Chickens Escape

[PeRsOn Gavrocks]

My chickens keep escaping and I don't know how. My fence is pretty high, does anyone have a guess of how they get out?

 

[LDSmama]

How high is "pretty high"? Chickens can sometimes fly several feet. And are there any other openings, either in the fence, or the coop? Look around, both at ground level and above, for any spots they might have pushed through.

 

[PeRsOn Gavrocks]

The height of the fence is about 5 1/2 feet, I checked for openings, we fixed all of them, they might be getting through the entrance by pushing, but we are not sure. Also we have tried securing the entrance many times. One chicken, the smallest one, an easter egger, gets out more than the others, so I think the chickens may be squeezing through something. What should I do? Should I try to reinforce the entrance more?

 

[SpeckledSussex2005]

Make sure the wings are clipped

 

[PeRsOn Gavrocks]

Ok, what do you mean by that?

 

[LDSmama]

If they can squeeze out, then you need to secure the entrance better. Also, if you don't want to clip their wings, then you'll need to cover the run. 5 1/2 feet is not a problem for many chickens to fly over.

 

[Peppercorngal]

Are the chickens escaping from the run? Is it just a 5 foot fence with no top? First of all you must take a day and watch them. Then you will see how they are getting out. Only then can you really fix the issues. If the "grass is greener on the other side of the fence" they will jump and fly over it. I have a 50'x50' fenced in area for them to free range (other than their run, which is fully enclosed) and mine fly out at times. You don't say where you are and you should consider predators if your run is not enclosed. Good luck!

 

[Flamens Farm]

Also is your fence in the ground, buried at least 6"? They will come from under the fence if it is not buried.

 

[PeRsOn Gavrocks]

Ok, Yes I don't want to clip their wings, I have tried to secure the entrance many times. Should I watch the chickens from a distance to see how they are getting out?

 

[PeRsOn Gavrocks]

My fence is not buried, but there is no space for them to get out that way. I will watch them and see, and maybe put a top over the free range. I live in wisconsin, but so far we have not had any trouble with hawks and predators, just angry neighbors. Thanks for the help everyone!