flying?

[TreyClark281]

do you think if i didn't clip my chicken's wings they could fly over my 6 ft fence?
do you recommend clipping the wings?

 

[aran]

I havent clipped mine. So far each time they have managed to get out of their coop/run (usually during feeding time/cleaning time) all they do is flap around the outside of the run trying to get back in. I dont think your birds will fly away even if they could.

 

[wendy]

Quote:
Hi we have had two get over our fence that is that tall. My husband held that one while I clipped her wings. And we did this because we have two wiener dogs. We don't want them to get a hold of one if they are outside while they fly over. I was at home with the kids while one got out and my husband was at work. Just let me say I look like a idiot chasing that chicken around! It went towards the woods afterwhile. But it came back she did not want to be away from her sisters. This went on for awhile in 90 weather I might add! The guy we bought our chickens from he has so many that were about 5 and 6 months old that he used a big fishing net to catch them. Well I loaded up my kids and went to town to get one of those nets! When I got home the darn chicken was back in the pen! Just my luck, I needed nothing from town and went for that. Oh well we have it if we need it! Just glad no one was there to shoot a video of me chasing the chicken. They could have won some money from America's Funniest Video

 

[kstaven]

It depends on the breed whether or not they can get enough lift to clear a fence or not. Some of the heavy bodied birds would be pressed to clear 4 feet.

 

[suburbanhomesteader]

This is an interesting question.

I have 3 game hens I purchased who are very leery of people. Even though I feed them daily, and try to give them treats, 2 of them will not come within 10 feet of me even after 4 months! I let them out of their tractor this weekend (for the first time) and they all headed for the hills. They came back at the stroke of dark, but they spent much of their time in the trees up until then.

On the other hand, Bo and the Production Reds lived in the house from the moment I got them as young chicks. At 6 weeks, they finally moved outside. At 4 months, they are very capable of flying, and occasionally will fly towards me when they are out of their tractor and I get out of their sight, but they have shown no inclination whatsoever that they might like to see what's on the other side of the fence.

 

[TreyClark281]

oh thanks b/c im thinking about free ranging in my backyard. and another question will they eat what is bad for them or do they know somewhat?