Do chickens fly?

[Kootenay Coop keeper]

I am a chicken keeper as well as a fence contractor and I am looking for everyone's input on this issue. I have a customer that has asked about a 120' by 500' chicken run. They wanted page wire 6' tall but I believe chickens will learn to get out through the 6" wide by 5-6" tall openings. Does anyone have experience with this? I am thinking that 2" by 4" non climb mesh would be a better idea.
I am also looking for input on whether the birds would be likely to fly out over a 6' tall fence if they have such a large turnout area. My birds have roosts in their enclosed outdoor area and they are always up on them. The tallest perch is about 6' tall so it concerns me that their birds may be free ranging of their own free will. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Chick1043]

I have a 6 foot fence around my yard and my chickens don't fly or jump over them. I would say chickens more of glide than fly. I have never had a problem with it! Although, when my chicken coop was being built it was 6" without a top and the roosters would climb up and roost on the top. Hope that helps.

 

[4 the Birds]

I am a chicken keeper as well as a fence contractor and I am looking for everyone's input on this issue. I have a customer that has asked about a 120' by 500' chicken run. They wanted page wire 6' tall but I believe chickens will learn to get out through the 6" wide by 5-6" tall openings. Does anyone have experience with this? I am thinking that 2" by 4" non climb mesh would be a better idea.
I am also looking for input on whether the birds would be likely to fly out over a 6' tall fence if they have such a large turnout area. My birds have roosts in their enclosed outdoor area and they are always up on them. The tallest perch is about 6' tall so it concerns me that their birds may be free ranging of their own free will. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I would go with a 2x4 woven mesh. If costs are a concern then 4x4 goat fencing may cut costs. A 6 ft high fence that size will be pricey. Ours free range within a 48"high no-climb horse fence area with a strand of barbed wire up another 2 inches on top. It is of a similar size as the one you list in your build. The chickens have stayed in and the coyotes have stayed out. Of course this is not a fool-proof fence for free ranging but this would be my choice for of fencing for looks, cost, and build. I added some mesh on the gates to keep them from wanting it get up and on them. They stay inside their free range area. There will always be risks with free ranging but a reasonable fence with hiding places for the birds will minimize the risk. hope this helps!

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Depending on bred some lighter breeds are very good fliers. But then I have Plymouth Rocks which are a good size large fowl and a few of those can make it to top of 6" chain link fence. I believe the only way to contain is to clip a wing. If a chicken has it in it's head "the grass is greener on the other side" then it's going to try and get there.

If wing clipping is done then fence costs can be greatly reduced with 4' fencing.