How high a fence will I need

[lauralou]

Yeah, they can really fly. I'm sure that the look on my face was priceless the first time one flew onto the top of the henhouse, at least 2 feet higher than the fence.

My fence is about 4 1/2 feet high. They perch on the tops of the fenceposts, hang out on top of the gate...But they never actually fly OUT of the run. I think they don't want to be too far from the coop. Their safety zone is pretty small. My chickens are very alert to danger, especially from above, and always ready to run into the coop and hide.

 

[Lunachick]

I have a rescued hen that's a little on the wild side, and she flew about 25 feet up into a tree.

I clipped her wing and she has now been flockified with the others and penned. I have 6 foot cedar fence all around, but I think if they want to they will fly over that.

I'd go higher to be safe.

 

[pipermark]

It depends on how much they want to get whats on the other side.

 

[Frozen Feathers]

My fence is 4 1/2 feet high and most everyone (except the Silkies) can get over it. It was meant to keep goats in, so I don't care that they do go over it. It's just funny to see my big fat Australorp getting that sort of air.
My lighter breeds like to go up into the pine trees and the lowest branches are about 10 feet. My BWFS loves to be in the trees and can often be found about 20+ feet up in the maple. She just goes from branch to branch. She thinks she's a song bird.

 

[tberggren]

Quote:
So I am wondering, is clipping their wings a bad thing?
I mean if you need to keep them from say, taking out your garden and clipping their wings would do it, why aren't people doing it?

Just wondering

 

[Lunachick]

Clipping their wing (one wing) keeps them from gaining height, they will just fly off balance and give up, I suppose. Haven't let her out yet to find out for sure.

But they can still fly somewhat and over a short fence would probably gain entrance into your veggie patch, especially if they know what's in there!

 

[newchickowner]

the reason I don't clip my chicken's wings is because they free range and I want them to have every defense they have in good working order incase of a predator. If they can evade one by flying, so be it.

 

[tberggren]

Quote:
That's a very good point to think about for sure.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[newchickowner]

you are welcome!