jackian Posted July 28, 2011 Share Posted July 28, 2011 When we first received our 3 girls from Omlet 6 weeks ago the lovely man showed me how to clip their wings. We have a smallish garden which they roam about in (well it was a garden) and they are doing great..Today Florrie one of my Ginger rangers was up on the old BBQ (unlit phew!) and then with a flutter of wings on to our kitchen window...About 2 foot below our 6 foot fence.. 1.. Will she get over that 2.. How often are wings clipped 3...How do I pluck up the courage to clip them One neighbour one side is fine and would help save the day , the other... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuckyChickenLover- Posted July 28, 2011 Share Posted July 28, 2011 She'll get over it, don't worry. I THINK that wing clipping is done every time a chicken moults, so roughly once a year. I could be wrong though, mine aren't a problem so I don't clip theirs. EDIT: Just found this. Hope that helps! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted July 28, 2011 Share Posted July 28, 2011 You need to clip just one wing on each bird, both wings clipped is as good as useless Its easy to do - there is a youtube video of how to do it It needs to be done every time the bird renews its feathers so once at 14 weeks ish (if necessary) again when adult feathers are through at about 20 weeks ish and again yearly after the moult If it was done at the time the hen was delivered then it shouldnt need doing again but compare the wing to the youtube video and take a bit more off if necessary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted July 28, 2011 Share Posted July 28, 2011 I'd keep them clipped until the hen is about 6 months old, then the should know to stay at home. I always clip the left wing as the hen is slightly heavier on that side and it helps to stop them taking off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackian Posted July 29, 2011 Author Share Posted July 29, 2011 Thank you for your replies and help, I have a reprieve for a while at least, with time to learn more about it. The people on here are so helpful and full of knowledge ,I could not have got so much of advice from a book I'm sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnandkymberley Posted July 29, 2011 Share Posted July 29, 2011 Yes i agree with dogmother the left side is what i cut, the only caution you have to take is to make sure you know where the blood vessels are in the wing, then cut around 1-2inch below that at bout 6-7 feathers in, one youve done it you will know how to do it everytime. Also i try and get my straight so theres not one feather longer etc xxxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 30, 2011 Share Posted July 30, 2011 You shouldn't be going anywhere near an area with blood vessels. Just stick to the primary feathers. There are several youtube videos demonstrating how to do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted July 30, 2011 Share Posted July 30, 2011 I'd keep them clipped until the hen is about 6 months old, then the should know to stay at home. I agree, I have only ever clipped mine once. After a short while they learn where home is and don't bother to try and go further afield (apart from the kitchen every time the back door is left open - to poo it would appear ) You shouldn't be anywhere near cutting blood vessels if she are doing it properly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted July 30, 2011 Share Posted July 30, 2011 Try these photos, it's not difficult at all, just cut the primary flight feathers across with some sharp scissors, just like cutting toenails. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
