Ophelia Posted November 30, 2009 Share Posted November 30, 2009 Hello I have two questions for all you kind knowledge sharing people. I have 4 ex-batts and was wondering if I needed to clip their wings. My garden is surrounded by a 6 ft fence but if the girls got over the fence they would end up where the fox lives or would be able to get on to the main road. Could they clear a 6 ft fence? All this rain is making everything so damp. Their run is covered so the ground is not soaking. I am concerned that if they are constantly damp they might catch a cold or something worse. Is there anything I should do for them? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooped Up Posted November 30, 2009 Share Posted November 30, 2009 Wing clipping can be a good thing, but also bad. If the hens have their wings clipped they won't get out of your enclosure but if you don't clip them, they do have a bit more of a chance of escaping from a fox. I bet the fox could get over the 6foot fence if he tried though. Difficult one for the best answer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted November 30, 2009 Share Posted November 30, 2009 I don't clip mine for 2 reasons... 1 I like to feel it gives them a better chance of getting away if Mr F ever shows his face, like you I worried to start with but needn't have because 2. they don't seem to try.. ever I think this is normal with the ex bats though there will no doubt be exceptions to this. They are far more interested in being near where we are! Very sadly Mr Fox WILL have NO difficuty in getting over a 6ft fence. Piece of cake LOTS of Fox postings on all the forums sadly!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mabelandflosmum Posted November 30, 2009 Share Posted November 30, 2009 I clip my chicken's wings, they can fly up to 4 feet but as they are getting older they don't try very often! I have 6 foot fences all around the garden but don't trust Mr Fox so only let them out to free range when I am around. As fpr the wet, my two don't seem to mind constantly wet feet and are stupid enough to stay out scratching around in the rain rather than shelter in their nice covered run Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Shirl Posted November 30, 2009 Share Posted November 30, 2009 It depends on the size and weight of the hens how high they can fly. My chooks are smallish so they can fly high. We have a walled garden and they have the capability of flying up onto the 7ft wall, but they never do. They do however fly up to 11ft into a tree at night. Personally I like the fact that they can get out of trouble should the need ever arise. It has already saved them from a dog attack. (Thank heavens) Funny how hens don't seem to mind getting wet. It only rains a few times a year here, but they stay out in howling winds and pouring rain. They survived a hurrican roosting in the trees, they just sat it out. Next morning they were scratching around looking for worms as if nothing had happened. We all worry too much just can't help it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ophelia Posted November 30, 2009 Author Share Posted November 30, 2009 Thanks for all your advice. I do worry a little too much but I want them to have a happy, safe life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted December 1, 2009 Share Posted December 1, 2009 Hello Ophelia, Ihaven't clipped my ladies wings either. 2 reasons, Firstly my ex batt has absolutely no inclination to fly . Athough my other ladies do fly and my araucana frequently does ,the vet said that clipping her will simply cause her to injure herself.So we let her live as she likes We are usually successful in getting her into the WIR but then she roosts high up on a perch, completely ignoring her warm snug Eglu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
