To clip or not to clip, that is the question around here these days. At least that is what is on my mind every time I look at our beautiful chickens confined to the 5' x 10' chicken tractor. Sure they get plenty of food and their needs are met but I miss seeing them freely roaming the landscape. We have a section of property that is fenced off for the goats which is perfect for the chickens to free range. The problem is that they fly over the 8 foot fence, beaks smiling (if that's possible). My latest proposition is to clip their wings. They can free range and be happy. No scratching in my garden...everyone is happy. Unfortunately I am out numbered 3 to 1. Dad and kids are adamant that clipping is cruel. Well, they can't fly in the chicken tractor I say. So I will be working on them to change their minds...What do you all think?
First off, clipping isn't cruel in the sense that the chickens can't feel that you are clipping their wings. They might get a little frustrated at first, but it isn't painful. We clipped our americaunas wings in the spring of 2010, but it didn't do much good. They continued to try to fly around and their wings grew back incredibly fast. However, within a week or two of still allowing them to free range when we were available to keep an eye on them, they stopped trying to fly away and instead, were happy to peck around at the endless supply of weeds and bugs. We haven't clipped their wings since. Good luck in your battle...it's never fun to be out numbered!
ReplyDeleteWe clip our birds' wings to keep them safely out of neighbors' yards and away from their dogs. It's painless (like cutting your fingernails as long as you don't cut too short). I think it's less cruel to let them free range but not fly 8' in the air than to leave them in the tractor all day (still not all that cruel, but if that's their comparison, then yes, more cruel). They will still be able to fly, just not as high. And if you do clip, just clip one wing, not both. We had one that could still get over the fence when both were equally clipped. Just clipping one throws them off balance when they try to fly.
ReplyDeleteMy chickens are contained by a 3-1/2 ft high fence between the barnyard and the garden patio. My trick? Get only heavy birds. They weight 7-8 lbs when fully grown and therefore aren't good flyers. Also, running them with the goats means that the ground in the barnyard is full of tasty grubs and worms. Why would they want to go over the fence where the ground is flagstones?
ReplyDeleteYou might want to read the blog post I just put up concerning breeds.
http://www.havenscourthomestead.com/2012/08/heavy-weight-champion-chickens.html
As for clipping wings, it is not cruel and it doesn't hurt. But know that it may or may not solve your problem. Even with one wing clipped, most Ameracuana hens can clear a higher fence if they decide they want to get to the other side. I imagine the same is true for other medium sized breeds.
Thanks Kitty, this post was from last year and I ended up clipping their wings right after. I haven't had any escapees since, except for our one feral hen who refuses to be domesticated.
ReplyDeleteOh and yes they are a major help with breaking down all the goat and cow poo!
ReplyDelete