Clipping wings.

[centrarchid]

See link.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-to-clip-trim-the-wings-of-your-chicken-to-prevent-flight

 

[Sylviaanne]

See link.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-to-clip-trim-the-wings-of-your-chicken-to-prevent-flight

Thank you. Sorry for not responding sooner. I didn't get notifications of more posts.

I went to see the link and wow! I sure did not cut the feathers enough! I will try again and do both wings. Sylvia

 

[Sylviaanne]

I tested exactly that statement and it was incorrect. One wing does reduce flying ability enough for some but biggest advantage is it takes less time. Just make certain cuts made are close enough.

I went back and actually read the article. It says to clip one wing. I can not tell from your post if you do one wing or two. What is your opinion? Thanks. Sylvia

 

[sonally]

Do certain breeds tend to fly more than others? My first flock never flew (B.O's, Barred Rocks, Comets). My new batch(Arauanas, B.O's, Wyandottes and BJG's) are practicing flying in the brooder at two weeks!

 

[centrarchid]

Yes, breed impacts flying ability and tendencies. Younger birds tend to fly more. Culture can also be a factor where a flock flies more out of habit or need. Are you providing need?

 

[tridentk9]

I spent several years clipping parrot wings. Takes two people- one to hold that strong beak! Anyway- our goal was not only to limit flying but to allow safe landings if they did try to fly. One wing tended to throw their balance off, increases risks.

One person safely held the bird. It had to be safe for the bird and the two humans. Not as much of a problem with chickens but it still must be safe for them.

The person trimming first checked the wing for any blood feathers. Those are the ones that will bleed. If you do cut a blood feather and it starts bleeding-remove that feather (hemostats help) then apply cornstarch. By first checking for blood feathers even before looking the bird over for trim lines we had no accidents.

In most cases we left the first two flight feathers alone for asthetics. For active light birds we didn't as they were more likely to fly. Since we trimmed both wings we did trim further back the wing than most others. Once we trimmed one wing we repeated with the other then rechecked both wings for bleeding, equal trimming, etc. Then on to beaks and nails.

With practice, a lot of birds will learn to fly and/or compensate whether it's one or both wings. But with both they usually had a safer landing- no thuds of bodies hitting the ground or flying into objects. Chickens usually fly down from their roost at least once daily, it would be nice if they could do that safely.

Would putting a slanted fence lip on the inside edge of a fence reduce fly outs? Like they do with cats (and prisons). You'd only need to do 2-3 feet of fencing in from the fence.

 

[Sylviaanne]

We trimmed the one wing more on the flyers. Some of them didn't try in front of us and one of the hens jumped and flew 3 feet to get on a ledge, another one jumped and flew 4 feet to get on a fence to get into a tree. We did get all of them except the one in the tree back into the run but we will find out tomorrow morning if the others escaped again or not.

tridentk9: I like your reasoning. We will clip the other wings and see what happens. Thanks, Sylvia

 

[subhanalah]

I tested exactly that statement and it was incorrect. One wing does reduce flying ability enough for some but biggest advantage is it takes less time. Just make certain cuts made are close enough.

I'm pretty sure once it's no longer a "blood feather" you can cut it almost to the skin, can't you?

 

[Sylviaanne]

I'm pretty sure once it's no longer a "blood feather" you can cut it almost to the skin, can't you?

Is there only one "blood feather?" I am terrified of making them bleed.

LOL Can you believe I used to dock Yorkie tails and dewclaws?

 

[subhanalah]

Blood feathers are immature feathers. While they are growing they have an active blood supply. Once they are mature feathers, the feather hollows out and becomes more like a fingernail or hair, no feeling.