Chickens Escape

[rosemarythyme]

Photos of the run would help us figure it out for sure, but my guess is the same as most of the others - they're flying out. My main run fence is 6' and I came home one day to a chicken sitting atop it. The whole thing is completely netted as of today, but that's for predator protection... my chickens stopped trying to escape as they got older.

 

[PeRsOn Gavrocks]

Ok, I will enclose the top and watch them. Thank you!

 

[Peppercorngal]

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?

Yes, take a day, get drinks and snacks and a chair and watch your run. Watch your chickens behavior and they will show you how they are getting out. You can sit fairly closely (5 feet or so) and they will forget you are there if you are quiet. Good luck!

 

[PeRsOn Gavrocks]

You can sit fairly closely (5 feet or so) and they will forget you are there if you are quiet.

Whenever I get close to the coop my chickens look at me-they know I am there. I think I should stay farther away. Would you recommend that?

 

[PeRsOn Gavrocks]

But also, one of my chickens, the smallest, an easter egger, gets out more.
What explanation would there be besides that my chickens are squeezing out of somewhere?

 

[SpeckledSussex2005]

The lightest chickens usually can fly best. I would still recomend clipping the wings. It doesn't hurt the chicken one bit. It is the equivilent of a haircut for you. It is easy and worth the time.

 

[rghender37]

Just put some poultry netting over the top. I have a Buff Orpington that will fly up onto my shoulder from the ground. I am 5'8''. Also, I have had chickens escape underneath the chicken wire because it was not buried at all. They will push their head under the netting then squeeze out. They are crazy.

 

[featherhead007]

Photos of the run would help us figure it out for sure, but my guess is the same as most of the others - they're flying out. My main run fence is 6' and I came home one day to a chicken sitting atop it. The whole thing is completely netted as of today, but that's for predator protection... my chickens stopped trying to escape as they got older.

Your chicken was thinking this at you!

 

[Peppercorngal]

Whenever I get close to the coop my chickens look at me-they know I am there. I think I should stay farther away. Would you recommend that?

Yes, they will know you are there but if you are quiet and not moving around they will quickly forget you are there. If you are not bringing food or something you become a nobody! Happens to me all the time, as I frequently sit out and watch my fowl. Give it a try, if they don't forget you, just move further away. Just be sure you have a good view of as much of the run as you can. Good luck!

 

[aart]

I live in wisconsin,

Might want a solid roof on that run come winter time