Keeping Chickens in the Backyard

[JLMom]

[]Hello,
We live in the suburbs, with a fenced-in yard. We have a 4' chain link fence, except for the back which has some old chicken wire. There is a stone wall right near the chicken wire fence, so I am guessing that my chickens (when they get bigger) will be able to jump/fly over it. Do most chickens like to stay in their yard? We have a pretty big yard,(50'wide by 200' long) at least big enough for 7 hens!

So what are the chances that they will stay in the yard? There aren't any loose dogs that I have seen around her. (Our neighbors have small dogs)
Do most of you out in BYC-land clip the flight feathers?

They will be locked up in their coop at night, BTW.

Thanks!

 

[Imp]

Mine have never gone over my 5' chainlink, but a couple of times they have either wiggled under or gone between the post and gate/wall. I reinforced these areas and no problem since.
I had a neighbor that did have one that chronically went over her 6' fence.

Imp- My great neighbors guarded them till I got home to collect. Both are afraid to touch them, but like to watch/feed them.

 

[fargosmom]

I don't think 4 feet is beyond the capabilities of most hens - they can flap pretty well! You could probably restrict them by keeping one wing clipped, so they're off balance, but you also need to consider what can get IN over your fence, as much as what can get OUT. Your hens may be vulnerable to predators to whom a 4 foot fence is nothing. I know that here in suburban Pasadena we have raccoons, possums, hawks and coyotes . . . the suburbs aren't always as tame as they might appear.
Just something to think about.

 

[Redsquirrel]

Are your chickens standard size or bantams? Bantams can fly higher than standards-which are heavier.I would clip one of their wings if you are worried about it. Just to be on the safe side. I would fix the places in the fence where they may get out and small dogs can kill chickens just as well as large ones, i am afraid.

 

[saddina]

Check the rules for where you live, for many places, here in included, they cannot be "at large" so they have to stay penned. Here we built a pen in what used to be a dog run, split 50/50 chicken run & garden.

 

[Fowl Visions]

Quote:
Before moving onto our farm we lived in a subdivision with 5 foot fence all around. Only one hen was clipped but I never had a problem with them trying to fly out of the yard. My main problem was the neighbor's dog digging under the fence and getting after my chickens. Happened twice!

 

[GoldenSilverLaced]

Mine stay in my yard for the most part, but I know Linner can definitely jump a 4' fence -- she can jump to my shoulder straight off the ground with onyl a little flapping. With a lot of flapping she goes above my head (granted i'm short, but not that short). I just wrote about my set up: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=193086

 

[cgmccary]

The big, heavier breeds have a difficult time even with a 4 foot fence. When they are young (& lighter) they will fly out. I have clipped one wing to keep one in that kept flying out but generally, I like to leave them their wings (for their own protection). Mine do not fly out of a 5 foot fence, but I have a few that will fly over a 4 foot one occasionally. Once they know where home is, they tend to stay in.

Bantams & lighter breeds are a whole different story. My Bantam OEG can fly up on the roof of my house or high in a tree so she is not deterred by any fence. She visits the neighbors sometimes but when she is out & about, she is always having to escape cats, hawks & dogs. So, it depends on the breed.

 

[speckledhen]

I've had a fairly heavy BR hen fly up on top of my coop before. over six feet. Sometimes they are just highly motivated to see the sights, I guess. See pic below of crazy Hannah.

 

[GlenwoodFarm]

I am in the same situation here where we live, so far none have flown out *fingers crossed* but I am sure they could if they wanted to... and OMG that pic of the chicken on the roof is so cute hahaha