How to Cut Hens' Feathers

A few chickens running around the yard can liven up the scenery, but if a hen gets loose over the fence, a neighbor's normally docile pet could have your chicken for dinner. Clipping the wigs will keep the hen from flying more than a few inches off the ground and isn't harmful to the chicken. To effectively clip the chicken's wings, it is best if two people perform the job. One to hold the chicken still and the other to do the clipping.

Things You'll Need

  • Sharp scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pick up and hold the chicken firmly. The chicken will attempt to flee, so you must be firm in your grasp.

    • 2

      Hold one wing out until the long flying feathers fan outwards. They are hidden when the wing is tucked, but when the wing is extended, they will stand out clearly from the other feathers. The flying feathers are much longer than the other feathers and are often a different color.

    • 3

      Clip approximately one third of the length off of the flying feathers, which is generally three inches. The highest cutting point should be an inch below the second set of feathers. The second set of feathers are soft, small, rounded and closer together.

    • 4

      Hold the other wing out and quickly clip the flying feathers approximately three inches.

    • 5

      Check that both sides have taken off enough feather length and trim, if necessary.