Keeping chickens in the yard

[kmuchetti]

We are new to keeping chickens and have just started letting our 10 week old chickens, 8 pullets and a cockerel forage during the day on our property which is about an acre and a half in the back that is fenced in with a 3ft fence. Things where going great! They really enjoyed being out and foraging and didn't wonder to far from the coop. However today they squeezed through underneath the gate in the morning and the neighbors had to chase them back into our yard. So this morning we spent time fixing the fence so they cannot fit underneath the gate but now I am worried that as they get bigger they will just fly over it! I really thought an acre and a half would be big enough for them and that they would stay pretty much within the fence line. Any advice on how to keep them in side our property line? I would really like to free range them but not at the expense of our neighors.

 

[sunflour]

so glad you have joined us.

They will definitely be able to fly over a 3 foot fence soon if not already. Your only options, IMO, would be to raise the height of the fence or learn to clip wings. Some folks report that even with clipped wings those who want out will even climb a fence. "The grass is always greener" and a solid fence may help? Even my heavy gals - 2+ yo BO can jump 3 feet and fly a lot higher... It is a must to block all low places - under gates and anywhere else they excavate.

You should consider starting a thread under the "new members" forum to get a proper welcoming.

 

[Mutt Farm]

Hi! To a chicken, I think the grass is always greener! Easy to hop a 3-4 ft fence, even for the big fat fatty breeds. Chicken wire isn't pretty, but if you could raise your fence with it, leaving the top 2 ft angled inward and fairly flimsy, your hens wouldn't be able to fly out. Shortgrass mentioned checking your fence line for dig holes, you should do that. I got 6 great eggs per week from my neighbors hen! She'd scoot under and lay. It could have been she scooted under and got eaten, she just picked the right yard.
Start a thread in New Member Introductions too so we can give you a proper welcome!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/newsearch?search=new+member+introductions
Best of luck to you!

 

[kmuchetti]

Thanks for the advice. We were considering raising the fense. I am just not sure how to start, it is a long fense and we have kids that come and go in the yard, I don't want anyone getting snagged on wire. I am going to have to research some on escape proofing my fense.

 

[Mutt Farm]

If you look up cat fencing, it's the same theory for some good ideas. Here's one picture from the internet to help you visualize, Mine is at a 45 deg angle.

 

[blumenmadchen]

Yeah, I thought that I would be safe with a six foot fenced run for my chickens. But I have one lady that can fly over it with no trouble (she's an EE). So I had the cover the run with netting. Of course now my issue is figuring out how to keep them from scratching /digging under the fence and allowing the neighbor dogs in

Good luck with a plan!

 

[kmuchetti]

UPDATE: it took a few hawk attacks unfortunately but the chickens are now staying in the yard because it is safer! And they are much wiser chickens because of their experiences.