I have to say that I’m super proud of the people participating on this thread! If this was in a parrot forum, there would be blood spilled regardless of the request for respect. Bird people are special a special lot. 
That being said, my personal belief with chickens is when necessary. The lighter weight breeds are must; they hop the 6 foot fence when ever they can. The Muscovies are another must. We unfortunately live near a gravel pit which loves to produce sudden, loud sounds that cause them, despite their hefty weight, to launch into the air like a jet off an aircraft carrier (they’re enclosed for their protection. Note the word “protection”you silly Muscovy).
Clipping is not a cruel practice. Depending on the type of clipping, which should NEVER result in tissue damage (again, note the NEVER), depends on how much loft a bird can manage. It also shouldn’t be a traumatising event—trim the feathers with a sharp pair of scissors and done. Of course I’m leaving out the catching part. If the primaries are cut, she should still earn enough air to flutter forward, just not up.
Alas there also seems to be chickens that clipping really doesn’t curb any flight. I’m talking to you EEs! Sometimes I think our girls use their wings for steering while they levitate up and over the fence.
That being said, my personal belief with chickens is when necessary. The lighter weight breeds are must; they hop the 6 foot fence when ever they can. The Muscovies are another must. We unfortunately live near a gravel pit which loves to produce sudden, loud sounds that cause them, despite their hefty weight, to launch into the air like a jet off an aircraft carrier (they’re enclosed for their protection. Note the word “protection”you silly Muscovy).
Clipping is not a cruel practice. Depending on the type of clipping, which should NEVER result in tissue damage (again, note the NEVER), depends on how much loft a bird can manage. It also shouldn’t be a traumatising event—trim the feathers with a sharp pair of scissors and done. Of course I’m leaving out the catching part. If the primaries are cut, she should still earn enough air to flutter forward, just not up.
Alas there also seems to be chickens that clipping really doesn’t curb any flight. I’m talking to you EEs! Sometimes I think our girls use their wings for steering while they levitate up and over the fence.
) free range for a couple hours a day , I wouldn’t clip because I want them to be able to escape a predator by flying if needed . Couple of them are GREAT flyers & do it just for fun I think 
