Intrusive chickens.

[GrantKazSpaz]

So I have 8 free range hens. I live in a small suburban neighborhood in which the houses are very close to each other. My neighbors are really kind and nice and let our chickens roam in the woods in their backyard. However, they don’t want them in their main backyard. It is fenced off, however, so I haven’t had to worry about this. But yesterday when I was out with them, one of my girls flew on top of the fence. I got her off right away, but I didn’t know they were capable of doing that, jumping onto a five foot fence! I’m worried now that they are going to get into her backyard, and it’s not only that she doesn’t want them in there, she has a not so friendly dog that she lets in the backyard all the time. There’s no cover in her backyard, so I have no idea why they would want to go in her backyard. Is there any way to stop them? Will fear of the dog keep them from entering? Was this just a sudden burst of bravery? I’ve only seen one of them ever do it, and she’s only done it once. Please help!

 

[DobieLover]

So I have 8 free range hens. I live in a small suburban neighborhood in which the houses are very close to each other. My neighbors are really kind and nice and let our chickens roam in the woods in their backyard. However, they don’t want them in their main backyard. It is fenced off, however, so I haven’t had to worry about this. But yesterday when I was out with them, one of my girls flew on top of the fence. I got her off right away, but I didn’t know they were capable of doing that, jumping onto a five foot fence! I’m worried now that they are going to get into her backyard, and it’s not only that she doesn’t want them in there, she has a not so friendly dog that she lets in the backyard all the time. There’s no cover in her backyard, so I have no idea why they would want to go in her backyard. Is there any way to stop them? Will fear of the dog keep them from entering? Was this just a sudden burst of bravery? I’ve only seen one of them ever do it, and she’s only done it once. Please help!

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. Chickens love to graze.
Try clipping their flight feathers.

 

[aart]

Is there any way to stop them? Will fear of the dog keep them from entering?

Maybe taller fence with floppy top that dissuades landing,
or a stretch of wire about 6-8" above fence,
or clipping wings might work.
Yes, they are inquisitive and intrusive.

No, 'fear of dog' will not stop them, they are not quite that smart.

Sounds like you may need to build a run.
Letting them range less often might help keep them enamored of their own yard,
the longer they are out the farther they will range.

 

[Matzwd]

We're having pretty good luck with flash tape. One of ours was getting on top of our 5-foot chain link fence and jumping over, so we tied streamers every foot or so in the area she likes. It's only been a couple of days, but so far so good. You could try that if your neighbor doesn't mind the tape being there.

We also had a girl trying to roost way up on a high beam in the run, so we put it there, and she's not been up there since and is now sleeping inside the coop. It's been a little over a week.

 

[GrantKazSpaz]

How would we clip the flight feathers? And how much would a flash tape cost? If we keep repeatedly scaring them away whenever they try to get over, will they eventually stop?

 

[aart]

How would we clip the flight feathers? And how much would a flash tape cost? If we keep repeatedly scaring them away whenever they try to get over, will they eventually stop?

Scaring them night work....garden hose can be effective.

How would we clip the flight feathers

how much would a flash tape cost

 

[fldiver97]

My heritage breed girls cleared 5 and 6 ft fences for a while. I clipped flight feathers on one side every year after their molt. I was surprised that they were able to get over the fence, they’re heavy breeds. Even with clipped wing a couple of them still managed 3 and 4 ft fence to get into veggie garden. Consider clipping, covered run or adding something to your fence for height