To clip or not to clip.....that is my question

[Rogue_Woman]

I clip all flight feathers on both wings. Clipping just one side can result in injury from off-balance flying. Clipping both sides takes away their "lift" but doesn't affect their "aim". I've seen chickens wth busted heads from accidentally flying into a building from uneven clipping. Just be sure to look at the feather shaft before clipping. If you can see a blood supply running up the shaft, don't clip it. Otherwise, it's really quick and easy, and doesn't hurt the bird a bit.

 

[swtangel321]

Quote:
i was thinking of that for my new run, how does it hold up to a snow load?

Haven't had snow here yet so i dont know !!! I would guess b/c the stuff is so thin it would be ok.

 

[DottieMarie]

I think I'll wait and see if any are the "greener on the other side" types and if so, only clip those. I appreiciate the instructions on clipping, I feel more confident now especially knowing it doesn't hurt so long as I don't see blood running through it.

Covering the run is still the way to go, just not sure we can cover such a big area. Still pondering that one.

As always, you guys are the best!!!

 

[spoonie]

Just make sure you don't clip too high.

Here's a couple of sites with pictures. I think that the second way looks more attractive for sure.

http://birdmart.com/reference/wings.html

http://www.exoticpetvet.net/avian/clip.html

 

[Rogue_Woman]

The second type is absolutely the best to use, and kitty or ferret clippers work great...they're the same as the special bird trimmers at about half the price. I've never seen a chicken that plucks as badly as I've seen parrots do, but that second method will help prevent bad preening habits associated with wing clipping. Great post!