How early is too early to start clipping wings?
Question on wing clipping
- Thread starter chickie fam
- Start date
- Aug 22, 2010
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Before they hatch! I am absolutely certain that you can't do it any sooner!
I don't see a need for it before 2 weeks....They sure do start jumping good then! Flying and flapping....yeehaw!
I don't see a need for it before 2 weeks....They sure do start jumping good then! Flying and flapping....yeehaw!
- Thread starter
- #3
Yes, I have noticed that my chicks are flapping and jumping a lot! I've only had them a week and they've gotten a lot of feathers in that small amount of time! Amazing!
You can clip the wings,but its just the ten primary feathers,or you can pinoin their wings but its best to have it done at 1-3 days of hatching.
Here is a pic for you to follow:
I know this one is on ducks,but they still show primaries,and the pin.
I wouldnt worry about clipping til they are out of the brooder.
Here is a pic for you to follow:
I know this one is on ducks,but they still show primaries,and the pin.
I wouldnt worry about clipping til they are out of the brooder.
They change out those little feathers so fast, I don't think it would do too much good before about 6 weeks
- Thread starter
- #6
Thanks. If the wings don't get trimmed how much are they able to fly/flap around?
depends on the breed, banties....like an eagle! I have to keep the brooders covered after 3 weeks.
My last chicks could flap enough to get over 20" walls when they were 18 days old. They were Leghorns and Marsh Daisies though, both fairly light breeds that can flap over 6' fences as adults. I thought pinioning was only done on waterfowl breeds that are very good flyers. I'd reckon it would be kinda overkill on a chicken, most of them can barely get 3' off the ground for more than a few seconds. What breeds have you got?
It depends on the bird itself. You gotta watch em a little.When you see them able to actually flap the wings and make it up to elevated perches, its time.
And you have to keep it up, every few months.
Even then, youll be amazed at how high they can get.
I clip both, too. The one wing clip sounds nice in theory but Ive seen it fail.
Regardless, whether you clip one or both, make sure there are no elevated perches anywhere near the fence or edge of whatever compound you use. Chickens are driven by their nature to "go UP," and any chance you give them to get over the fence will be squarely your responsibility.
And you have to keep it up, every few months.
Even then, youll be amazed at how high they can get.
I clip both, too. The one wing clip sounds nice in theory but Ive seen it fail.
Regardless, whether you clip one or both, make sure there are no elevated perches anywhere near the fence or edge of whatever compound you use. Chickens are driven by their nature to "go UP," and any chance you give them to get over the fence will be squarely your responsibility.
- Thread starter
- #10
Wow! I never knew they could flap around so high! Amazing.
I actually don't know what kind they are. I got 10 chicks for free, I think they're a Buff Orphington mix but they're all cockerels. Still a ton a fun tho!
I actually don't know what kind they are. I got 10 chicks for free, I think they're a Buff Orphington mix but they're all cockerels. Still a ton a fun tho!
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