Out of the run to hang out with me..or will they fly over the fence?

[Carpe DiHen]

I am planing fencing for my chickens (won't come till 4-12-10). I will have the coop and a covered run (14' x 4') all set up. I will leave them in the run when I am away.

I am getting (all 6 pullets and standards) Jersey Giant, Sussex, Cochin, Brahma, Easter Egger, Golden Polish.

The free range area is about 1/6 of our acre and will be fenced with 6 foot t-posts and wire field fencing. It has large pines (30dia) in it and some small bushes. Lots of leaves and grasses.

I have some questions about flying:

1) If I come home from work and let them out of their run, will they hang out in the fenced free range area till it's time to go back into the coop to roost?
2) Or, will they be driven to fly out of the yard?
3) Can I let them out to be with me when I work in the yard, or will they fly over the fencing?

I don't want to always have them locked in the run, but I don't want them to fly over fencing into neighbors acres. If it's just a few hours a day free ranging, will they be driven to fly out?

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

Well, they CAN fly over the fence, but it's more likely that they will dig a hole at the bottom of the fence and SLIDE under. It you want to keep them securely in the fencce, put the wire right on the ground. That will at least discourage digging...but not prevent it!

I've never had any of ours fly over but it certainly is possible. As far as free-ranging with you...yes they would probably love that. However, getting them back into their coop the first few times might be a challenge.

My choice would be to let them free-range inside the fence and have them go back into their coop in the evening. Remember that they need to be locked up in their coop for a few days to a week before you begin to let them out...even in a fenced run area. They need to know that the coop is safe and their home. Get them to know that you give treats..like scratch...and throw that into the coop when you want them to go in while calling "chick....chick...chick...chic..."....you get the idea. Then when you call them anytime, they will come running, knowing that you have a treat for them. The best way to a chicken's heart is through their stomach....or crop....!!!

 

[Dixiedoodle]

Great advice from Oldtimegator.

When I first got my chickens, I locked them in the coop over night and the next day.. then I let them into their completely enclosed run (they couldn't fly out) just before dark.. That night they went in to the coop with no problems. But had I not had the completely enclosed run, I would have waited several days before turning them out. Watching them to make sure they were using the roost at night. I also, placed a feeder and waterer under my dropping board and they stay full and fresh at all times.... So, that they associate the coop with food and shelter.. I got my girls at 18 weeks old and none of them are cuddle bugs but they will come running when I have my 'can'.. It's a large tomato can, w/ bird seed.. I just shake the can and make a clicking noise.. and sometimes I say "come on girls'... Just remember to use the same treat, the same call, the same routine and they will get the message.. while they are in 'training'! But make sure you always give them the treat==don't try to trick them..