Fence height

I have 4 RIR that are full grown. If I clip their wings, do you think a 3' fence will keep them in?

It might be high enough but I would go with a 4 foot fence or above to be more positive of it. A 3 foot fence may still be a little to small. It all depends on the breed u have to.

Here is a link to more info about it https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/487969/how-high-can-chickens-jump-fly/10

Hope this helped!!!

I recently upgraded from a 40" plastic fence to a 48" welded wire fence. One of my Wyandottes insisted on flying over the plastic fence into the garden. She did it with such frequency that she eventually learned to meet me at the gate when she saw me come out of the house rather than be chased around. I had read somewhere & I think it was here that they don't like picket fences. The wire fence however, was half the price & I figure I could weave a picket into the wire fence every 6" or so if necessary. So far it has not proved necessary!

marktoo said:

I recently upgraded from a 40" plastic fence to a 48" welded wire fence.  One of my Wyandottes insisted on flying over the plastic fence into the garden.  She did it with such frequency that she eventually learned to  meet me at the gate when she saw me come out of the house rather than be chased around.  I had read somewhere & I think it was here that they don't like picket fences.  The wire fence however, was half the price & I figure I could weave a picket into the wire fence every 6" or so if necessary.  So far it has not proved necessary! 

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Had you clipped their wings?

barneveldrerman said:

It might be high enough but I would go with a 4 foot fence or above to be more positive of it. A 3 foot fence may still be a little to small. It all depends on the breed u have to.

Here is a link to more info about it https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/487969/how-high-can-chickens-jump-fly/10

Hope this helped!!!

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They are RIR hens.

Ok, I would go with a 4 ft. Fence or higher. What a wonderful breed you have!

My Leghorns can easily fly out of the 4' high uncovered fenced area. They will stay there to scratch around, then just one easy leap out of there whenever they want. Not sure if clipping their wings would contain them, but put putting a roof over definitely will.

Jtfoster said:

Had you clipped their wings?

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No, never clipped her wings

I have 4 SL Wyandotte's, and I do not clip their wings. I do have an enclosed run attached to their coop, but I leave the gate open during the day; so they can free range as much as they want. There are times that they will actually roost on my deck, or on top of their run on warmer nights, and I don't mind it at all. I live in a neighborhood, and I only have a 4 foot high fence that they can (and have) fly over. However my neghboors like my chickens, and my flock don't ever go past their yard. So if you have very happy chickens like me, and they are happy at your place, then you shouldn't have to worry about them running away. Now there are a few things you should consider first. Know that there are risk. Predators are first and foremost the biggest problem. I have been extremely lucky that I have not lost any. I do try to spend as much time as I can outside with them, and I have trained my dog that chickens are friends not food (haha) and I leave him out with them most of the time. I also feel that even if they were to be hurt or worse, they are happier free ranging then confined. This is just my opinion of course. For me and mine, it works out wonderfully, I wish you the best of luck!!!

If it's a timber fence I'm going to say probably not. I've kept mine (not rir) in with 3 foot plastic wire and tomato stakes but the same birds have escaped an 8 foot timber capped fence. I think they will jump further if they can do it in two goes rather than having to fly right over in one because there is nothing to stand on half way.

Breed and personality will also play a part.