clipping the wings of 2 new pullets?

[534EBC]

Today I've just purchased two 12-13 week old Plymouth Rock hens, to add to my small flock. They are exploring, flying around, perching on fence boards and getting out of their enclosure. Yikes... been chasing chickens all day it feels like! I'm thinking of clipping the left primary flight wings of these 2 new birds tonight, so that they can better acclimate to their "assigned" space safely. I have a coop (where I securely latch them up each night); but allow them to free range in a fenced area all day (this is what they're getting out of today). My "senior" girls don't fly & aren't interested in getting out. I'll be out of town all day tomorrow and fear the babies will be gone when I return. My hope is I can do it just the one time and then they'll be bigger, heavier and disinterested in escaping. I've never done it before but have watched videos and read articles. Does this sound like an okay thing to do? We do have dogs, predators, and a lot of area for them to get lost... if they don't stay where I want them to. Advice?

 

[Messica]

If you're going to be gone I'd just leave them in the coop until you return. All of mine stay in the coop when I'm gone (and they don't fly) for safety sake.

 

[534EBC]

My coop is rather small- perfect for overnight, but the birds are happiest when they can roam their fenced paddock during the day. Unfortunately I cannot keep watch all the time. Have you ever clipped wings?

 

[Messica]

None of mine fly so I haven't had to clip wings. I hope someone who has comes along and can guide you though soon!

 

[534EBC]

Thanks for communicating with me. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!