Why have my chickens gone crazy? I have a small flock of Japanese Bantams. A few days ago they got spooked for some reason and several flew over my garden wall and one flew into into some nearby woodland. They never really flew much, but since that day they have decided they like to fly at lot! Now they are so flighty. They run about flapping, and taking off into the air. All around the garden, onto my house roof, into the trees. They used to stick together in a flock, but now they are always splitting up and going off in different directions. They are really good flyers as they are so small and light. They are flying all around the housing estate and I am worried they will get lost or eaten. I was surprised how they can fly just like 'normal' birds. They go really high and for long distances. Will they calm back down soon or will I have to clip their wings? They are acting so out of character and are also much more noisy than normal. Also seem frightened of me and more easily spooked. They are not so willing to go in their coop at night either.
Something must be spooking them, probably a predator have you seen any? I would be worried of losing them if they could fly like that so I would gather them all up and clip their wings or keep them contained in their run if they have one whilst I try to address what is scaring them so much, they should eventually calm down.
Once they figure out they can, they will all the time. I had a chicken that would get out of her pen every morning though a hole by the gate. when I covered that whole up she eventually figured out that she could fly out. She has done it ever since.
x2. I have a Houdini chicken too. Clipping her wings didn't do diddly squat, and I bet it wont stop your little birds either. Generally, the smaller the chicken the better it will fly. To keep my escape artist in, I had to remove anything she could use to get a boost over the fence (my fence is 6ft tall). If your chickens are simply flying the fence without a launch point, your only option will probably be to put a top on your pen. Good luck....
