I don't know the answer for 100% but it seems to me that the amount of weight you would need to keep them from flying would be too much for their legs to support. It might cause joint and tendon damage. They can still fly with those heavy tails. I would not do it myself.
I wish I had a better picture of it- but I thought this guy was being cute displaying for my passing mamma hen and her little chicks. I don't know if everyone has the same experience with these guys, but I love how gentle mine are.
Not wanting to be any part of whatever argument this is, just wanted to say that you have quite the looker there!! You say he is a purple black shoulder silver pied? Beautiful!
I spent quite a bit of money last spring on hatching eggs. The most I got was two that died in she'll before hatching. I'm sure there are plenty of people who have had luck, but I was not one of them- I bought adult and juvenile birds in the fall. If hatching eggs are what you want, go for...
I had 0% luck with shipped hatching eggs. Maybe someone with more pea experience would have better luck. I hatch shipped chicken eggs, but I will never buy another pea-hatching egg. I'm having good luck hatching my own eggs though!
Charcoal is gorgeous, but when I was looking to purchase my birds I found out the charcoal hens don't lay, and charcoal birds don't live as long. It's a pity since they are so beautiful. I will not support the color, since it carries health issues.