[CarrieStu]

Hi,
I have ten week old Sussex white hybrids. I am keeping them in the garden and am worried they could fly away so I plan to clip their wings, but I wondered when I can do this? How early can I do this? They have a run but I'd like to get them out into the garden as soon as possible so they can have a larger area to peck about in. Thanks for any help you can give!

[ghost61]

If you have high fences - about 6 ft or more - they are unlikely to fly over them.  Mine are out most days and are too busy wrecking the garden to even think that there was somewhere else over the fence.  It would be a shame to clip their wings (only the one, of course), unless it was really necessary.

[CarrieStu]

Thank you! Looking forward to getting them out and about

[compostqueen]

I clipped my girls wings but it didn't stop them flying.  I stopped bothering in the end 

The idea is to clip just one wing, which makes them unstable to fly. You have to be careful, and do it properly. I'd get someone to show you how to do it.    Having had chooks myself though I wouldn't bother to be honest
Some breeds are flightier than others. Smaller, lighter breeds seem more prone to flight. Good luck 

[8doubles]

My light sussex could get up five feet and have a stroll about on top of the hedge but she always jumped back the right side !
If your neighbours and any pets they may have are ok with any AWOLs i would leave it and only trim a wing on offenders.

[hen addict]

I have a copper head marans that flys no matter what I do! She's quite heavy as well, yet the 4 smaller hybrid leghorns don't fly at all as fast as are. I think a lot depends on the individual if you get 1 that insists it's a nomad then nothing will stop them I gave up trying