Free ranging question

[Bassbum2]

Hi,

I want to let my chichens free range for part of the day, my concern is I only have a 4' fence around my yard, will they most likely stay in the yard or fly over the fence? Should I just clip their wings to make sure? they are 7 weeks and 9 weeks old right now if that matters.

Russell

 

[Y N dottes]

right now at that age they might be able to get up and over though it would be close. But as they grow they most likely will find it easier to get over. but keep in mind, if u have heavier breed(s) than they will have a harder time getting up and may not be able to, while flighty breeds will have no trouble. also, just because they can doesn't mean that they are going to. of course, most people don't want to wait till it happens to find out. I usually think 5-6 feet is about the minimum height, but that isn't always true in different situations

 

[mortie]

I bet they can. At that age mine certainly could. Mine are 13 weeks and they can easily clear 8 feet without even breaking a sweat. They tend not to...they haven't tried to leave my yard (6 foot wood privacy fence) but I've seen them fly from the ground up to the deck railing which is 8 feet.