While we were visiting our friends the other night we got to help out with their little backyard flock of backyard chickens.  In their neighborhood, like many today, they may keep a handful of hens.  Understandably however, their neighbors would like them to keep said hens in their own backyard. In order to afford the birds some freedom to scratch and stretch their legs they allow them out each day.  Every few months they get their wings clipped to keep them from literally 'flying the coop' and wandering into nearby yards.  

It was quick and painless work – just like getting a haircut so long as you don't clip so far down the feather as to hit a vein. (much like trimming a dog's nails)  Basically you catch the chicken and cover her face a moment.  This simulates the sleep position of a bird putting their heads under their wings.  Instant calm.  Someone else spreads a wing and trims the longer primary feathers, the first ten on each wing. In no time each bird rejoined her flock.   

Let me tell you after years of owning chickens who routinely flew the coop we feel really silly now.  So easy.  You can read more here and here  A real life science for the week.