Did'nt know 5+ week old babies could fly

[terry's chicks]

We have 26 coming 6 weeks old chicks, we were just starting to let them out in their run yesterday while we were finishing a few things, the run is 25'x25' outside walls completely fenced 6 1/2' tall, then some rafters that go up to 8' that we are going to put netting over. Never thought but something scared one, she flew up to about the 7' height of one of the rafters hit her head, shes fine but we won't be letting them out until we get the netting on. Just really surprised, it was one of RIRs.

 

[pharmchickrnmom]

Yup--just when you think you have them all figured out they go and mess with your head!!! Unless you want to clip wings, keep em locked up until the net is up! Its natural that they want to roost high. My girls can get some distance but are too heavy for height, except for one. However, she is too worried that someone might get something good to be bothered to leave the flock!!!