Flying chicks

[RocketDog1]

My wife and I purchased 3 barred rock chicks for our granddaughter to enjoy on her visits. We've had fun letting them out of the run to forage and explore the backyard. However, they are now 6 weeks old and flying up to surprisingly high perches. We're getting concerned that they will soon make it to the top of our 6-foot high fence. I know we can't clip flight feathers until they are grown in and there is no blood in them. Should we confine them to their run until we can safely clip feathers?
Thanks!

 

[0wen]

They'll easily clear a 6' fence soon if they want to get over it. I have a covered run with chicks ranging from 4-9 weeks. Many of them perch at available spots near 6' in height.

 

[sumi]

Welcome to BYC

I have trimmed chicks' wing feathers from a young age before. As long as you are careful, they should be fine. In the meantime, leaving the perches away from the fence, so they don't have a "step" up, should deter them a bit.

Here's a bit more info on wing clipping: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-to-clip-trim-the-wings-of-your-chicken-to-prevent-flight

 

[sunflour]

so glad you have joined us.

I have had 3 BR's and cannot imagine them flying over a 6 foot fence - even a breeder has only EE's to fly easily over 5 feet fencing?

But you could consider raising the fence with bamboo poles or netting?

 

[RocketDog1]

They'll easily clear a 6' fence soon if they want to get over it.  I have a covered run with chicks ranging from 4-9 weeks.  Many of them perch at available spots near 6' in height.

 

[RocketDog1]

Yes, our chicks are already getting up to spots I thought were beyond their range. It looks like I'll need to keep them confined to the coop & run until their flight feathers are grown in and it's safe to clip them.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[drumstick diva]

You could put a cover on the run, it will also help keep climbing and flying predators OUT.

 

[robdog]

My wife and I purchased 3 barred rock chicks for our granddaughter to enjoy on her visits. We've had fun letting them out of the run to forage and explore the backyard. However, they are now 6 weeks old and flying up to surprisingly high perches. We're getting concerned that they will soon make it to the top of our 6-foot high fence. I know we can't clip flight feathers until they are grown in and there is no blood in them. Should we confine them to their run until we can safely clip feathers?
Thanks!

I see no issue with trimming their wings at 6 weeks ..

 

[RocketDog1]

You could put a cover on the run, it will also help keep climbing and flying predators OUT.