wing clipping

[mtsadie]

My ducks seem to be expert escapees; khaki campbells and cayugas. The only thing I can figure out is that they are getting enough flight to get over our 4 foot fence. Can anyone tell me how to clip one of their wings, or have a good online resource? (They are almost 3 months old.)

thanks!

 

[chrismahon]

If it's the same as chickens cut two thirds off the primary flight feathers on one wing Mtsadie. Cut too much and they will bleed. Cut too little and they will not be sufficiently de-stabilised. The primaries are the ones on the wing section closest to the body. I use a pair of electrical cutters which cut a diamond shape, so from 4 sides to avoid splintering the shaft. I start at about half and take more off as required. Problem is you are removing their escape mechanism if a predator gets in. I would increase the height of the fence.

 

[dorsetduckowner]

Hmmm seems odd, can they get under it? I would up the fence height. Wing clipping is easy. Pm me for info x

 

[mtsadie]

Thanks. I don't like the idea of clipping their wings, but I think I will do it come fall/winter when days are shorter and I don't want them making a complete mess of their night coop. (It has a house, as well as enclosed run.)
We've simply adapted our care plan, for the summer at least. To our surprise, our dogs have left them alone when they've escaped. So now I just leave the gate of their outter run open during the day (the one they were escaping from) because, so far, they've stayed really close to their home. Probably helps that there isn't any other water close by. At dusk, they are either already in their night coop, or very willing to go in.