Clipping wings ???

[cluckcluckluke]

does clipping chickens wings affect them in any way??

 

[Kevin565]

It leaves them more vulnerable to predators

 

[cluckcluckluke]

so best not to, thanks heaps

 

[defenestration]

First things first, clipping in the context of backyard chickens usually means cutting the largest main flight feathers about 1/2 of the way down on one side.

This makes the bird unbalanced when it tries to fly (it usually can still jump around considerably, but it won't be able to fly very much). This could cause it to take a hard fall or, as mentioned above, render it more vulnerable to predators. The feathers grow back at the next molt, and the process itself isn't that dangerous as long as you don't cut into a blood feather.

There's generally no need to clip, though, unless it has a habit of flying over fences or something of that nature.

 

[cluckcluckluke]

ye thanks great help ive decided not to

 

[carol-ann]

when you say the feathers grow back in again at their next molt, does that mean they can fly when the feathers grow back in again?

how often do chickens molt/

thanks
carol

 

[cluckcluckluke]

They molt around the winter months

 

[defenestration]

when you say the feathers grow back in again at their next molt, does that mean they can fly when the feathers grow back in again?

Yes.

 

[FeelingStupid]

One of my new RR hens - 7 months old, decided to leave yesterday. She had jumped onto a 4 foot fence, then onto her coop. I thought she had just dropped into our side yard (where coop is until we move it down the hill) but was nowhere to be seen when I went to look for her a few minutes later when I got off the phone- ironically reassuring her former owner that all four girls were adjusting well. She had been here for two days. She had apparently flown over or scampered her way through the thick hedge (which sticks up above the 4 foot fence) and immediately disappeared. Despite frantic neighborhood searches including recruiting the mailman and various neighbors, she was not spotted until she tried to come back home six hours later and ended up wedged in a corner in the neighbor's yard next to our fence. This time she managed not to be eaten by any loose dogs but might not be so lucky next time. She is big and strong. Would clipping her wings prevent her from being able to jump onto the 4 foot fence? The coop that came with them is pretty small (this was a free rehoming situation from a neighbor who needed them gone that day). Until I make them a bigger coop should I keep them confined to the small one, or try cutting their wings and hope that that helps? Other than maybe a cat, there are no predators that come into the yard so they are in more danger from leaving and getting eaten by a dog outside. Any other strategies? The yard has plenty for them to dig in and lots of cover but she still wanted to be somewhere else for her own chicken reasons. I sure don't want her giving her sisters that idea, either. Are there any other strategies to convincing her that staying at home with her sisters is a good idea?

 

[toomanydogs]

I have a 5 foot fence and keep the younger birds clipped as they seem the most inclined to go over the top. As they get older and heavier they usually stop doing it. I also have 7 dogs that are not chicken friendly so anyone that makes it to the other side is on borrowed time unless I happen to find them first.


lisa