Need advice on keeping chickens in the run

[dfrank423]

we have a prefab coop/run combo for our 3 hens. All Spring and summer we would let them out during the day in front of the coop to a run we had created with the black temporary plastic fencing and poles. The fence was about 3 foot high. For the most part it was effective. They would get out on occasion. We now made that same area a permanent run with posts and actual welded wire 4” fencing. Now they are escape artists. They are suddenly flying over it. We don’t want to cover it, it is just for the day hours. I have read about fishing line. Just not sure. Thank you in advance!

 

[dfrank423]

I meant 4’ not
4 inches lol

 

[Wise Woman]

Bird netting might work.

 

[fightingbunny]

I bet the previous fencing was flexible and when they flew up they didn't like to (or couldn't) perch on the fencing. Now they can and so they can just make it up on top and then hop down onto the other side. I think flying over without a way stop was too much before. Now they can get up and then carefully get down. You could try adding something on top of the upper rail to make them not like to get on it? Or maybe they couldn't tell where the top was before and now they can, so they are more confident that they can clear it?

 

[Stayc]

Maybe trim the wings? Im no expert and just recently started dealing with a roo that wants to escape. That is what i was considering for him.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ings-of-your-chicken-to-prevent-flight.47727/

 

[sylviethecochin]

X2.

 

[aart]

Add a foot or two of that plastic fencing to the top of the 4' metal fence.

 

[dfrank423]

I bet the previous fencing was flexible and when they flew up they didn't like to (or couldn't) perch on the fencing. Now they can and so they can just make it up on top and then hop down onto the other side. I think flying over without a way stop was too much before. Now they can get up and then carefully get down. You could try adding something on top of the upper rail to make them not like to get on it? Or maybe they couldn't tell where the top was before and now they can, so they are more confident that they can clear it?

oh i think you are right!! they probably didn't like to sit on it....we will come up with something. Thanks!!

 

[dfrank423]

Maybe trim the wings? Im no expert and just recently started dealing with a roo that wants to escape. That is what i was considering for him.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ings-of-your-chicken-to-prevent-flight.47727/

I think we will need to. I am afraid to do it but my husband has experience so he prob will!

 

[Kenny_]

Sounds like only two options either trim the wings or increase the height of the fence.