Will my chickens be able to fly the fence?

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frickenchicken1

Chirping
Nov 27, 2016
31
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Melbourne, Australia
We have 3 6 month old hyline chickens that I recently just got and I let them, free range around our yard for a bit. Today we let them out, we saw one of them flapping her wings and she sort of flew (like 20 ish cm, of the ground to travel a few feet across the yard) when i saw this i immediately panicked and went insane
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. I saw the other 2 doing this as well. The man we bought them from said they will still have a bit of growing to do and will get heavier. Our fence is around 185cm high, we live im an urban area and our neighbors are right next too us and have a dog. Do you think they'll be able to fly over the fence. I dont want to have to clip thier wings because i've never done it before and i'm not confident, although if they can fly over it i guess i'll just have to learn. How high can your chickems fly, do you think they'll be able to fly over the fence? Thanks
 
My bantam mutts can clear a fence that tall, but they seem more inclined to try than most standard breeds. None of my Rhode Island Reds, Barred Rocks and other breeds I've kept (except Leghorns) have ever really even tried to fly onto a fence. If they tried, they'd probably be too fat. :)

I've never had hyline chickens, but just looking at pictures of the breed, they don't strike me as the flighty kind. Just watch your birds carefully. In my experience, 6 months old is as "adventurous" as they get and they settle down as they mature. If you see any of them eyeing the top of the fence or making an attempt (it took my bantams a few tries), then yes, you should trim their wings, and it's really easy, like trimming hair. :) Otherwise, your fence should be enough to keep them in. Just over 5 feet is enough to keep in my standard-sized chickens.
 
Thank you for the reply, I think i'll just watch over them and if they do happen to fly over i'll clip their wings. Do your birds move around a lot when you clip their wings. Im afraid that while im clipping their wings they might move and i'll accidentally cut flesh.
 
Two of my hens tend to "fly" more than my other 3 hens and they are over a year old. It is normal for them to be that high off the ground from what I understand. Mine usually fly when they want to get to someplace real quick. For instance, they notice I have treats and I am across the yard. My barred rock covers about 20 feet and is about a foot off the ground ... she usually makes a ruckus while doing so. I have also seen them fly when one notices they are separated from the others to join them. I read somewhere they tend not to jump that high to get out of your yard if they feel comfortable and safe. But to answer your question, yes they can clear a wall/fence. Happened to my friend's hens when a coyote got in and they ran for their life. They went right over the wall and into their neighbor's backyard.
 
Thank you for the reply :) and yes, now that I think about it I notice that they usually fly when they want to get somewhere quickly. Wow I never knew that even chickens that have reached a mature age can still be bothered to fly
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, what breed are yours? I guess I'll just have to clip there wings.
 
My fence is only about 4 ft (120cm) and my 3 girls have never so much as looked at the top of the fence. Then again, they don't have any reason to leave.

They are definitely capable, but may not do it :p
 
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They don't move around a lot if you are holding them securely (I hug mine against my body with one arm). If you are nervous you can have someone else hold them, but I've trimmed even the wings of large roos by myself. As long as you only cut the long primary feathers, you will not cut skin.

You can look up "wing trimming diagram" images and tutorials. Also I would practice holding them and spreading their wings a few times before you actual trim. And, be warned, you have to cut kinda hard to get through the thicker feathers, so don't let that freak you out. :)

That's all just in case you do need to trim, which for lots of flocks, you won't. But I'm just saying, if you do, don't worry too much! It's just like a haircut, takes 30 seconds once you know how. :)
 
Chances are they are not going over the fence. How big is your yard?

What you are describing seems like "play" to me. Just running and "flying" just for the fun of it. I wouldn't worry especially if you are supervising the jaunts around your yard.

I have a flock of about 20 birds, some as old as 5 and other this years hatch. They had been cooped up in their house for about 5 days due to bad weather. Sunday it was nice enough I let them out and into the yard. Much to my amazement the chickens had about a minute of running, flapping and flying. Even the old girls took part. They were simply rejoicing in being out of the coop and literally stretching their wings.
 

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