Wing clipping question.

[IHC986]

I have learned (from this website), how to clip wings. However, I will not attempt it if the process is painful (in the least) to my chickens. Some say it is painless and others have said the pain in minimum. Well, that's not good enough. What do you chicken owners have to say regarding pain?

 

[sourland]

As long as the feathers are mature (not pin or blood feathers) , it's no more painful than getting a haircut or trimming your fingernails. It is important to hold the bird securely (2 person job) so that it does not struggle and possibly hurt itself.

 

[IHC986]

Thank you. I'm finding this website very interesting.

 

[sourland]

It is , indeed, a community of like minded folk who generally try to be helpful.

 

[aart]

Need to make sure you/they are talking about just trimming the fully grown flight feathers and not about removing the last joint of the wing (known as pinioning).

 

[Chickenlovers6]

Just don't clip the blood feathers.

 

[rougerage16]

Is there a wayto easily identify a blood feather?

 

[Chickenlovers6]

Well, on blood feathers, the shaft has a dark color to it. The quill is also thicker and softer on a blood feather.

Here, you can go to http://www.plainfieldanimalhospital...erinarians/bird-care-articles/blood-feathers/ for more info on blood feathers and how to recognize them.