Barred rock flight height?

[Linzal12]

I have a new flock of Barred Rock whenever the dogs get acclimated I plan on letting them free range under supervision. How high can barred rock hens fly? Is there any way to "clip" their wings.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

My fence is 6 ft high and I've had a few go over it, but most of them stay inside

 

[ChicKat]

Congratulations on your new flock.

Barred Rocks are wonderful birds. It is SURPRISING how far and high a chicken can fly. You have to take into consideration the age and weight of the bird----light weight pullets can fly higher than heavier mature hens.

Wing clipping is quite easy.....

Here is a link to byc https://www.backyardchickens.com/LC-wingclipping.html

If your chickens are docile and easily handled, you can do it yourself no problems. If your chickens are less tame, you may want to enlist the help of a friend. If your chickens are very flighty, catch them 'after dark' when they are in zombie mode, wrap in a towel to contain any struggling, flapping, clawing, panic attack that the chicken may exhibit.....and have the towel wrapped so that you can access one wing. Clip only the Ends of flight feathers on one wing...this will unbalance the take off. The wing clipping will last until the next molt. (They can stlll amaze you with their ability even with clipped wings).

If you feel very uncertain--- there are quite a few web videos out there showing people clipping for the first time....and you will get the drift fairly easily.

 

[lorain's fids]

I have seen mine fly around 4 feet high. I do keep their wings clipped, but yesterday when I seen how high they could go I trimmed just their left wings yesterday. Hopfully this will unbalance them in their atempt to fly.

 

[gretamae]

My rocks could fly over our 5 foot fence when they were younger (and lighter weight).

They are great birds! I have a 9 year old barred rock who is so crotchety and mean, but so clever and curious still! I love her!

Wing clipping is easy and harmless; I definitely recommend it if you want your birds to stay on one side! ChicKat is right on with the clipping advice.

 

[Auscal]

My barred rock easily hops up on the 4 ft picket fence regularly , but, has never gone over 5 1/5" chain link.