Couple of Pullets keep “flying the coop”

[5 Points Wingfeather]

2-3 of our pullets (born mid July) have flown out of the run. This is the second day in a row it has happened. I don’t necessarily mind it (they are at greater risk but during the day the only thing they would be worried about is a stray dog.)

My question is are they smart enough to fly back in when they get thirsty and it is time to roost or am I going to have to be worrying with it every evening? I’d rather not put a net up.

 

[6BeachChicks]

If it was me, I would put up a net ASAP. they might be able to fly back in, but there is a lot more than a stray dog that can get them.

 

[All4Eggz]

My question is are they smart enough to fly back in when they get thirsty and it is time to roost or am I going to have to be worrying with it every evening? I’d rather not put a net up.

Sometimes they are smart enough, but usually not. If you can't put up a net, which would probably help tremendously, I would recommend clipping their wings. You can look it up on YouTube. It doesn't hurt them at all (if you do it right). You just clip their primary feathers on only ONE wing, and it makes them unstable so they are unable to fly high or fly at all.

Good luck Keep us posted!

 

[All4Eggz]

You can look it up on YouTube.

Here's a quick video that does a good job and gets straight to the point:

 

[NatJ]

My question is are they smart enough to fly back in when they get thirsty and it is time to roost or am I going to have to be worrying with it every evening?

I think you will have to let them in at night, and you may want to put a source of water outside the pen too.

In my experience, plenty of chickens learn how to get out by flying, but most of them don't figure out how to get back in.

Pacing back and forth along the fence, hoping for an opening to magically appear and let them in, seems to be the favorite strategy

 

[5 Points Wingfeather]

Thanks guys. I didn’t think about clipping the wings but that is what I’ll do hopefully this weekend. In the meantime I’ll put some water out

 

[All4Eggz]

I didn’t think about clipping the wings but that is what I’ll do hopefully this weekend.

Great! It's pretty easy. Especially if you have someone else to help hold the bird.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Pacing back and forth along the fence, hoping for an opening to magically appear and let them in, seems to be the favorite strategy

x2. Before I had my run covered and a few chickens flew the fence, that's what I'd find - escaped birds circling the run and staring at the fence, but not a thought to even try flying over the lowest part of the fence (only 4') when I'd seen them clear the 6' part of the fence.

 

[3KillerBs]

I have one bird who flies like a helicopter and can get back in when she goes out.

All other fliers (POL pullets seem to be the worst offenders), get a wing clipped the second time I catch them pacing around outside the fence unable to figure out how to get back in.

 

[5 Points Wingfeather]

I have one bird who flies like a helicopter and can get back in when she goes out.

All other fliers (POL pullets seem to be the worst offenders), get a wing clipped the second time I catch them pacing around outside the fence unable to figure out how to get back in.

It must be that age. I think mine would be close to POL but I’m not sure they will since it’s November.