Clipping wings to keep hens safe??? Pic of fence included

[drb2003]

I have done a search and the conflicting information just confused me, so I'm hoping some smart/experienced person will help me out! I did see the pictures on the learning page of the hen getting it's wings clipped, and it was very helpful.

My 7 week olds girls are sharing a backyard with two terriers who would love to make a meal out of them. They have a separate run, but the fence is only 4 feet high (i transformed an existing dog run into a chicken run). I have two EE's, one RIR and a Jersey Black Giant. From a couple of stacked blocks, one of the EE's flew up and perched on the edge of the fence yesterday, and about gave me a heart attack. If she decides that the grass is greener on the other side, she's dead... and I'm heartbroken.

I don't have the money or time to extend the fence taller and I don't want to come home to a dead baby girl!!! Are they too young for a wing clip? I read one post that says they still have blood flow and it would be painful (i don't want that).

Here's a pic of what I'm dealing with...

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Brooke

 

[momof247371]

Go ahead and clip their wings. Clip the longest ones on ONE wing. Dont clip both wings, defeats the purpose. lol. take a little off at a time so you are sure not to get anything you shouldnt. You can save some moey and get some chicken wire or netting to put over the top of the run also, but go at your own speed.. any more questions, please ask...

 

[Lollipop]

Brooke, you can see blood in the feather shaft if it`s too new of a feather. Spread a wing and take a look. If the shafts are clear, it should be fine to clip. Just clip one wing and only the larger flight feathers. That will throw them off balance and things should be as you hope........Pop

 

[toletiquesbysam]

How about netting over the top, I've heard alot of people on here use it. I think it's pretty inexpensive just not sure where they get it.

 

[drb2003]

The fence is just about 4 feet tall.

I hate to do the one wing thing unless it's the only way to keep them safe. They seem to LOVE fly/running across their run and they will just nose dive with one wing...right?

If that's my only option (short of raising the fence) then I'll do it. I just want to make sure it isn't painful!

Brooke

 

[momof247371]

No its not painful if done properly... your chicks can still run and jump but just wont be able to clear the fence take a deep breath, if you dont like the wings being clipped the good news is, they will grow back

 

[Chic Chick]

You can buy cheap netting at any garden center. It will also keep birds of prey from flying off with your chickens.

 

[drb2003]

Thanks to all that replied, it has been great info!

I'm going to go for it tomorrow! Deep breath...

 

[Tony K T]

Even a cheap tarp will keep the hot sun off from them and keep them in thier pen.I personally don't believe in clipping wings,just in case something gets in their pen they have a chance to fly up and not become a sitting meal.Rember to give them a roost,not to close to the top so something can reach down and grab them.Yeah you really need a taller pen,at least high enough to walk into.
In N.H.,Tony.

 

[drb2003]

Clipped their wings (one on each pullet) this morning...it went well. Hopefully, I clipped enough off and it'll work! Thanks for all the great and quick advice!

Brooke