[Njal]

Hi,
Our two hens have a lovely secure run which I built them but I tend to let them out of it for most of the day.

As I don't want them running off I make a temporary run with chicken wire and posts and move it about the lawn.

Since our veg patch has become empty I have started putting them into that as it is securely fenced against the cats.

However, one of them in particular has got pretty good at flying and she is always escaping and scratting away where she's not supposed to.

Is wing clipping something that a) would work and b) is humane?

Many thanks.

[GrannieAnnie]

Just trim the primary feathers of one wing on each bird back by about 2 inches, it is humane, and puts them off balance a bit so they can't fly over the fence, mind you, it sometimes doesn't stop a really determined bird!!!  

There's a diagram in this thread!

http://www.chat.allotment-garden.org/viewtopic.php?t=15495&highlight=wing+clipping

[weedo]

Hi, My chickens have clipped wings but still manage to over my post and chicken wire fence into parts of the garden that I want to keep them out of. They either jump or jump and flutter at the same time. I have almost given up trying. Its just like Chicken Run/Great Escape

[Roughlee Handled]

I have a flyer and I have had to clip both wings to stop her getting out of there run.

[Njal]

Thanks, people.
I will have a go at it later today!

[chooknewbie]

i am confused now...i thought you only clipped one wing to unbalance them, and so by clipping both you have then re-balanced so to speak, and so enabling the chook to fly as norm??  i must have mis-understood something somewhere....  

[Vember]

Your right Chucky
Should only do one wing, if you do both it re balances them

Roughlee are you sure your girl wasn't jumping out of the run, they can jump quite high


Sarah

[Roughlee Handled]

Well this particular ex bat used (the only one left of the first batch) used to be aloud to roam free till Mr Fox came to visit and now is behind 75 metres of electric fencing admittedly it is only 105 cm tall but doubt if she can jump that tall.  I did read somewhere if there where could still get out clip the other as well.   It was a beery weekend.  No harm done though.

[Vember]

I wasn't  critisising Rough was just wondering, I've only ever done the one side.

I'm pressuming it has stopped her???

It's worth while knowing fo anyone who has a real trouble causer


(sorry spellings no good today )

[Roughlee Handled]

I know you aint " critisising" you would not dare :twisted:    

I gave my self a shock as i came a cross a few feathers on the ground and thought OMG FOX ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRG then remembered that the day before I caught "Cross" out and caught her and clipped both wings ( I was under the influence). It wad the 4th time I have clipped her wings  in 3 months!!! She keeps getting out.

Still slightly jaded not sure if it is the remnants of Man Flue or a beery weekend.

[Vember]

Plenty of water & a bacon butty that'll sort you out  



Sarah

[Njal]

Well, they have now learned to get out by barging the chicken wire with all their might until it gives and then they wriggle under it!

They are going the right way about not being let out of their coop  :x

[Roughlee Handled]

sounds like you have some right bruisers there.  You chucks are hard.