To clip or not to clip wings

[Stephen1152]

I want to give my 12 week old pullets a bit more room so I constructed a 4 foot high fence around their coop. I started opening the door a few days ago and they were happy to get out and peck around eating every bug and weed in sight. Last night one lead the way and flew over the fence. The others quickly followed. They only wound up in my yard including my vegetables. But they ate everything from my azaleas to my cucumber plants to my basil. I really like/love my chickens, but not enough to have them ruin my landscaping. I read articles discouraging the clipping of their wings. I realize once they get older, they probably will not get enough lift to make it over the fence. Is it OK for me to clip them this one time? I used to work in a pet store so I am well aware of how to clip wings.

 

[Poultry parent]

Almost all of my fully grown hens (including a mix that weighs around 8lbs) hop the fence. I personally don't care as long as they go in at night, but if they are indeed eating your plants and you don't want them out of their run you can clip the wings.

 

[NotSoChickenLove]

I don't. I want my hens to be able to fly properly if they need to get away from a predator. A few eaten plants seems a small price to pay.

 

[Poultry parent]

You can always inclose the run

 

[Sunny-Side Up]

I used to have that same problem. ( I have a four foot fence too.) I clipped their wings, but they still got over. I think that four feet isn't very high for a clipped chicken. I eventually had to put netting over the run. I hope you can figure this out!