My brilliant roo outsmarted himself

[hillfarm]

I have four foot chain link on a part of our yard. Eight foot else where. My roo and two girls have always stayed inside the yard while free ranging.

Yesterday, my roo figured out he could make it over the low section of fence.

I go outside and there he is at the front porch torching my two kittens. Running them off the porch. So I reach down pick him up and carry him back to the coop and the back yard. He's cool with it. Enjoying the ride and not fussing at all, till I lean down and show the girls their man in my arms.

He started kicking and squirming. I could barely hold back the giggles.

The girls were fussing and running around my feet. He was furious.
I kept them in the coop today, hoping he wouldnt try it again while I was at work.

I'm wondering.... we are moving so I hate to have to cover this bit of fence, besides he can get out elsewhere if he wants to bad enuf, should I keep him in the coop for a couple of days, like a punishment, or will he just go straight over the first chance he gets?

I think he's really smart, but then again, sometimes he can be so thick.

 

[herefordlovinglady]

Not sure what to tell you, but the girls seemed like they were happy to have him home.

 

[sourland]

Now that he's found the route to true freedom, he will escape again.

 

[Break an Egg]

Clip his flight feathers on one wing. This makes it hard for chickens to fly.

 

[cobrien]

He will go straight for the fence.

Can you put something temporary up on the fence, like plastic netting? You could take it down easily if you need to show the house or when you move. I use plastic netting around my new fruit trees until they get established, it is really easy to put up and take down. And really cheap. I have rigged things up with just plastic netting, bamboo cuttings from a neighbor's yard, and wire ties.

 

[Tala]

Quote:
But some will still climb the fence. Mine will fly up a foot or so (since they are clipped they can't fly well) and use their feet to climb up to the top of the fence.

 

[Break an Egg]

Quote:
But some will still climb the fence. Mine will fly up a foot or so (since they are clipped they can't fly well) and use their feet to climb up to the top of the fence.

Lol you have to get that on tape. It sounds too funny.

 

[hillfarm]

I love the plastic netting idea. Gonna put that up tonite. Thanks.

I have had him in the pen for the last two days. He's not happy. I hope this works. I'd hate to lose him, he's such a good roo. I'm gonna try putting lots of snack distractions out for him too.

 

[hillfarm]

Drum roll please....... MY ROO HAS STAYED IN THE YARD!

I really thought he was a gonner.

But he has acted like he totally forgot about the fence all weekend and took good care of his girls.

 

[silkieroo]

Good for him... and you!