Plucking flight feathers v. Cutting to hinder flight

[Brawley Leigh]

I was recently shown (by a chicken breeder) a method of plucking out the flight feathers rather than using scissors to trim them to prevent flight. I have posted questions about this method on byc n also searched the internet and cannot find anything. Can you provide me any added instructions or do you know of any video on the subject?

The breeder feels this is a better way to hinder flight as cutting the feathers can leave sharp edges which can then poke the body and cause injury.

I wish I had recorded the demonstration. It looked quick, easy and not stressful for the chickens. But now that I need to put into practice I would like a visual as a refresh. The breeder came up with this herself but maybe one of you also use this method???

Appreciate any help, thx, Leigh

 

[igorsMistress]

I've had one kind of bird or another pretty much my whole life. Cutting their wings has NEVER caused damage or injury to my birds.

Pulling could cause injury or infection. I think it would hurt too.

 

[centrarchid]

-Feather pulling hurts birds. Mine tolerate some extreme pain without complaining. Pulled feathers are replaced relatively quickly while cut feathers are replaced as part of the molt cycle.

 

[aart]

Pulled feathers are replaced relatively quickly while cut feathers are replaced as part of the molt cycle.

This was my first thought too.

 

[lazy gardener]

Agreed with above 2 posters. Pulled feathers will immediately start to regrow, while trimmed feathers will wait till the next molt. I'd not consider pulling flight feathers. If clipped correctly, you won't even notice it unless the bird flaps her wings. And it is no more painful than trimming your fingernails. Nor does it cause injury to the bird. Pulling flight feathers? OUCH!!!