3-foot fence high enough for large breeds?

[StinkyAcres]

I'm considering converting my sheep pen into a chicken pen sometime in the future (might be a long time!). The fencing is 3-foot high welded wire with a strand of electric at the top and I'm guesstimating the area is around 1000 square feet. I want large breeds, specifically Brahmas, Jersey Giants, and Freedom Rangers. Would these breeds be able to fly over the fence? Are they likely to try?

I realize predators can still get in if they really wanted to, but I think it's better than free ranging as long as the chickens stay inside the pen (and I might move the electric wire or add another one closer to the ground).

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Not necessarily, I've had a Jersey Giant hen go over a 6' fence daily.
Perhaps the electric wire will be a deterrent. The birds first like to perch on the top of the fence before they go over. That could be a problem. They will jump to the top wire, potentially get zapped and continue over. If they got zapped, they may not be willing to do the return trip.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Thanks, @ChickenCanoe Wow, does she climb the fence or fly straight over? I don't think I've seen my regular size chickens fly that high!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I currently raise a breed that won't go over a 2' fence if not pressed by a human or any other predator.
If pressed, they can fly to the top of a building but otherwise, they are content to stay where they are. They are more likely to crawl under a fence than to go over my mostly 3' fences.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Thanks, @ChickenCanoe Wow, does she climb the fence or fly straight over? I don't think I've seen my regular size chickens fly that high!

No, she would fly to the top wire, sit there for a bit and then fly down the other side.

 

[StinkyAcres]

What kind of fencing do you have? I'd be surprised if a chicken could sit on top of my fence, even without the electric wire. It's very thin and we didn't pull it very tight.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Oh the fence definitely teeters when they sit on it but it is what we used to call hog wire. It is woven wire. I don't raise anything but Penedesencas any more so it no longer happens.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Ok, yes, I think I know what kind of fence you are talking about. I guess I will just have to expect some escapees no matter the size of the birds.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

X2
Expecting bad things to happen is the best first approach.