Why trim only one wing?

[earthgirl78]

Why do you only trim one wing to stop them from flying? Does anyone trim both of them? It seems like it would make the bird off balance to only trim one?


How do you know when their wings are fully grown and ok to trim? Their brooder doesn't have a top and I don't want them to get hurt by flying out there is a lot of stuff in our bathroom where they are!

Thanks for any help!

-Sara

 

[DianeS]

Some people cut the flight feathers on one wing because it DOES make them off balance when they try to fly - the chicken can't succeed in flying out in a straight line like she planned, so she stops trying.

Other people cut the flight feathers on both wings because it keeps the chicken from being able to get much (or any) lift off the ground.

and on the "con" side, those who trim one wing often say that trimming both doesn't prevent enough lift and their chickens still get out. those who trim both wings say that trimming just one leaves a chicken getting bruised from crooked flight.

All that said, choose the one that feels right to you. If it works, great. If it doesn't, try the other way next time.

 

[earthgirl78]

Thank you so much, this helped so much!!

 

[dawg53]

Your lighter or flightier birds such as Leghorns, Hamburgs etc...it's best to trim back feathers on both wings unless you like them walking around on top of the roof of your house lol. (Had it happen.)

 

[californiagirl]

I had a Black Star who learned to angle herself sideways and beat one wing harder so she could get out of her pen! The others all gave up after a few tries, but not her. I ended up trimming both wings. The only thing I don't like about trimmed wings is the feathers are sharp at the tip and I've been scratched a few times by a flapping hen.

 

[Beekissed]

I trim one wing and it is usually effective. I have, on occasion, had a repeat offender who had to have what I call "the prison cut"~both primary and secondary flight feathers on both wings cut. This seems to do the trick.