Alternatives to wing clipping???

[Retirement chickens]

O.K. We now know that our feral hen is a fairly well-bred Japanese Bantam. In doing a little research, what we see over and over is that they are excellent flyers. Duh!!! Like we didn't already know this! Is there anything, other than wing clipping or a totally enclosed run that will keep these birds on the ground?

No, we are not going to cut down all the trees. Seriously, from experience we know that this bird, given the chance, will spend most of her time about 30 feet up in a pine tree (day and night) -- only coming down for food and water.

Thanks, Art & Teri

 

[SproutGirl]

No, I don't think so. Unless she were unhealthy.

Sounds like you have a healthy, happy bird that likes to fly. You will either have to allow her to fly, clip her flight feathers, or put her in an enclosed space from which she can't escape.

 

[SproutGirl]

I saw this poem today, and thought of your bird. Bantams in Pine Woods, by Wallace Stevens.

http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15747

You ought to post a photo of her up there. Let's see if she's got the attitude of the bird in this poem!

 

[Hopefully]

I have bantams. They are really, really good fliers. No lie: my rooster flew up and landed on the roof! Don't know what kind of bantam: small and colorful. They get into the neighbors' yards... doesn't make the neighbors too happy... I still have to figure that one out.

 

[Brindlebtch]

Little birdy ball and chain. Lead cufflinks?