Chicken bald back

[jayjay]

Hi all. Have been reading the forum for a while but never logged in. However, I have just experienced a couple of traumatic days and was looking for some advice. I have 2 gorgeous khaki campbells (billie and daphne) and they seem to be very happy. They free range while we are out at work (we have a burn and woods behind the house and a large garden) but on Tuesday Billie (the thinner and more agile of the 2) took flight. She went down into the local village and we couldn't catch her. She came back 2 days later of her own accord much to the delight of her pining(and much fatter) sister. Question - should we clip her wings? I really didn't want to but would be gutted to lose her.

Thanks

JJ

[Guest]

Hi

 

If they have had a bit of a fly about I would clip but as they get fatter and mature you may find they will become too heavy to take off anyway. When I had my khakis they tried to fly as youngsters but soon got too fat. But as you say rather than risk it I would clip it!

 

Good luck

 

indie

[Lewis]

I'd also say to clip

 

It shouldn't do her any harm, and I can't imagine going down to the village would be stress free and she could harm herself so best to be safe

[Lesley]

So would I - as Indie says, as they mature they probably won't fly but better to be safe.

[jayjay]

Thank you - I guess the deed will have to be done. Bill amazed me with her flying - really high and very agile (think her dad was a mallard). The next question is could I do it myself or look around for an expert? I have printed off diagrams and had a good look at what has to be done - it seems straight forward enough. Also should I do daffers too even though she has never taken flight? I am a new duck mum and unsure.

 

Cheers

JJ

[Lewis]

I'd do both, and do it yourself if you're happy to do it.

 

It does seem a bit scary the first time and there might be a bit of blood if you hit the quick, but if you put some cornflour on it should stop

[Guest]

Thank you - I guess the deed will have to be done. Bill amazed me with her flying - really high and very agile (think her dad was a mallard). The next question is could I do it myself or look around for an expert? I have printed off diagrams and had a good look at what has to be done - it seems straight forward enough. Also should I do daffers too even though she has never taken flight? I am a new duck mum and unsure.

 

Cheers

JJ

 

 

Khakis are cross Mallard..they do look like a big mallard! Good luck with the trimming try to find someone with chickens who could show you how to do it if you are not too sure or someone nearby on this site to show??

 

Good luck

indie

[jayjay]

Thanks Indie

 

We are going to give it a go tomorrow. Fingers crossed that it goes well. I think the handling of the girls will be the problem, we haven't really done that before. Once we get the hang of holding them I am sure it will be fine. I will be wmore nervous than the ducks I am sure!

 

I tried topost a pic of them but haven't worked out how yet

 

Thanks again for the advice

 

JJ