How well do Barred Rocks fly?

[milleryardchx]

I have two BR and an easter egger they have been in my chicken tractor for three days now i have a smaller backyard that has a 6 foot fence if i let them out of the coop can/will they jump the fence and there are pet cats around. Is it better for them to just be moved around the yard in the chicken tractor?

 

[rooster-red]

Here is a mixed answer to your question:

I have 7 adult barred rock hens in a 6 ft high enclosure, 6 of them couldn't fly over that fence if their life depended on it, but #7 flys in and out at will, and funny thing is they all weigh about the same... go figure

So I can say most barred rocks won't be able to get out of your enclosure.

 

[hoosier]

Wow! A Barred Rock that can get over a six foot fence? I have never seen mine get over three feet off the ground! It must have super strong wings or some special understanding of aerodynamics! Or, maybe mine are a bit fat and lazy.

 

[milleryardchx]

haha ok so i'm getting the idea their a little on the heavy side to get over the fence is the same with my easter egger?

 

[chickfillhay]

OH yea! Mine will fly IF they have to. But they prefer to take an easier route. They free range as they want and go back in the coop at night. But watch out for your cat! Not that it could curt your chickens, BUT that your chickies could chase the cat!
My barred rocks haven't even started laying yet, But as soon as they get a gander of my cat they chase it full speed across the yard! Way too funny to watch.

Especially since the cat can and does catch and eat wild birds!

 

[lemurchaser]

I've been letting my barred rocks and EE's out in my yard with a 6 foot fence. They haven't tried to escape, I don't think it has crossed their mind. They have trouble getting over my 3 foot temporary fencing (keeps the dogs out of the veggies and fruit).

 

[milleryardchx]

Thanks guys! I much rather ask the silly questions like this rather than loose a hen to a nieghbor

 

[chickfillhay]

STOP!!!If there were stupid questions then I would've been kicked off of BYC by now. Ask away as I do and enjoy the helpful and amusing answers.
You'll be a better chicken mama for it!

 

[milleryardchx]

Haha thanks

Quote:

 

[thechickenchick]

I know this is a little off topic but chickfillhays story about her cats being chased by chickens made me want to tell this story!

I have one of those little annoying dogs, you know the little yappy things that no one likes except the owners because you are the only one that sees them quite and lovey! Her name is Ginger. She spends hours every day just running up and own the fence to the run, barking her fool head off. Those birds just ignore her and sometimes squack back. A couple of days ago I was in the run and she was barking at them, then for some reason she just stopped and was having a stare down with my buff Huey(louie and dueys sister of coarse!). All of a sudden Huey just leaned forward and pecked her through the fence! Ginger was just stunned, she leaned in a little closer, her nose right up to the hardware cloth, and.. PECK she got it again! I thought it was hillarious but she let out a little wimper and went about 10 feet from the run and layed down to watch from a safe distance! I think she was plotting her revenge!!