thoughts?

[crabbycrackers]

i been thinking if later i would need to clip my chickens wings. they will be free ranged. there are wild animals about. lots of trees. The only thing about not clipping i was afraid they may decide to roost in the trees and never come home when they move out of the brooder.

 

[centrarchid]

Getting the birds to imprint and then use desired roost site is independent of whether wings are clipped or not. Clipping will further limit already limited escape options.



If not already being done, have them stay in coop to be used for a few days before releasing them. This will cause imprinting on coop. I also like birds to roost up as soon as possible so they need to be able to fly. Being up gives options for avoiding night time predators like oppossums, skunks and sometimes raccoons.

 

[crabbycrackers]

thanks i think its best if they keep their flight feathers. at least out here in the country.