Yes, ducks have nails or rather claws. If you think that they only have webbed feet, but that is not the case. Ducks have nails sitting tight on the end of the toes and this has many natural uses and purposes.
So, let’s find out why ducks have claws and what you should do as a duck owner to maintain them.
What are the Claws or Nails of Ducks Made Up Of?
The duck nails are referred to as the claws or talons which are relatively interchangeable words. The duck claws/nails are made of keratin and these need to be maintained to keep them healthy. Usually, ducks take care of their own claws but if you have domesticated ducks, you need to keep an eye on the growth of their nails.
Do Ducks Have Claws on Their Wings?
Yes, some species of ducks have claws on their wings that are quite different from the nails you would find on the toes. Only if you are specifically looking at the duck or handling the duck, you can notice the presence of these claws. This is known to be an evolutionary trend that has paleontological evidence showing birds had clawed hands as part of a defense mechanism. You can find claws on the wings of Muscovy duck species.
What is the Importance of Claws in Ducks?
The use of nails or claws in ducks has more utilization than it looks:
Balance and Grip
The nails in the ducks help in maintaining balance and grip while they are walking on uneven surfaces, it helps them to maintain contact with the ground. When they are standing on one leg while they are trying to conserve body heat, the nails help them to balance. The nails act as an evolutionary advantage for the duck.
Navigation through Environment
The duck claws are present at the end of their digit which appears as a tool helping the ducks in their mobility. The duck nails also help them to navigate through the water while they are swimming. Thus, they can move easily on land, ice, or even mud. It helps them to maintain balance in different terrains. The nails can also help to grip onto tree branches, allowing them to perch and climb. Also, when the ducks are working on slippery surfaces, such as wet rock or moss-covered ground, duck claws help them out.
Propelling Through Water
While the ducks are swimming in the water, they can dig into the water, helping them to get the resistance that is required for efficient movement. So, when they are searching for food or want to maintain safety, the duck claws help in navigation and propel through the water.
Self-Defense
The nails that are found on the wings of the ducks have a different purpose, as these are meant for self-defense or an extra gripping point. Also, if the duck lives in the wild, then these nails can be used for a predatory purpose. These nails are very small and you need to look very carefully to find them. Even though nails or claws can be used as a self-defense mechanism, they try to avoid confrontation or fighting while they are flying or swimming in the water
How to Take Care of Duck Nails?
Wild ducks naturally maintain their nails by using rough surfaces such as wood and rock. If you are a duck owner, you need to maintain your nails. Duck nails do not grow wild or in an uncontrolled way but if you have domesticated ducks, then an unwanted growing nail can affect or injure other ducks in the barn. So, you should trim the nails when you notice that the growth has passed the toe tip, the nails are starting to curl, the nails have become too sharp or there is an inward nail growth.
How Should You Trim Duck Nail?
Ducks usually do not need others to trim their nails, they are capable enough to do it themselves, which is their natural instinct. However, domesticated ducks, having excessive long nails can turn into sharp edges and they are also prone to breaking or splitting. These, if left unattended, can lead to injury, pain, or infection.
Regular trimming reduces complications and the duck’s nails stay at inappropriate length. Thus, being a duck owner, you can decide and learn how to trim duck nails and avoid any kind of hassles. Here is a complete guideline for you:
Calm Down the Duck
The duck might seem to be nervous when you are trying to trim the nails, so you need to calm yourself as well as the duck.
Soak the Ducks Feet in Warm Water
You can either soak the ducks’ feet in warm water or damp a piece of clothes and clean the nails to soften them. This will also help you to see the nails clearly and their attachment to the toe.
Hold the Duck by Your Side
Never hold the duck upside down, but put them on the side with one hand and use the other hand to trim the nails. Cradle the duck to the side into your arm, hold it gently, and secure the wings. Also, secure the feet with your thumb and hold it still.
Use a Clean Clipper
You need to ensure that the clipper that you are using to cut the duck’s nails is clean as hygiene is more important when it comes to maintaining a dark nail. While you are trimming, take a small snip and always check the remaining nail. If the hue changes, stop trimming. You need to trim the nails until it reaches a safe length.
File the Sharp Edges
If you find any sharp edges on the duck’s nail, then you need to file it down and smoothen the edges so that when the duck is scratching itself it does not get injured.
Tips for Trimming Duck Nails
Here are the tips that you can follow while trimming the duck nails:
- You need to offer treats or distract the duck so that it cooperates and also remains calm during the trimming session.
- Always choose a well-lit area to trim the duck nails, to provide you with enough visibility and precision during the trimming process
- Examine the nails of the ducks to identify the signs of overgrowth or any nail-related issues.
- You can also consult with a veterinarian to learn about nail care techniques.
How Do the Dark Nails Differ From Other Mammal Nails?
Duck nails are called claws and they differ from traditional nails in function and appearance. The nails are usually flat and smooth, but the duck claws are curved and pointed which helps the duck to grip onto various surfaces, while they are moving around in the environment.
What is Wing Spur on Ducks?
Ducks that lack nails on their wings have wing spurs, which are keratin-made projections on the wings. They are quite different from nails and cannot be used as a gripping surface. They serve other purposes, which are necessary for the survival of the duck. These wing spurs are found close to the body and are seen as protruding bends from the wings. They are known to play a significant role in mating rituals and courtship displays. These demonstrate the signs of strength and fitness in male ducks.
