Bad chicken!

[marktoo]

My 4 hens have a netted run, approx. 225 square feet. They also have a much larger fenced area which they get to roam when we are at home. One of the girls insists upon flying over the 40" plastic fence into the garden area. I can tell from the way she acts that she knows I am not happy with this. After I herd her back into the fenced area if I am able to catch her, which is not too often, as I said she knows, I place her in a small enclosure for 15 or 20 minutes. I have only recently started doing this. Will she eventually make the connection & cease this unwanted behavior or am I wasting my time? Thanks!

 

[donrae]

I think she'll make the connection between being caught and being placed in isolation. I don't think she'll connect isolation with going in the garden.

 

[Mrs. K]

I agree, instead take the hose, and spray the daylights out of her, not stopping till she is out of the garden. A few times, and she should be cured.

Well, just so not to offend and for clarity. Make sure you get the hose so it naturally drives her toward the gate or fence line, spray the force mostly at her feet. you want to scare her, not kill her.

 

[marktoo]

Thanks! That might work! I wish the chucklehead would just fly back the way she came, instead of me having to secure the others before opening the gate so she can walk through when the wife is not around to open the gate.

 

[marktoo]

So now, when the chicken has flown over the fence sees me come out of the door she walks over & meets me by the gate so I pick her up & place on the other side of the fence. No need to go through all that trouble of getting the hose. See how thoughtful she is!

 

[Outpost JWB]

That's cute! Crazy chickens!