Escaping Hens

[Mama KK]

We've always allowed the hens to free range in the yard but with a new grandbaby starting to be mobile we created a run for our girls. We clipped one wing and most are happily staying in the run, however we have a few escape artists. We're looking for recomendations on how to encourage them to stop flying over (without building a taller fence.) Thank you in advance!

 

[K0k0shka]

That is a very, very low fence. Chickens aren't easily convinced unless you physically prevent them from doing the undesirable behavior, like you've already tried - by clipping one wing and providing a fence. However, as much as that doesn't sound appealing, in your case you'll need a taller fence one way or another. To avoid more actual building and cost, you could just stick some tall garden stakes in the ground along the fence, and stretch bird netting between them, above the fence, to extend its height in a faster, easier and cheaper way. Home Depot sells these thin and tall but study green stakes that would be great for the job. And bird netting, being black, will practically disappear once stretched, so it won't be an eye sore.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Sell them and buy fatter chickens.

 

[tlcmurphy]

While both these suggestions would work, I agree that adding something soft to the top of the fence is the way to go. Chickens won’t land on something that isn’t solid. Not sure what you’d do with the gate though.
Nice fence!

 

[K0k0shka]

Not sure what you’d do with the gate though.

The gate can have two tall garden stakes affixed to it with bird netting stretched between them, so it can be part of the fence extension when closed, but can still open.

 

[tlcmurphy]

The gate can have two tall garden stakes affixed to it with bird netting stretched between them, so it can be part of the fence extension when closed, but can still open.

Much better idea than doing the limbo every time you enter as I was envisioning

 

[My Three Chicks]

Where there is a will, there is a way

 

[Mama KK]

Sell them and buy fatter chickens.

My husband would have stopped reading at "sell them..." lol

 

[Mama KK]

While both these suggestions would work, I agree that adding something soft to the top of the fence is the way to go. Chickens won’t land on something that isn’t solid. Not sure what you’d do with the gate though.
Nice fence!

Thank you!

 

[Mama KK]

View attachment 4313306
Where there is a will, there is a way

Yeah - this is exactly what I see my little Sex-Link a*holes doing lol