Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
al and private express mail services have resulted in better success rates and less stress
— not only for the birds but also for their new owners!
Will They Fly?
If you don't plan on releasing your birds once they're full-grown, you may decide that
you want to
pinion
them. Pinioning involves cutting off the tip of the wing with a pair
of scissors when the bird is several days old. By trimming the wing tip, you prevent the
development of flight feathers and ground the bird for life. They will never be able to
get more than a few feet off the ground.
Grounding birds in this way definitely makes them easier to catch if they manage to
get out of their pen, but the wing cutting also destroys some of their natural beauty.
If you decide to pinion a game bird's wings, you must do it when the baby is about two
days old.
You should decide whether or not pinioning your flock is right for you before you
even hatch any birds. The wing cutting must be done when they are only a day or two
old; you can't wait several weeks and then decide to do it. Remember, you can't pinion
your birds when they're young, then release them later on, or they will be easy prey for
all kinds of hungry critters.
Hatching Eggs
If you decide to start with eggs, remember that although this route appears cheaper than
purchasing day-olds, there are a number of risks involved. Shipping can be a tough ex-
