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| Clipping a wing
is not the same as pinioning, a procedure done to day old keets.
To
pinion involves clipping the primary and secondary feathers of
one wing, removing the bony part of the wing as well. Day old keets
will not bleed like older guineas would, which is why this is done
shortly after birth. Pinioning is a permanent one-time procedure,
used mostly by hatcheries to confine breeding stock.
This flock of guinea fowl pictured below has had their wings clipped to keep them confined inside a fenced area during laying season. A quote from the owner: " I do not pinion, just clip. I usually clip every 10-12 weeks, or some grow faster than others, and as needed for those who escape during laying season. When egg season is done, however, I don't clip. Usually I start about March, catching as can catch and clipping and stop clipping in July. That way they have 8-10 weeks to regrow before they stop laying in September. They can get off the ground - regardless - I don't clip that short. Mine are only in a 5 ft fence and they can get 1/2 way up after I clip wings. " In either case, clipping ONE wing will make the bird unbalanced so that it is not able to get over fencing. Please note, I do not recommend this procedure for you if you raise your birds for gardening with guineas. When on range, guinea fowl need to be able to fly up and away from predators if necessary. These procedures are used mostly by hatcheries or individuals into exhibiting or showing, or for those who might be raising guinea fowl for meat or egg production. |
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