how are the chickens gettingout?

[trillium hens]

Since our neighbor's dog killed 2 of our sweet hens, we built a chicken yard out of hardware cloth and fence stakes, so the girls could still range, but would be safe from dogs. Everything was fine for a few months, then we started finding them outside their fence. Can't find any gaps under the edge of fence anywhere - were they flying over it? We found a third hen dead on the outside of the fence, so we tried clipping their wings. They are still getting out. Any ideas? Our fence is 4' high. I hate to keep them totally cooped, but hate losing them even more.

 

[groundpecker]

4 feet high is not high enough to keep a determined bird in. Look for anything they can jump on first and then jump over the fence. Birds can still fly a little even with wings clipped. Either or both could be happening to your birds.

 

[PeeperKeeper]

My hens used to get over the 5' fence by running at it and flapping their wings as they climbed up the wire strands, like a ladder, and over they'd go on to the large compost pile in the garden. I had one hen that could fly up 7' to the top of the coop and let herself in and out. Sneaky girls.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Depends on the breed.
A 3' fence keeps Penedesencas in because they prefer to run than fly.
A 4' fence can't keep a determined Jersey Giant in.
Jaerhons can fly out of anything.

 

[peepblessed]

Quote:
I agree. Once they've been free they don't give up easy!

 

[Attila the Hen]

I have 4 ft fencing everywhere (sort of in sections and the entire property which is small) They flew over the fence and I had problems with a neighbor so I had their wings clipped over a year ago. They haven't flown over the fence since. They are Buffs and so rather large and that is probably why they aren't getting over. I was told their wings would have to be clipped yearly although I havn't done it. Hope it isn't true and they have learned not to fly over. I tell you this to say that I have been successful so far with fencing.
Good luck and so sorry about your losses.

 

[Mommy 2 Wee Ones]

I have a 5 ft fence around my run, and I have netting over the run, all except where the gate to get in is. This is where my EE & the lightest if the BR are getting out. Stinkers! My hubby came home & found Sweet Pea our EE on the deck, I found her once in the brooder container I had on the deck, and she had laid her egg there too. My only other option is to use the PVC decorative fencing I have, and attach it to my Run door, but raise it to 6 ft, and see if that will stop my escapees.

 

[KDK1]

Quote:
Where did you get your Penedesencas... I've been researching the breed and am interested in getting some in the spring. Supposed to be very heat hardy.

 

[Ole rooster]

I have two sexlinks that at their leisure fly up on top of a 6 foot run fence. I don't have it covered but those two are the only one's that care to do that.

 

[they'reHISchickens]

We have 6 ft fencing. The leghorn laughs at it. Still havent' found her latest nest

The older orps and marans stay put. The younger, lighter ones fly to the top of the 6 ft. We are thinking of deer netting.