How High to Fly??

[arlee453]

I have a 4' chain link fence all around my backyard, which I was planning on letting my 8 girls have for their free range area (about 1/2 acre at least).

Question is, will they/can they fly over the 4' fence? I want to keep the in MY yard, for peace with the neighbors and also to avoid the 4 pit bulls that my other neighbor lets run loose from time to time. I have a feeling they would LOVE a chicken sandwich for lunch one day... I really don't want to have to confine them to a smaller coop run if I don't have to. (don't really want to build one either...)

I'm sort of assuming theuy would be able to fly over the fence when young, but less and less when older?

I have wyandottes, gold campines and dominques...

Also, will wing clipping really help? Will I need to clip wings forever, or just until they reach full size.

Thanks in advance!

Susan

 

[silkiechicken]

My chickens rarely even jump a 3 foot fence... actually... none of my birds have, they prefer to pace around the bottom of the fence till they give up at eating all of the garden. However, even my large rooster can easily clear a 4 foot fence when spooked. And he is a big clumsy guy. I know my hens can make it up tot the top of a 7 foot tall bale pile too... Unless they see something they want, doubt they will go exploring.

 

[BeckyLa]

I'm sure a few, especially the Dom's, could easily clear 4'. Thing is, so could the Pit Bull's if you give them a reason to want to, like lunch strolling around the yard. Sorry.

 

[Southern28Chick]

Yeah they can jump 4' easy. I know everyone feels differently about free ranging but I couldn't do it knowing there's 4 pits near by. Your chickens would be a very easy meal or play toy.

 

[allen wranch]

The chickens will go over the fence and so will the pit bulls if they can't dig under. You need to predator proof your yard soon.

 

[schmism]

the first time i had mine out in the temp pen (4' wire fencing) Hazel got spooked and made it to the top were she tryed to perch ontop of the wire fence

we encouraged her to go back down "inside" the pen

 

[arlee453]

The pits across the street are USUALLY kept in their pens. But, the guy who owns them lets them out to run when he is outside with them. Thankfully, he doesn't let them out when he isn't outside. Downside is he really doesn't have good control of them so they are basically running around loose while he works on his car, etc.

They aren't overtly agressive, but I'm not comfortable with them out and non-leashed. I wish he'd fence in HIS yard - his dogs are one reason we fenced in our backyard for our dogs to be able to go out without us worrying.

It's sad to feel held hostage - the kids can't go out and ride bikes when they are out - I have a real fear of them racing by triggering the dog's instinct to chase and attack them.

Sigh... I may be off to the Lowes today to get stuff to fence them off an area with aviary netting for the top...

Susan