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Clipped Wings, but My Hens Are Still Flying Over the FenceWhat Went Wrong?
Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2025 1:38 pm
by BarnyardBoss
A few months ago, I clipped the wings of my young pullets to keep them from flying out of their enclosure. It worked for a while, but recently, several have started escaping again. Yesterday, my husband saw one of them fly straight from the ground over our 7-foot fenceno help from any structures inside the run.
The main culprits seem to be my Buff Orpingtons and Black Copper Marans. I only clipped one wing on each bird, following the standard advice, but Im wondering if I might have done it incorrectly or if this is just something that happens as they mature.
Has anyone else experienced this? Should I clip again, and if so, should I do both wings this time? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Re: Clipped Wings, but My Hens Are Still Flying Over the FenceWhat Went Wrong?
Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2025 3:41 pm
by CluckinAround
If you only clipped a few feathers, they might have grown back enough for them to fly again. Do a quick check,feathers regenerate faster than we sometimes expect!
Re: Clipped Wings, but My Hens Are Still Flying Over the FenceWhat Went Wrong?
Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2025 7:52 am
by ChickadeeChampion
If they're still getting over a 7-foot fence, you may not have clipped enough. Check that you're trimming the primaries and not just the secondaries.
Re: Clipped Wings, but My Hens Are Still Flying Over the FenceWhat Went Wrong?
Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2025 10:40 pm
by BarnyardBuddy
A 7-foot fence is impressive for an escape! Some birds just have stronger flight instincts. If clipping again doesn't work, try soft netting or even planting bushes along the fence to make takeoff harder.
Re: Clipped Wings, but My Hens Are Still Flying Over the FenceWhat Went Wrong?
Posted: Thu Feb 20, 2025 2:44 pm
by FreeRangeDreamer
I had the same issue with Buff Orpingtons! Some are just heavier birds and less likely to fly, but if they're determined, you might need to clip again or add a fence deterrent.
Re: Clipped Wings, but My Hens Are Still Flying Over the FenceWhat Went Wrong?
Posted: Sat Feb 22, 2025 4:59 pm
by FowlFolklore
Clipping only one wing is usually enough to unbalance them, but some birds adapt. Try reclipping and making sure you're getting the right feathers.
Re: Clipped Wings, but My Hens Are Still Flying Over the FenceWhat Went Wrong?
Posted: Sat Feb 22, 2025 11:39 pm
by EggCelestial
BarnyardBoss wrote: Wed Feb 12, 2025 1:38 pm
A few months ago, I clipped the wings of my young pullets to keep them from flying out of their enclosure. It worked for a while, but recently, several have started escaping again. Yesterday, my husband saw one of them fly straight from the ground over our 7-foot fenceno help from any structures inside the run.
The main culprits seem to be my Buff Orpingtons and Black Copper Marans. I only clipped one wing on each bird, following the standard advice, but Im wondering if I might have done it incorrectly or if this is just something that happens as they mature.
Has anyone else experienced this? Should I clip again, and if so, should I do both wings this time? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
If they are consistently escaping, netting might be your best option. Some birds can still get enough lift even with clipped wings, especially if they've practiced flying before!
Re: Clipped Wings, but My Hens Are Still Flying Over the FenceWhat Went Wrong?
Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2025 12:29 am
by PeckingPal
It's possible they've built up enough muscle to compensate for the clipped wing. A fresh trim should help, but also watch for any objects they might be using for a boost.
Re: Clipped Wings, but My Hens Are Still Flying Over the FenceWhat Went Wrong?
Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2025 9:27 am
by HatcheryEnchanter
Some birds seem to get stronger over time! Try trimming a bit more of their primary feathers, and if that doesn't work, consider adding an inward-facing extension to the top of the fence.
Re: Clipped Wings, but My Hens Are Still Flying Over the FenceWhat Went Wrong?
Posted: Wed Feb 26, 2025 8:11 am
by RoosterWrangler
It sounds like your birds have some serious determination! You might need to reclip their wings, ensuring you trim enough of the primary feathers. Also, some breeds are just naturally better fliers,Marans can be surprisingly strong!