we have four hens on 1/2 acre, they spend a couple hours a day in the yard, I have not yet clipped their wings, should I? the yard is fenced (6' on all sides) Neighbor says I should clip - they do fly, but it's low (less than 3 feet off the ground). I've read that clipping can cause issue with balance and they can get injured getting on and off their roost? Once again your expect advise is much needed.
Unless your hens are a banty breed they will have a heck of a time clearing a 6 ft fence. Clipping will not hurt them though - like clipping fingernails. The balance thing is true - but they compensate for the short flight to & from the roost. It will prevent them from getting over a fence though. I've done both. Clipped & not clipped. In the end I just let them be - but I don't worry about them getting out of the yard - I just let 'em run.
I've clipped some of my birds who were flying over the fence. Just be careful to only cut the flight feathers and you'll be fine. I've never seen any of them having problems getting to the roost so don't worry.
thank you for the advice, guess we'll wait and see?! so far all is good, I 'babysit' them while they free range for the most part - have to keep them safe
I clip all of my banties. They free range, but our fence is only 5 feet. They can hop/jump/fly quite well up a few feet to the roost or on to stumps even clipped. I am sure they could clear the fence even clipped if they really wanted too.
Do you have standard or bantam fowl? I, personally, do not clip. It really depends on your trust of them and the breeds. The only one of mine I would have to worry about is my EE, but she's lowest in the rankings and won't go anywhere without a leader. I don't think you should. I doubt your chickens would go that far, they no where home is and by nature won't explore too far from home. Sometimes I do worry a little, considering a friend of mine has a Dark Brahma (huge breed) who flies up on her 7 1/2 foot roost, but... eh, I haven't had any problems yet.
I clipped my Anconas wings and they still fly over the 6' fence! although not as often. If they aren't flying out I wouldn't bother but if they are getting away then give it a try!
Mine are large fowl and they fly about the same and i use that term "fly" loosely - they are in a 2 acre fenced iin area - never had to clip their wings - they should be fine - depending on breed of course .
