[Azzdodd]

I bought 4 goslings few weeks back and there is one with a deformed wing ill try and get a picture tonight it doesn't cause it discomfort but my question is if it isn't in pain can I keep it alive and use for breeding or is it better to just grow and eat it?

[darkbrowneggs]

Google angel wing in waterfowl if it looks similar to what yours has it may be that it has been fed a diet too high in protein. 


There is a genetic susceptibility to this malformation so not every hatchling in the same batch will necessarily succumb.  You can bind the wings till they set at the right angle or just leave them to get on with it.  They will look funny but won't cause a problem.

[Azzdodd]

Thanks so much just googled it and that's what it has. It had it when I bought it but i thought it was the way the feathers were coming through. Thanks for the reply

[jaykay]

Tape the wing to the body. Remove the tape every couple of days for an hour or so, to let it breathe and allow for growth.

It mends quite well, I've fixed quite bad angel wings in goslings and ducklings like this.

Can be caused by too high a protein diet, which allows the primary wing feathers to grow too fast and the muscles can't hold the weight. Cut down to a 16% growers ration.

[Shropshirelass]

We've had things simalar now & again, where the bones deformed & we've just left them & killed them for xmas & they were happy enough when alive, personally I wouldn't ever keep these birds to breed from as you'll just be introducing bad genetics into your flock & will be asking for trouble if you breed from them x

[graham-j]

Hi,it is best to tape them if you can rather than just leave it as the other geese tend to pick on it otherwise.
As has been said it is caused by feeding to higher protein diet,it is best to get them on grass as soon as you can or the others can go the same way.They aren't born like this.

Graham.

[Azzdodd]

Like I say it had it when I bought it. Mine get to free range over 4 acres all day then in a shed at night with growers but they hardly touch them....more into the grass! I'll tape in tonight when I lock them up do I need to separate her??

[graham-j]

Hi,no she should be OK with the others,I haven't separated any of mine in the past.

Graham.

[shygirl]

breeding stock should be the best you can find. eat  the others that dont come up to standard.

[graham-j]

Keep the best and eat the rest


Graham.

[jaykay]

No need to eat goslings with angel wing, it fixes and isn't necessarily passed on.

No need to separate her either, she'll be find in with the others.