Problem flying chickens

[junebuggena]

I gave up trying to contain my Easter Eggers. They can clear 6 ft with a jump, no flapping wings needed.

 

[centrarchid]

I never heard of chickens flying so much. We had a mixed flock last time with some buffs and Wyandottes and the time before we had 2 buffs and some other kind I can't remember and they NEVER jumped the fence. It was just a 4 ft fence at that house too. The problem bird today literally flew straight up to the top of the coop and then stared at me lol. They haven't jumped the fence today. I've been keeping a close eye because I really don't want them in the neighbors yard. I cut both wings on the problem bird today since she was getting so much lift.

Some of the flying is cultural or seasonal, with some breeds. My American Dominiques do not fly much with mature birds likely not able to go 10' vertical and have never seen an adult fly 100' horizontally. Pullets just prior to coming into lay do fly better and more frequently but still operate within limits above. The American Games are a very different story and some light breeds might be similar. This time of year the games are really prone to flying and can actually fly in a circle by either hovering or by trimmed out flight. The flight capacity takes a dive once they come into lay but they are still capable of going a few hundred feet and do not need to be frightened to do that. There are times when they will fly across a field just to get to me, even though they know I do not have feed. I do not know why they do that. Males will do same for feed.