Breeds VS Flying

[Jewellan]

I was going to let my Chickens Free range, but they are good little flyers. They jump up on something and then fly up even higher to another point. My backyard is nearly a fourth of an acre. I can't put a roof over my entire backyard, So My question is this..... Are there breeds that do not fly well? If so what are those breeds. Also would clipping their wings prevent this sort of thing from happening? Is it cruel to do that?



They use the ramp and fly up to this pole. Smart little pullets!

 

[earlybird10842]

I was going to let my Chickens Free range, but they are good little flyers. They jump up on something and then fly up even higher to another point. My backyard is nearly a fourth of an acre. I can't put a roof over my entire backyard, So My question is this..... Are there breeds that do not fly well? If so what are those breeds. Also would clipping their wings prevent this sort of thing from happening? Is it cruel to do that?



They use the ramp and fly up to this pole. Smart little pullets!

Well, larger breeds such as brahmas and orps can often get too fat to fly well. Yes, clipping their wings is probably a pretty good solution. It isn't cruel or painful. It's like getting a haircut.

 

[Primo]

How tall is your fence? What type? What breed of chickens do you have? If your fence does not have a top rail (field fence, horse fence, welded wire etc.) they will be less likely to breach it as they can't see a clear perch to land on. If your fence does have a top rail (chain link) you can cantilever a wire about 6" higher and 6" to the inside.

 

[Jewellan]

How tall is your fence? What type? What breed of chickens do you have? If your fence does not have a top rail (field fence, horse fence, welded wire etc.) they will be less likely to breach it as they can't see a clear perch to land on. If your fence does have a top rail (chain link) you can cantilever a wire about 6" higher and 6" to the inside.

6 foot wooden privacy fence. I have EE's, Barred Rock, White Leghorn, buff orphinton, Cuckoo Marans, jersey Giants and Favacuanas. So far they have perched on just about everything they can.

 

[Primo]

I think those will be fine. They are mostly large breeds They will behave much differently outside the coop and run. Keep stuff away from the fence they could use to gain an advantage. They know where home and food and water are. Start out by just letting them out 2 or 3 hours before dark and let them explore then come back in to roost. Do this for a few nights then they will be good to go.

 

[Hokum Coco]

My run is about 4 ft high. If you clip the feathers on one wing of each bird it will help.

Make sure there is no blood in the shaft of the feather before you clip or your bird may bleed to death.

On some birds you may even have to clip a few secondary flight feathers.

One wing throws the bird off balance and is more effective than trimming equal amounts off both wings.