he's not happy and keeps falling over, i wrapped it around his body making sure the offending wing is tucked in flat. how long shall i keep the bandage on for, i hate to see him so unhappy. any advice welcome.

 

[foxy]

Angel wing is caused by excessive protein in their diet, the wing feathers then grow at an awkward angle as a result. If they are not to bad then strapping can help plus restricting diet slightly, and moving immediately onto growers.
There is also some evidence that too much lettuce can be harmful to ducklings so maybe go easy on the salads too.

 

[rita]

do you know what problems they can get from eating lettuce as they get some everyday. also my others ducks and chickens eat it also.

 

[daniellesdogs]

it causes dhydration most animals shouldnt have iceberg lettice or any of the watery ones. the romanian (or some thing like that) is ok in small amounts (big long darker green leaves bit like cos)
mine like a bit of dadylion leaf now an then and gratted carrot

 

[Tim]

Yes, lettuce uses more energy up that it produces... so kind of unproductive really! Too much causes diarrhea too.

Have you seen our FAQ? It has some information on Angel Wing

There is also similar information in our Diseases and Disorders section (under the External Tab)

3 to 4 days is usually long enough - but make sure you alter the diet.

Tim

 

[rita]

hi thank you for your advice the angel wing has now gone completely, they keep asking for the lettuce as they seem to love it, i have started to add tomato, grapes and apple which they also love.