Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I HAVE THREE MUSCOVYS THAT ARE STARTING TO FLY. THEY LIVE IN A GIANT ENCLOSED PEN AND ARE STARTING TO FLY TO THE TOP OF THE FENCE WHICH IS ABOUT 6 FEET. I HAVE NOT HAD TO DO THIS CLIPPING WITH MY ROUENS AS THEY DO NOT FLY. I AM VERY CONCERNED AS OUR NEIGHBORHOOD IS ALL DOGS AND CATS AND AM WORRIED WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF THEY GET OUT OF THERE PEN. CAN ANYONE INSTRUCT ME ON HOW TO CLIP THERE WINGS?

Here is a link to a page with a diagram on how to clip a duck's wing:
http://www.poultryconnection.com/quackers/clip.html

If you've never clipped a bird's wing before then you should have someone help you, someone hold the bird for you while you clip the feathers. Also be sure that they have grown past their blood feathers (which look like this on the bird:
http://www.poultryconnection.com/quackers/mydux/bloodfeathers.jpg) for if one of these is cut, the bird will bleed to death. Do NOT clip the wings if your Muscovies still have their blood feathers; wait until their primaries have fully developed before clipping their wings.

Hey,

Maybe taking the ducks to a Vet would be a safer option, as the Vet can then show you the correct method. Or, could you put a covering over your enclosure.. even something like thin wire mesh, as it can just put them off trying to fly over.

I don't clip my Muscovys wings as they have a secure wire mesh roof. Not only does it stop them getting out, but it helps to prevent something else from getting in.

Mel X

True, I got my duck's wings clipped at the vet first, too. Its better to get a visual representation instead of just text directions before doing it yourself.

Also, like she said, wing clipping may not be neccessary, however why I do is because I own a mallard which could fly perfectly well without clipped wings. However in a Muscovy is might not be essential.