When to clip wings?

[KimsChickenCoop]

I’m new to chickens and I gave a few questions. I’ve been told not to clip the wings until the chickens are fully feathered. My girls are 12 weeks, so I think they are fully feathered? I want to free-range them, but I’m afraid of them flying over the fence. How high can they fly? Should I clip the wings or not? Would they fly over the fence, which is between 6-7 feet tall. They do come for treats when I walk in their run, but will the come fir me if they are out in the yard? I’m a little worried about getting them back in the run. Nervous chicken momma here. LOL. Thank you in advance.

 

[Shadrach]

I’m new to chickens and I gave a few questions. I’ve been told not to clip the wings until the chickens are fully feathered. My girls are 12 weeks, so I think they are fully feathered? I want to free-range them, but I’m afraid of them flying over the fence. How high can they fly? Should I clip the wings or not? Would they fly over the fence, which is between 6-7 feet tall. They do come for treats when I walk in their run, but will the come fir me if they are out in the yard? I’m a little worried about getting them back in the run. Nervous chicken momma here. LOL. Thank you in advance.

Don't clip if you are planning to free range. The chickens will need every advantage they can get to avoid predators. A chicken with clipped wings will be that fraction of time slower than a chicken that can muster full lift and that fraction of time can make the difference between life and death.

 

[neo71665]

Clipping their wings only keeps them flying far or high. It still won't stop them from making it 7 feet to the top of a fence.

I have production breed mainly and they are big birds and generally only fly if chased or to go to roost at night. My unsecured 2nd run is only 5 feet tall, the gate is 4 feet. I don't clip em so if something gets in there I want them to escape.