Geese Angel Wing

By Elena Johnson CVC AC

Angel Wing: also known as slipped wing or dropped wing, is where the wing joint deforms and twists. The growing primary feathers are full of blood which make it heavy and can cause the wing to twist and drop. This causes the feathers to stick out at an odd angle, usually away from the birds body. 

Waterfowl in the wild live on mostly grains and grass but modern high protein feeds can cause this condition of the wing joint to occur in growing waterfowl.

At the first sign of Angel Wing, the wing should be taped (vet wrap, not too tight) into the natural position for 3 days. The diet should be changed to a lower protein, wheat with pellets can do this.

Geese eat mostly grasses and can be kept in that if you have enough, good quality grass, you should keep the grass about 3 inches for them to make it easiest for them to eat and thrive, don’t over feed commercial food. Grass contains all the vitamins and minerals they need in spring, wheat mixed with equal portions of poultry layer pellets can be fed. This way you aren’t giving too much protein.

Angel Wing in adults cannot be fixed.