Clipped Wings, but My Hens Are Still Flying Over the FenceWhat Went Wrong?

Understand flock dynamics, such as pecking order and territorial behavior. Share tips on training birds to come when called, return to the coop, and coexist peacefully.
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CoopBuilder
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Re: Clipped Wings, but My Hens Are Still Flying Over the FenceWhat Went Wrong?

Post by CoopBuilder »

My Marans are escape artists too! I've found that clipping works, but only if I trim far enough back. Try reclipping and also watch for any roosts or objects they might be jumping from.
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Hensational
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Re: Clipped Wings, but My Hens Are Still Flying Over the FenceWhat Went Wrong?

Post by Hensational »

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!


I learned the hard way that a single-wing clip doesn't always work for every bird. My Marans still managed to fly, so I had to trim a bit more than usual. Maybe try a second round of clipping?
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