kizzistaff Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 I am not sure whether to clip my new chickens wings before I let them free range in my garden. I had 6 ex batts last year and was told by the NHWT not to clip as chickens cant fly, however a couple managed to get into a neighbours garden although I have 6 ft fences. They used a rabbit hutch and a decking post as stepping stones I think. After that though we didnt have any probs and I moved the rabbit hutch to prevent it happening again. I have just rescued 4 ex barn/free range chickens from Freechooks farm and am wondering after looking at some posts whether to clip their wings or not. They seem a bit more athletic than the ex batts and arent as tame. I do have 6ft fencing all round the garden Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 All my hens fly but the worst culprits are the dumpies and the sablepoot. I haven't clipped their wings and can't bring myself to. However I think a 6' fence would defeat even them Hopefullt since yours no longer have a "launch pad" they will be safe. Fingers crossed. Alli x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heth1986 Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Naughty chickens! I think it's very dependant on the chooks to be honest, my hybrid girls jumped out of their run when I first got them (only 4 foot fences) so I put some netting up aswell, about 6.5 feet high, and one of them STILL managed to get over that! I have since clipped all of their wings because I simply don't want to upset my neighbours and to be honest, now they've settled in and know where they belong, they don't even try to jump over even though I've taken the netting down again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
