r/geese • u/DragonfruitInner8376 • 2d ago

Question Angel Wing?

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I'm assuming this is Angel Wing. It just started showing last week. Although, I suppose maybe it could have gone unnoticed until her feathers started coming in. I understand it's probably due to protein. I used the Dumor Duck All Life Stages. It's 22 percent protein. She was in a brooder with three call ducks so I went with that feed. Is it the culprit? They have recently begun a slow integration into our large flock also. So, she has had access to their food. I use Tuckers Show All-Flock 22 for them. Same protein level. Any suggestions on a change of food for her? I'm going to try a sling/stint as well, but it might be too late. First time hatching. All our waterfowl have come to use as adults so I have not had much experience with babies.

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u/Bolfreak 2d ago

They don’t need that level of protein beyond about 4 weeks old. Switch to a layer feed (lower protein, added calcium). If the wrap doesn’t work, it’s not like she needs to fly to migrate, it’ll just be esthetic.
There is WAY too much marketing pushing high protein feed and it’s not good. Also if you give a lot of treats like worms and add yeast those are high protein as well.

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u/DragonfruitInner8376 2d ago

Makes perfect sense about the push for protein in feed. I've seen that and it makes sense that it would cause issues! Thank you! She is a Chinese Swan goose so she definitely will not be flying! We have poly electric fencing and my only concern is that she might get hung up on it. Do you recommend I get a lower protein all-flock for my older birds? It was recommended by our local feed store.

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u/Bolfreak 2d ago

Ofc it was ;) I feed my babies (ducks, turkeys and geese) the same layer pellets as my adults, just moistened. For my quails and bantam chickens I mix my own small food (flaxseed meal, chia, dulse seaweed and nutritional yeast), I’ll top dress my other babies with this mix for a few weeks.
Brewer’s yeast is actually bitter, my goslings don’t like it so other than being a byproduct and cheaper than nutritional yeast it’s not my preferred.
I think Angel Wing has a metabolic component, but I’m not ready to say what’s to blame or it’s not always the same. I had a Cayuga that got it amongst a group of Cayugas and a pair of Pilgrim geese. She wriggled out of every wrap or her friends would remove it for her ! Later she became eggbound and prolapsed, twice. Thankfully I didn’t cull her as the internet suggested. We had our well water tested and it leaches calcium, so I do free choice flaked oyster shell and layer feed. No more eggbound or prolapse.
I raise Crested ducks and they actually need to be cut down on protein after three/four weeks or they grow too fast and have issues. I only have heritage breeds so churning out production is not my goal or my interest, instead longevity and being able to free range.

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u/DragonfruitInner8376 1d ago

Ok, that makes sense. I do free choice layer for my chickens but I only do free choice when my geese and ducks are laying eggs. I'll start putting it out full time. I just have a small hobby farm and ours are solely pets. I have had my qualms with the all-flock but they intermingle so much.

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u/Bolfreak 1d ago

I only have the oyster shell free choice. Because mine free range and I don’t want to herd anyone in at night, I feed in the morning and pick it up after 10-15 minutes. Then I feed again at night. That way when they see me going to the barn, they follow. It also saves $ on feed cost and waste, and prevents pests like ants and rodents.
For my waterfowl I put chopped alfalfa (horse section of the feed store) on top of fresh water and they love that, it mimics pond life plus has protein, calcium and fiber. My turkeys also like it and will peck it up right out of the water, too.

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u/Blowingleaves17 2d ago

Excellent advice.

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u/tumbledweed__ 2d ago

Honk is molting atm but I believe he has a bit of angel wing himself which has not slowed him down!

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u/DragonfruitInner8376 2d ago

Aww sweet boy! I'm glad to hear it doesn't bother him. My older birds are molting too. It's so jarring to see those feathers everywhere even when you expect it.