Clipped wing, can they still get to higher outdoor sitting bars?

[AccidentalOrpingtons]

As I write this it seems a not smart question but in all the posts about clipping wings I am not able to figure this out.

My question is, can they still flutter up to a higher roost (outdoor bars in their outdoor run, not the ones they sleep on) bar with a wing clipped?

If yes, how high approximately? I can lower the bars.

They have a 100% enclosed run but I am adding movable fencing for "free range" while we are home and there is no top to this addition.

Their enclosure has a bunch of bars they enjoy using during the day, but if their wings are clipped will they stop using those bars?

 

[AccidentalOrpingtons]

Also, is it still a roosting bar if it is outdoors and not for sleeping? haha

 

[cherrynberry]

As I write this it seems a not smart question but in all the posts about clipping wings I am not able to figure this out.

My question is, can they still flutter up to a higher roost (outdoor bars in their outdoor run, not the ones they sleep on) bar with a wing clipped?

If yes, how high approximately? I can lower the bars.

They have a 100% enclosed run but I am adding movable fencing for "free range" while we are home and there is no top to this addition.

Their enclosure has a bunch of bars they enjoy using during the day, but if their wings are clipped will they stop using those bars?

I have clipped my hens wings before, I will NEVER do it again, but it was mandatory during the time. They can still get up their…5-6 feet tall roost. But breed does affect this a little. Brahmas are big birds, so they might not do as well as leghorns

 

[AccidentalOrpingtons]

Oh, may I ask why not again? Due to our predators I am so scared of one of them getting out

 

[cherrynberry]

Oh, may I ask why not again? Due to our predators I am so scared of one of them getting out

I want them to be able to be able to have a full range of motion. They have beautiful feathers! I am sure there are more reasons, but it’s just preference. It doesn’t harm them physically, I clip one wing on each of my quails, but for chickens, they use their wings to run from predators as well. Predators COULD be an issue though. But with larger breeds, like Wyandotte’s for example, they can’t get too high in general. I know my Wyandotte’s never got over our free range fence

 

[AccidentalOrpingtons]

Do you think an experiment of not clipping and keeping an eye on them is smart or dangerous? The fence is 5ft high

 

[Lizzy733]

I'd avoid clipping if at all possible. They can learn to accommodate for it and get around anyway, so in some cases with some birds it might not even do much. Heavy breeds don't really need clipping once they're past the fledging stage and have started gaining bulk - they can get around, but are unlikely to go very high.

With my shavers, they 'can' get up over 4', but typically don't put in the effort, so can be kept relatively contained by a very low fence when free-ranging.

Ideally, I'd recommend netting the top of your enclosure with 'fine' mesh if you're worried about them hopping out (or something getting in). Use some butterfly clips to overlap a few netting strips if you can't get one large enough to cover the whole thing in one go and use some nail plates to hold it on.

The super fine stuff can even keep out sparrows which can save a ton on food.

 

[Lizzy733]

I'd avoid clipping if at all possible. They can learn to accommodate for it and get around anyway, so in some cases with some birds it might not even do much. Heavy breeds don't really need clipping once they're past the fledging stage and have started gaining bulk - they can get around, but are unlikely to go very high.

With my shavers, they 'can' get up over 4', but typically don't put in the effort, so can be kept relatively contained by a very low fence when free-ranging.

Ideally, I'd recommend netting the top of your enclosure with 'fine' mesh if you're worried about them hopping out (or something getting in). Use some butterfly clips to overlap a few netting strips if you can't get one large enough to cover the whole thing in one go and use some nail plates to hold it on.

The super fine stuff can even keep out sparrows which can save a ton on food.

Oh, there are some smaller flighty breeds that are 'very' good at flying and not afraid of getting up high - with these I'd definitely recommend an aviary-type enclosure to ensure they stay in and protected - these are the ones I usually hear about figuring out how to 'cheat' and still get around with a clipped wing. - I've not owned any myself, but then I also have a netted top so wouldn't end up with that problem either way.

 

[cherrynberry]

Do you think an experiment of not clipping and keeping an eye on them is smart or dangerous? The fence is 5ft high

My Wyandotte’s were never clipped. I also don’t like to clip roosters.

 

[AccidentalOrpingtons]

Wow, I am glad I posted!

I love the butterfly net idea for the top!

3 of my hens are very "bulky" and none seem to be interested in the top of the fence so far.

I have had them in the new enclosure for a while with us out here and they love the new area to explore.

Thank you all for your feedback and the great ideas!