| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| SusieK |
Posted - Mar 20 2011 : 04:43:01 AM
I have been told by some older people that the way you can keep your chickens from flying out of the pen is when they are chicks cut the tips of the wings at the first joint. They will not be able to fly does anyone out there do this? Is it at the first joint or before?
"COURAGE is being scared to death,
but saddling up anyway. -John Wayne"
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| 10 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| msdoolittle |
Posted - Mar 21 2011 : 06:07:48 AM
That process is called pinioning. Ever wonder why flamingoes or exotic ducks at the zoo don't fly away? Well, there you go. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinioning
It removes the entire small joint which has the primary feathers (the longest first feathers which they need to fly). I would liken it to declawing an animal...which I wouldn't do that, either.
It is best to trim both sides of a bird's primary wing feathers. Some people only do one side, however, this causes a lopsided semi-flight which has more potential to cause injury to a bird. Here are some good photos of proper wing clips. http://www.exoticpetvet.net/avian/clip.html I have done both kinds of clips demonstrated here. I actually prefer the 'progressive' clip as you aren't leaving ugly 1/2 shafts.
My Barred Rocks easily can fly up to my 4' fence and scale it, some even with both wings clipped. However, I mainly attribute this to the fact that I raised them, as young (not baby) chicks close to my house so they still think that this is 'home'. Never raise chickens where you don't want em! Of course, as babies, they are indoors.
FarmGirl #1390
www.mylittlecountry.wordpress.com |
| ChickieMama |
Posted - Mar 21 2011 : 12:36:23 AM
I free range my chickens during the day so I do not clip their wings so that they are able to fly if needed...quote:
Originally posted by SusieK
I have been told by some older people that the way you can keep your chickens from flying out of the pen is when they are chicks cut the tips of the wings at the first joint. They will not be able to fly does anyone out there do this? Is it at the first joint or before?
"COURAGE is being scared to death,
but saddling up anyway. -John Wayne"
Farmgirl Sister#2808
"Happy Hens make Happy Eggs" |
| HDA |
Posted - Mar 20 2011 : 9:29:11 PM
When I first started keeping chickens I did trim the feathers on one wing, just the long flying ones; you can see them easily when you look at the whole wing. You have to keep doing it though, they grow back, it is not a one time thing. Although I have to admit it was not the most reliable solution, at least it wasn't for me. I had a tall fence around their outdoor enclosure that was there when I moved to the property. I found that my smaller chickens weren't affected by it much & could fly anyway after a few days. However, the heavy birds (mainly barred rocks) are not good fliers & did not even try to fly out anyway so I never had to worry about clipping their wings. I now have moved & have a new chicken coop. It has a large enclosed area with chicken wire over the top so I do not have to worry about it anymore. It takes a little more time & money to begin with but saves a lot of time in the end. Plus it is excellent hawk protection. |
| Lessie Louise |
Posted - Mar 20 2011 : 3:29:53 PM
I just trim the feathers of their wings every so often, they aren't very happy about it but would be less happy if they got out and the fox got em!
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting them in a fruit salad!
Farmgirl #680!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/lessielouise22 |
| Sheep Mom 2 |
Posted - Mar 20 2011 : 11:27:40 AM
We have always just trimmed the feathers on one side too - they just fly in a circle and can't go anywhere.
Blessings, Sheri
"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran |
| SusieK |
Posted - Mar 20 2011 : 10:42:01 AM
Thank you Rachel for that
"COURAGE is being scared to death,
but saddling up anyway. -John Wayne"
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| rksmith |
Posted - Mar 20 2011 : 10:38:39 AM
We've never clipped wing tips, just trim the longest feathers and they won't go anywhere. We generally just trim one side.
Rachel
Farmgirl Sister #2753
Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps, if you are not willing to move your feet--Dr. Kioni
http://www.mynsp.com/rksmith
http://madame1313.wordpress.com/ |
| SusieK |
Posted - Mar 20 2011 : 10:07:31 AM
I was simply asking a question if anyone had done that you do not have to get mean with me. 
"COURAGE is being scared to death,
but saddling up anyway. -John Wayne"
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| Bear5 |
Posted - Mar 20 2011 : 09:58:55 AM
What that is...is mutilation, put a wire top on your pen instead...
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
| windypines |
Posted - Mar 20 2011 : 05:06:26 AM
Boy not sure about that process. We just would trim their feathers, on their wings. Cutting those wing tips off, does not sound like a good way to do it. My opinion.
Michele |
