Chicken bald back

[Sarasaurus]

Hi,

 

My chickens had the run of the garden in Autumn/Winter when there wasn't much they could damage in the garden. however, to protect my plants and give the grass chance to recover we have sectioned off part of the garden leading from their run with the Omlet Chicken fencing.

 

I have no idea how they are doing it (obviously flying), but it's a very skinny run so not really room to get a good run up to fly over.

 

Does anyone have any ideas how to stop it? Wing clipping?

[mullethunter]

Yes!

[Cat tails]

Might be that wing clipping will help. Although one of my hen manages to clear a 50 cm fence with clipped wings anyway. And when scared by the neighbours cat, they manage quite some hight.

But it is definitely worth a try.

[Sarasaurus]

Thanks for the replies everone. I had hoped that as the fencing is 'extra high' I would be able to avoid having to clip their wings but needs must!

[Cat tails]

Wing clipping is easy. Just as invasive as nail clipping on a human.

I used a pair of nail clippers from my cat, as they fit nicely around a feather and you don't have feathers sliding from your scissors.

Just do one wing and I left the last three feathers at the tip of the wing, just for looks.

[Sarasaurus]

I've done it - it seems to be working - so far! I think I got a bit carried away and cut some of the secondary feathers too - no blood or anything but you can see the wings have been cut. I feel really bad having to cut their beautiful wings!

[Sarasaurus]

I can confirm....wing clipping didn't work Three escaped chickens every day!