Valkyrie Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 How old should chickens be before they have their wings trimmed? My little'uns are becoming rather fond of flying at the moment. They probably get about 2ft off the ground so far. I'm just a bit concerned that they might decide to investigate next door (well, I think they are alright for a while longer), but I am rather concerned about the dog there. Last weekend when it was launching itself at their fence to get at my birds, we heard "I'm just checking the fence is OK"!!!! So I am rather reluctant too, because if it gets in (it has been trying to tunnel too) I would rather they have the ability to flap out of reach. What a dilemma! What would you do in this situation? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 As soon as they show an inclination to fly! You will need to check their wings regularly though as the feathers can regrow very quickly on youngsters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted June 17, 2009 Author Share Posted June 17, 2009 Thanks Claret. I will nab them this evening and give them a lop-sided shearing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarahsausage Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Hello, I can't really see the point of clipping wings, I always think it's a bit cruel Chickens can't really 'fly' as such only jump about 2ft as you say, but I guess you don't want to annoy your neighbours! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon_blackwell1 Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 I would have thought the point was obvious. It's much easier to maintain a 2 foot enclosure than a 5 foot one. It's not cruel in the slightest. The chickens feel no pain and suffer no ill effects other than not being able to fly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Hello, I can't really see the point of clipping wings, I always think it's a bit cruel Chickens can't really 'fly' as such only jump about 2ft as you say, but I guess you don't want to annoy your neighbours! You've obviously not met my lot then! It's best to clip their wings for the first 6 months or so when you first get them. After that, they've usually worked out where home is and don't need it doing any more. It's no more stressful for them than it is for you to have your nails cut, my girls quite enjoy the cuddles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted June 17, 2009 Author Share Posted June 17, 2009 It would be far more cruel to allow them the ability to get into next door and be torn to pieces - it's already attacked people and ripped the inner thigh of the post lady. It has always tried to get at us before the chickens - hence our fence inside their hedge which was put in for our protection originally. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarahsausage Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 That's me told then! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted June 17, 2009 Author Share Posted June 17, 2009 Ooh I didn't want that to come over nasty, apologies Sarahsausie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Poor Sarahsausage, the problem with typing things rather that saying them is that they can come over the wrong way. Please feel free to voice your thoughts and options, it is good to have a healthy discussion, I am sure no one will be offended. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarahsausage Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 Bless you Koojie, no apologies necessary Chucky Mama is right, typing things rather than saying them can come over the wrong way, I should have put a winky face so you knew I was teasing. We all know chicken-owners are lovely! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted June 18, 2009 Author Share Posted June 18, 2009 That's a relief! My orpies aren't clipped - they are lucky to get off the ground! But they are certainly getting their exercise with the youngsters - give the big girls a grape and they are pestered relentless, fluffy knickers flying in the breeze to run away before they lose their prrreciousssss! That's even if I break up a grape for the little ones - they only want the big grapes that the big girls have! Once the little ones get bigger, hopefully they won't be interested flying and I think the Maran will be on the heavy side - not sure about how flighty the Sussex will be, but they are just a little too curious about the world at the moment, hence the worry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarahsausage Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 Aah, may be best to clip them to ease your worry, it would be horrendous if anything happened to them! One of my girls was attacked by a neighbours cat recently, I had gone back into the house and left them free-ranging, I felt so guilty! Luckily Gladys was OK and only had a few damaged feathers but it took her a couple of days to get over the shock of it! I only let them free-range when I'm in the garden now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted June 18, 2009 Author Share Posted June 18, 2009 I'll have to catch them first! Poor Gladys - I'm surprised she didn't get the better of the cat, they usually give chickens a wide berth. We have 2 cats on the other side, but since we had the hens, they haven't been in the garden. I assume they still wander in at night, because last night around 2.30 there was a terrible cat fight going on - I wasn't impressed I can tell you! Then the blackbirds started and then a crow . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
