clipped wings

[rioturk]

Hi everyone............ I've been reading some of the old posts about clipping wings and one question that still eludes me is the effect (if any) that it will have on the chickens flying up to their roosts? My chicken roosts are about 3 1/2 ft. up. Will this be a problem for them to reach?

 

[gander007]

Alright

great to have you joining the BYC flock

BYC has a very useful learning center

3 to four feet is about a jump anyway so should not be a problem but to predators they will become free game ......

Why are you clipping the wings anyway if I may ask ???????

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! You might consider a ladder or staggered roost system to help them get up.

 

[rioturk]

Thank you for your input… my property is fully fenced in with a 4 ft. Fence. They are relatively safe as long as they stay within the property. (Other than hawks, etc.). They are 4 months old now and occasionally they get air born during playtime. All it'll take is one getting over a fence and they will be fair game to the neighbors dogs.

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

Clipping one wing only can keep them grounded better than clipping both wings. One wing clipped will make control very difficult. So once they get airborne, they are unable to fly properly and generally come back down to earth. Trimming both wings, and they can still get controlled lift and sail over your fence on a breezy day.

As Kelsie has said, use a ladder system for high roost bars. It is better to come down on ladders too to help prevent injuries.

Great to have you aboard and enjoy this new adventure you are on!

 

[drumstick diva]

Not all predators come from the sky, a raccoon, cat, dog , fox can easily make it over a 4 ft. fence like it was nothing - unless you have a top wire of electric fencing. That will just slow them down a bit.

If you clip wings you take away a chickens best chance for escape from predators. They will never win even one to one combat. Otherwise they will hide as best they can until preds nose them out.

The best way to keep chickens where you want them is a sturdy run with some type of covering which will also keep hawks out. Or you could train a livestock guardian dog to watch over them.
Even bold roosters will not win against four footed predators.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

 

[theoldchick]

Hi! Wing clipping may not keep your birds inside your fence. Chickens like to wander and scratch about and do not understand the boundries us humans have. Keep them safe by building the best coop you can afford. Good luck with them!