Locking up previously free ranged hens

Date sort Score sort
bobbi-j said:
I really don't think OP is upset about the neighbors asking her to keep her chickens on her own property - she's just trying to figure out the best thing to do with her chickens now. OP, correct me if I'm wrong...
Click to expand...


No, I'm not upset about them asking. As I said, I am technically in the wrong now. It's just frustrating because when I first got them, they said it was no problem that they were free range, and now it is.

My post is intended to figure out the best means for care for them now that I need to make changes.
 
This sparked an idea.. If I clip their wings, how high can they still jump?

A small garden fence that can be easily put up and taken down could be doable so that they still get yard time. As long as they won't get stir crazy being stuck to their coop area for the majority of the day.
 
Last edited:
Hopefully someone who has actually clipped wings will chime in. I live on a farm and my nearest neighbors are 1/2 mile from here, and my run is covered, so I have never had to clip wings.
 
I have had to pen mine up due to predators, and they do get used to it. I think they still produce healthy eggs. They get outside, get fresh air, and any bug that goes in the coop/run. Unless you cannot create a run, making a run/coup and keeping your birds in it 24/7 won't be that big of deal after a week. Chickens get used to things, but hate change.

summer is coming and you could go out for a bit in the evening with a long stick, and keep them on your side if you wanted to. However, at first, don't let them out. Pretty soon 'out' will be strange and they will be a bit uncomfortable there.

I have found the more you let them out, the farther they range.

Mrs K
 
Mrs. K said:
I have had to pen mine up due to predators, and they do get used to it. I think they still produce healthy eggs. They get outside, get fresh air, and any bug that goes in the coop/run. Unless you cannot create a run, making a run/coup and keeping your birds in it 24/7 won't be that big of deal after a week. Chickens get used to things, but hate change.

summer is coming and you could go out for a bit in the evening with a long stick, and keep them on your side if you wanted to. However, at first, don't let them out. Pretty soon 'out' will be strange and they will be a bit uncomfortable there. 

I have found the more you let them out, the farther they range.

Mrs K
Click to expand...


Thanks, this is helpful. I'm toying with the idea of running temporary fence through part of the yard.. If they are in for a couple of weeks then that smaller area might satisfy them for a supervised run area.
 
I live in town and clip some of my more adventurous chickens wings so they do not go visit neighbors gardens. Our fence is 6 feet tall and they definately don't get over that. Most will not jump our shorter garden fence which is probably 3 and half feet tall. The short fence is not 100%, but close. None of my girls older than 2 need to be clipped, they just don't jump over any of the fences.

Clip both wings, or some will figure out how to still fly over the fence.

Good luck.
 
OrganicFarmWife said:
Same here. I know someone who has clipped duck wings, but I cannot think of anyone who has done chickens.
Click to expand...
'Clipping wings' usually means cutting off the flight feathers to reduce flying ability and is done to many chickens, must be repeated after each molt.
'Pinioning' is where the actual wing bones are cut off at the last joint, more often done to waterfowl at hatch, and is a permanent one time deal.
Very different techniques.

AuroraofEarth said:
Quote: Exactly!
Just make sure your run is adequately sized for the number of birds you have, roofing(solid or mesh) might be a good idea to protect from aerial predators and to keep them in there. Might have to do some water runoff control, and get some bedding(deep litter) in there to mitigate the mud and muck that will arise after they clear the area of vegetation. You could plant grazing frames for some greenery to nibble on.
Click to expand...
 

Similar threads

jroyalimage
    • Haha
Allowing old rooster or young cockerel to free range
Replies
6
Views
815
Perris
Perris
C
    • Like
Free Range
Replies
7
Views
1K
McChooky
McChooky
Ruth1966
Free Range Part Time
Replies
4
Views
503
aart
aart
Party_Chicken
Free ranging
2
Replies
11
Views
1K
Party_Chicken
Party_Chicken
tori729
    • Like
Best times to free range and keep your grass green
2 3
Replies
22
Views
3K
bhawk-23
bhawk-23

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom