When do you clip the wings?...................

[Myles]

When is a good time to clip the wings? How often do you clip? Any suggestions for the actual deed?

 

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

I clipped my 5-6 week olds wings the other day. I clipped the first ten feathers with scissors.

 

[PaleMelanesian]

Just after they get into a place you don't want them.

 

[skhomer]

After chasing mine around the front yard the other day I wondered the same thing

First ten feathers from which side -- closest to the head or closest to the tail? Is 4 weeks too young? How often will they grow back and need to be clipped again

Thanks for all the help folks!

 

[Imp]

Here's info on wing clipping.

http://www.poultryhelp.com/wingclipping.html

FYI- A lot of people find that it does not help much.

Imp

 

[alabamachick]

Quote:
When (which was only once) we clipped our chickens feather, we only clipped one side. This makes the bird unable to fly. Clipping BOTH sides allows them to do what I like to call the "flap and glide".

 

[flying_babyb]

so how far can a chicken fly with clipped wings? We almost lost one behind the dryer last night and im a bit worried. My chicks have discovered that my hair tastes good so now they sit on my shoulder to chew on it.

 

[velittlechik]

I was also thinking about going ahead and clipping wings on my 6 week old chicks. They can fly up pretty high with a running start. I'm glad to hear that this age is not too young. I will start clipping this week, we live in a wooded rural area and I am afraid of them getting over the fence and being eaten.

 

[crazyhen]

remember to clip only one wing or they will still fly well. Gloria Jean

 

[Urbanfarmerkc]

I have had the BEST luck with clipping ONE wing. I have La Fleche which are known to be big flyers and mine never try now. Clipped Wings are the only way to go IMO...

Dave