Angel Wing In Waterfowl

Angel Wing In Waterfowl
by Kelly Bass

Have you ever been walking around a pond or lake where waterfowl are found? Have you noticed that one or two of them seem to have something wrong with their wings? This condition is known as angel wing. A duck or goose with angel wing may be perfectly healthy but is unable to fly. Although irreversible in adults, if caught early while bones are still growing and maturing, angel wing can be corrected in young birds. Wrapping the wing into a natural position for a time period of two weeks will reverse this debilitating condition. WildCare has had great success in the past with ducklings and goslings that come into our facilities.

Angel wing is the result of improper nutrition early in the development. In domestic waterfowl, poor diet typically results from feeding ducks and geese at the local park ponds where people give them bread or popcorn. These food items cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies that contribute to the developmental disorder. The condition has also been attributed to a high protein, high energy diet that leads to unnaturally fast growth, and the waterfowl is unable to support the weight of their wings. Park goers are encouraged to substitute wild game feed, plenty of grass and green feed such as leafy romaine lettuce or spinach for less nutritious items to ensure a balanced diet and to prevent angel wing among waterfowl.