SueChick Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 We live in Walderslade, Chatham and really need some help to wing clip two hens - we are going to free range them a bit now due to boredom leading to feather pecking but they aren't clipped and we have low fences. My husband refuses to help and I can't do it on my own as I really don't know what I'm doing! Could someone please come and help us if at all possible??? We would pay for petrol costs and chick In a bottle of wine for your trouble! Many, many thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 Wing clipping is really easy. I have done it on my own too for the first time. Just caught the chickens one by on when they where shut in the coop. Took them out and put them with their feet on the table. Sort of held my left arm over the chicken, so it wouldn't escape and held the right wing with my left hand. Then just had a pair of kitchen scissors and clipped a number of feathers. There are a number of useful tutorials on this forum and also on Youtube. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimnpaula Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 Hiya! I can help you - I've never clipped wings though, so can only offer more hands... Paula Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckmum6 Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 It is really easy to do, although the first time it would be best to have someone to hold the hen and her wing. Just open out the wing, you will see the flight feathers fan out, they are the largest feathers and come from the front of the wing going about half way back. You want a pair of scissors and you need to cut the most prominent feathers, a bit above the second layer of shorter feather, take off about 8 or 9. I have had to do both wings on the most determined hens, although one is often enough to make them unbalanced enough to stay on the ground. This might make things clearer, it is like cutting your toes nails, it doesn't hurt the hen. http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-to-clip-trim-the-wings-of-your-chicken-to-prevent-flight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavclojak Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 Hiya! I can help you - I've never clipped wings though, so can only offer more hands... Paula Your always ready to help Paula, bless you, your so sweet and kind xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SueChick Posted May 25, 2014 Author Share Posted May 25, 2014 Thanks for the kind offer of holding her but that bit is ok - it's the actual cutting that's freaking me out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickanne Posted May 26, 2014 Share Posted May 26, 2014 It does not hurt them and is just like you cutting your own nails. Sit on a low stool or step so you can use your knees to hold them as they stand facing you. You can spread the wing over your knee/leg and use two hands to hold the wing and scissors, Give them plenty of their favourite treats before and after and I promise you they will not mind at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted May 26, 2014 Share Posted May 26, 2014 If it really makes you squeamish, you could practice on some shed feathers, you find around the garden. To get a sense how it feels to actually cut a feather. If you ever have cut the nails of a cat/dog, the feeling is very similar. Doesn't hurt the animal one bit, they don't alsways enjoy being held. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
