FreeRange chickens & Guineas

[rooster0209]

I have converted a section of the hog house (no longer houses hogs) into a Guinea coop. There is a 4ft fence around an area of the pen outside. The guineas fly in and out of the area at free will.

I want a pretty Rooster for the farm and was thinking of a bantum. I was told that a Rooster wont stay on the farm if there are not any hens. So I am thinking of getting some hens. They will share the coop with the Guineas.

My question is this: Can the chickens fly over the 4' fence? it has a 2x4 across the top edges to keep it straight. I want the chickens to be free range also.

 

[lilcountry]

Im new and my chicks are still small but from reading other posts and the facts stuff in the beginning some can fly over 6 or 7 ft fence..so probably.

 

[wynedot55]

yes hens can fly over a 4ft fence with ease.if you dont want emm flying over the fence you can clipp 1 of their wings.

 

[seminolewind]

I have Jersey Giants and I have clipped all their long wing feathers, and they STILL get over a 4 foot fence. If you want chickens that can't get some silkies and a silkie roo.

 

[rooster0209]

Great. I want the chickens to be free range.

How much actual work is involved in caring for chickens? I read where it takes 20min a day...per hen. Is this right?

My guineas are pretty self sufficient. I provide them with fresh clean water and food. They have a nice warm place in the winter and I keep a heated dish so the water doesnt freeze. They wander around the yard (making noise) and eating bugs. They are really neat to have. I was just wondering about adding chickens to the farm

 

[ozark hen]

I have a four ft fence around my run ...but I also have a gate that mostly stays open when I want the chickens confined. My guineas, roost/free range with the chickens and they fly out of the run at will. A couple of my chickens fly out also but most don't bother. They can very easily fly over a four foot fence unless you keep poultry netting over it.