4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Eco Mum]

Hello

 

I have 3 ladies and they are terrorising the neighbours by escaping in to their gardens! I let them out, have put up a hugh fence but they still manage it somehoe (usually by climbing on top of the coop and flying over. So have come to the inevitable conclusion that they need their wings clipping.

 

I am far to scared to do this so wondered if anyone lived in or near Northampton could help or recommend someone to do it?

 

 

Anyone who can help can you pm me please?

 

Many many thanks in advance

 

Michelle x

Edited June 26, 2009 by Guest

[Falkor]

It is really easy Eco Mum but it is definitely easier if there are two people!

 

I am not near Northampton but am travelling that way today to see friends so I could help but there are a fair few people in Northants on the forum who I am sure will be along shortly.

 

Perhaps update the subject of the thread to include "Help needed in Northampton"?

 

PS. you might want to remove your mobile number as this is a public forum

[Hen Watch]

Michelle,

 

I too thought it would be hard, but actually it is very easy to do, but someone holding the chicken whilst you clip is a good idea. I just used my heavy dressmaking sissors.

 

Only clip ONE wing to unbalance them for take off. It is really easy and I personally found this picture quite helpful - also the Omlet guide I have says "a good guide is to cut the first 6-7 feathers back as far as the tips of the next line of feathers".

 

http://www.backyardchickens.com/LC-wingclipping.html

http://www.omlet.co.uk/guide/guide.php?view=Chickens&cat=Chicken%20Care&sub=wing%20clipping

 

As you say in your post, I think using a launch pads to go up and over even with a clipped wing might still be a problem. I have to ensure my eglu is at least 1 - 1.5m away from their netting or they will go over.

 

Here is one of mine sunbathing and showing off her clipped wing (otherwise when they are wandering around you wouldn't notice it at all).

[Eco Mum]

Thanks for the replys - I still feel really nervous about doing it! I was thinking if maybe someone could show me then I could learn?

 

Michelle x

[Redwing]

Hiya, I am near Towcester so not far away and could help

[pullusleggus]

Hi. I'm in Hardingstone if that's any good. I'm free from about 5pm each day.