Wing Clipping?

[chickenwoods]

Do i have to clip the wings on my birds?Whats best?
I would think that not clipping them would make the birds get away from predators better?

I heard that when hens start laying they sweeten up,get really nice and relaxed.and easier to handle. Maybee if they did that i wouldnt have to clip thier wings..Right now thier 16 weeks old, thier kinda flyty, i free range them in a 80 yard,by 60 yard 4' chicken wire fence. I used to completly free range them but they kept going down into the woods,and i lost one of my 6 month roos to a daytime predater out in the woods?Dog,coyote,bobcat,Chicken hawk.maybee.

any and all suggestions will help.

 

[kstaven]

You don't have to clip wings if you don't want to. Most do it to keep lighter body birds from flying over fences. Start bringing them greens when you go to the coop and they will quickly warm up to you.