fencing question

[kywest]

I have a large suburban yard (~2/3 acre) with a 4' chain-link fence surrounding. 4 Chickens (2 andalusians now, 2 more BO or RIR in the spring) will have a coop (4x8) and run (8x8) but I'd like to be able to let them out in the yard in the summer. What are the chances the 4' fence will keep them in my yard? I have no problem clipping wings if this would be be helpful. We do have hawks (redtails and coopers), so i wouldn't let them out unless I'm there, but chasing them from the neighbor's yard might get old quickly. The andalusians are darn quick, and awfully skittish...
Thanks for the advice - this forum have been so valuable in our chicken adventure!

 

[lilchick]

I let some of my full sized chickens free range in the yard. They will not fly over the fence if they cannot see the top. Example if you place a trim board along top of fence they almost always fly up onto it and go on over!
If you do clip wings just clip one wing on the bird, not both. This keeps them off balance and less likely to fly. Please do not clip too short..ouch! good luck...

 

[MIKE555444]

Most existing chainlink fences have a space under that would let the chickens pass.... however I don't think they would try to fly over it based on you having such a large area for them to roam. As long as the bottom was secure enough then I think it would keep them in but most like would not deter many preditors.

 

[Zahboo]

Once you start trying to round them up, I see them easily jumping over to escape you. My birds have clipped wings and can still jump up to the top of their coop which is ~4 and a half 5 foot.

 

[scooter147]

I have about 2/3 acre and a four foot chain link fence too and when I let my hens out to forage around the yard they rarely go over the fence.
That's a lot of ground to cover and as long as there is plenty of grass to eat and places to scratch for bugs they really don't have a reason to go over the fence (chickens can be lazy).
If they do make a habit of it for some reason (I doubt they will) you can clip a wing if need be but i doubt you will.
I too have red tails and coopers and never let my hens out of their coop and run without me being out the entire time.

I picture the hawks in my neighborhood like the crows on the windex commercials, sitting up in the trees just waiting for me to step inside

 

[NellaBean]

I have about a 1/2 acre total fenced. 4 foot no climb horse fence and goat fencing. The chickens have yet to fly over but are not left out for more than a couple hours at atime. I did have one escapee who I believe went up the deck steps and flew over the 32" deck gate which is wood framing with lattice.

I would not be surprised if they do go over eventually but for the most part will not. Mine are happy to be cruising around the inside part, more than enough bugs and grass. But they do get curious......