New here, seeking advice!

[ChickChickHorray]

Hello all! I'm new here and hoping I've posted in the right spot (I'm not the most tech savvy!) We're starting our first backyard flock this coming Spring and are welcoming eight chicks, breeds are Buff Orpington, Speckled Sussex, Rhode Island Red, and Easter Egger. We have a coop from Tractor Supply and are looking to fence off an area of our back yard to give them extra space to graze. Our fence is about five ft. tall and a type of chain link. Does anyone think the chickens (those breeds specifically) can jump or fly over that type of fence? Can they climb it? We want out new feathered friends to be as happy and comfortable as possible and are looking for any suggestions and advice!

 

[Kessel23]

 

[drumstick diva]

Chickens don't climb fences but, cats, dogs, raccoons,fox,other predators can climb or jump over it. And it gives no protection from hawks, or diggers.

Some breeds of older chickens could fly over the fence if they feel so inclined.

 

[HenHouse4Life]

Welcome! Glad you're here!
A fenced in area is a great idea for your chickens, but more importantly is what predators can get IN? Chickens have predators from all sides, even from up above such as hawks, eagles etc. Hardware cloth is the usual fencing material used to protect our feathered friends. Fencing should be buried down into the ground to keep unwanted critters from digging under. Unless you don't mind them being out in the open to free range of some sort I would suggest a covered run for the girls. Chicken losses are never easy to deal with, or to see and I would hate something to happen.
Best wishes and keep us updated!

 

[Sunny-Side Up]

I have about a four foot fence, and some of my chickens have been able to fly over it with the assistance of the coop roof. Make sure that they have nothing that they could use to help get them out. If some do fly out, you can put wire mesh over the run, or clip their wings. For me, clipping wings didn't work, I think because the fence was still too short.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Hello all! I'm new here and hoping I've posted in the right spot (I'm not the most tech savvy!) We're starting our first backyard flock this coming Spring and are welcoming eight chicks, breeds are Buff Orpington, Speckled Sussex, Rhode Island Red, and Easter Egger. We have a coop from Tractor Supply and are looking to fence off an area of our back yard to give them extra space to graze. Our fence is about five ft. tall and a type of chain link. Does anyone think the chickens (those breeds specifically) can jump or fly over that type of fence? Can they climb it? We want out new feathered friends to be as happy and comfortable as possible and are looking for any suggestions and advice!

You new Welcome to Backyard Chickens buy lots of Hardware cloth best pace is amazon price wise, learning to clip wings will keep them where they belong out of harms way also

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under ChickChickHorray Welcome!

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

If you include your general location on your profile, this will assist others. Location, climate, season, local predators etc can be important factors when members are responding to any questions you may have and vice versa.

You might want to also Find Your State Thread and pop in and say hello.

BYC has a Learning Centre and also Topic of the Week discussions which I have found to be a great resource, informative and sometimes entertaining; so definitely worth checking out. This one in particular may be of interest to you:
Topic of the Week - Keeping the Flock Safe from Predators

If you would like to share Pictures and Stories of your flock when they arrive, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out

Best wishes and good luck!

 

[Wickedchicken6]

Hello and welcome to BYC!! It's so nice to have you join us!
Please make yourself at home.

I have Easter Eggers and they can fly to that height when they want to.
The previous posters have made good points about predators getting in. Unfortunately, while you may not see the predators, they are there.

This video may help you learn how to navigate this site.

CURRENT COOP CONTEST click here >>#1
The 9th Annual BYC Easter Hatchalong!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask one of us.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - thanks for joining us.

 

[Joeschooks]

A very warm welcome to BYC! There’s so many helpful, knowledgeable folks here and I’m sure you’ll find this site a very useful resource. I hope you enjoy it as much as we all do.

My fence is about 4’ and none of my girls have even attempted to fly over it although they each have one wing clipped!