Is clipping feathers necessary?

[NewPoultryMom2019]

Thank you everyone! I am glad it's not a big of a deal as I thought

 

[elmo]

Thank you everyone! I am glad it's not a big of a deal as I thought

Just be aware that free ranging has unavoidable risks: hawks, raccoons who are out roaming in daytime (yes, it happens), dogs or coyotes (even in cities!) digging under the fence, etc. With clipped wings, chickens may be more vulnerable to these kinds of predators.

We decided we couldn't tolerate these risks so we keep our chickens confined in a secure run. Our hens are now 9 and 10 years old. We've lost one to old age, none to predators.