Clipping wings of chicks. When is it OK?

[Scoot58]

Hello.

We have 6 8 1/2 week old BSL chicks. I was wondering when it is OK to clip their wings. They are flying over 5 foot pool fence. They free range in the yard all day but I don't want them in the pool area.

Thanks

 

[Chickie Mamma]

Hello, I am really not sure how old they should be.. Maybe someone with more experience could help.. I would imagine if they are able to fly, they are able to be clipped ??

 

[twzlrwho]

BTT

 

[the lemon tree]

I read somewhere here (not exactly sure where and from whom but if you do a quick search on this forum you can find it) that you should wait until the chickens are fully grown (or at least thisclose to it) until you consider clipping the wings. By then, they'll all probably be too heavy to fly anyway. Clipping the wings before that can lead to bleeding since the wings are still developing.

 

[Iancurrannacearca]

I suggest that you wait until they are fully grown (six months) and then you should clip them, as now their feathers are still growing.
It shows how to do it somewhere in the learning centre on the top of the page.

 

[Scoot58]

Thank you all for your replies. I am concerned about them drowning in the pool. I know chickens don't swim. I am thinking that clipping their wings a little early is better than drowning. Please give me your opinions.

.

 

[Chris09]

You dont have to clip the wing feathers.
Just pull the feather under the wing out..

 

[enola]

You can clip the wing feathers at any age. If you are trying to prevent them from flying, just clip the wing on one side of the bird.

 

[melvin1208]

No No No do not clip period

 

[jennybee]

i clipped mine when they were about...ummm...3 mo., i'm guessing? they were past the gawky teenage stage but not as big as they are now....they look more like real adult chickens at this point and are about 4 mo.