Return to home page

Return to Farm Stay Bed & Breakfast

The above image is a 3 step view clipping a Mallard's wing.

With either wing, use sharp scissors or tin cutters to do the job. You need only to clip one to keep the bird grounded.

To obtain a complete trim as in figure 3, cut each shaft of the 10 primary feathers just under the primary coverts. Leave intact the secondary feathers to maintain a natural appearance and/or to preserve the beauty of ducks with colored speculums. Take your time, and be neat about it.

Figure 2 exhibits an optional partial trim that will still keep the bird grounded. This trim leaves the two outer primaries intact to maintain two even points while the bird has both wings closed.

If you wish to keep your birds from flight, you only need to clip once a year. Observe your bird's molt each summer, as waterfowl drop all their flight feathers in early to mid summer; growing a new set by late summer through early fall. Pen your birds prior to the completion of new growth so they don't fly while attempting to catch them. Avoid clipping too soon, as there is blood within the casing of the feather shaft closest to the wing. If not ready to trim, the feather shaft will resemble the ink tube of a ball point pen.

Below is a list of common breeds kept by waterfowl enthusiasts. *Certain birds may have limited flight ability that would allow for short ventures beyond their area.