The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: BML on April 09, 2019, 11:41:55 pm

Title: Action to stop Chickens attempting break out.
Post by: BML on April 09, 2019, 11:41:55 pm

I found my three chickens had flown onto the top of their chicken house from where they could have escaped.  What can I do to stop their antics?

Title: Re: Action to stop Chickens attempting break out.
Post by: bj_cardiff on April 10, 2019, 07:04:35 am

clip the flight feathers from one of their wings

Title: Re: Action to stop Chickens attempting break out.
Post by: hampshiresmallholder on April 10, 2019, 10:59:58 am

Yes clip the first ten outer feathers with scissors. Make sure you dont hit the quills or you will make them bleed.

They will regrow when they moult so will need doing every year

Title: Re: Action to stop Chickens attempting break out.
Post by: Fleecewife on April 10, 2019, 12:25:15 pm

They just wanted somewhere to perch high up.  Put up higher fences, or a net over the top of their pen, and make sure there's plenty in there to keep them interested.  I hate the idea of wing clipping as the birds can no longer get away from a fox or dog if free ranging, but it wouldn't stop them getting on top of their house.

Title: Re: Action to stop Chickens attempting break out.
Post by: doganjo on April 10, 2019, 05:01:14 pm

I agree. I have never clipped wings for that very reason although it didn't stop a fox getting into my old run and taking all bar one.  So i don't know what the answer is