How to train chickens to not fly over fence?

[FettuccineAlfredo]

My chicken flock is used to roaming over my entire backyard, but we are getting a bit tired of stepping on poop on our back deck. So we are going to enclose them in a corner of the yard with a fairly high fence (around 6 ft). But there will be section beside our porch they could probably get over. My question is I would like to not clip their wings for predator purposes. Any advice on teaching the chickens their new boundaries?

I know they are not the smartest, but I'm willing to try anything.

Thank you!

 

[21_chickens]

hi! we had the same problem last year. the problem is that no matter how much space you give them, they are just going to want to fly out. i would build a roof on top if you want to ensure that they stay in. good luck!

 

[FettuccineAlfredo]

hi! we had the same problem last year. the problem is that no matter how much space you give them, they are just going to want to fly out. i would build a roof on top if you want to ensure that they stay in. good luck!

I figured. Thanks for the reply though!

 

[pibb]

Chickens are creatures of habit. I wouldn't call them dumb. I've trained a few different flocks to stay in my 4' high fence. The area is maybe 80' x 30'. After they are trained, every once in a blue moon one will take a notion to fly out but they do know they are in trouble and want back in. That does mean it's not 100% guaranteed but I don't really worry about them getting out but I do worry about what can fly in.

My method is I have a 1/2" wooden dowel stick about 4 feet long that I wisp in the air towards them. They do not like the noise it makes and fear it. You don't whip them with it, you just kinda act like you are going to. I don't think a stick or anything else would make the same sound the wooden dowel makes.

 

[DuckGirl77]

Most of my chickens couldn't clear my 4 ft fence when I had RIRs, but those are a heavier breed, and only a few lighter breeds could get out of my 6 ft fence. But most of the ones who knew they could get out did it all the time, except once when I expanded their run temporarily so they could clean out the garden after the season was over. So for me, the key was keeping them occupied - and eventually covering the pen Good luck!

 

[Ponte]

My family was upset with the chickens pooping on the pool deck so I fenced in an area for them. One fence section is only 5 feet height. The gaps are 5 inches at a height of 18 inches, then the gaps widen to 10 inches. They could easily fly over it but have never done so.
My point is, it’s not a matter of fence height as much as square footage and wether the chickens have all they want within the fence in area.

 

[JoannaJ]

Had the same thing except it wasn't pooping on the deck, it was ripping up flower beds and my veg plot!
Wow, never heard of anyone even remotely being able to train chickens not to fly over the fence, thats awesome.
Best method in my experience is just cover the top with a light weight net and either cable tie it down of use small nails into the post.

 

[Cindy in PA]

I had barred rocks routinely clear a 6 foot fence years ago. Put deer netting over the top, problem solved.

 

[FettuccineAlfredo]

Awesome that defiantly gives me some hope! Thank you all for the advice.

 

[Mac Chickens]

Have you ever considered clipping the wings? I've heard that it is effective and helps to keep them in tact if they're prone to jumping over the fence. Can anyone else spark some thought on clipping your chickens wings?