Wings clipped but still fly

L

Lily1234

New member
Joined
Jul 27, 2020
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Hi,
Please can anyone tell me why my miniature silver apple yards can fly over their fence, which is 3ft high, when their wings have been clipped. Really baffled, saw the drake take off way above 3ft and land in the garden several feet from his pen. They are easily caught, thankfully, put back in, but worried we'll lose them. Many thanks
 
You just clipped one wing on each bird, right? It could be because they are light enough to still get the height needed.
 
Yes, one wing clipped, we thought it was supposed to unbalance them, does that mean we should clip both? He certainly has some height, may not be able to sustain it, but enough to get him out. Thanks for your reply, much appreciated.
 
aww mine are the same, pretty determined! How many of the flights have you clipped? the first 10 is the standard I think....
 
We clipped one wing at least 10 flights. Yesterday was the first time he (Stan) flew out, but Ella, one of his ladies, has flown too, although she just wanted to get straight back in. Just worried they will repeat it, so looking for a solution if possible. Waited a long time for these guys, had to travel from IOW to Bristol to get them, they are much loved
 
You might have to extend your fence height. I don't have ducks, but one of my chickens managed to clear a 5ft fence. I think it was more luck than anything. There was something she was perching on inside the fence, and she just took off in the wrong direction, and ended up outside the pen. I put an extension of bird netting at that spot, and there've been no escapees since.
 
Thank you for replies, will try clipping both wings, then raising fence if that doesn't work! :)
 
I've had this problem with new pullets in a 3ft high pen. I fixed some butterfly netting over the top and tied it to the posts. When they flew up they just bounced back off it! They soon settled down and stopped trying. i don't know if this works for ducks?

It's a pity to have to resort to clipping wings if it can be avoided. Would your low fence offer any protection against predators? maybe they'd be safer if they could fly out safely if a fox arrived?
 
Hi, yes they are safer inside, it's not just a fox, we have a dog, next door have two, flying into the garden or elsewhere, is a risky business for them. Will look into netting over, thanks for suggestion, you have all been very helpful, it's much appreciated thank you
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Back
Top