My girls are only 7 days old today so I'm a ways off from free ranging them but I do have some questions. I have black sexlinks, brown colored americaunas, and 5 pure yellow chicks (not sure what they are). will these chickens be able to fly over a 5' cyclone fence when they are full grown? If yes, should their wings be clipped? and lastly, how is the clipping done? Thanks for your help. You guys are great!
Generally the standard breeds won't even try to fly over a four foot fence. However, you do get the occasional chicken that just has to try and see the other side. Bantams, the smaller breeds, will often fly over even a six foot fence. I have three smaller breeds and they've never attempted to fly over my six foot fence so I guess they don't see anything out there they can't wait to get to till I let them free range. Wing clipping is very easy (so I'm told - I've never done it) and going to the how-to page would be a great way to learn that.
I clip their wing (singular) to prevent flying and my fence is only about 3 1/2 ft. high. I thought the bigger hens wouldn't attempt it because of their weight but I got a hand-me-down hen who wasn't clipped who could fly right out. Tonight her flight plans were changed and her license to fly revoked. You just spread out their wings and cut all the primary (large feathers like fingers at the end of the wing) feathers. They may squawk but it doesn't hurt them...sort of like cutting fingernails or hair for us. Don't clip too close or you may get into the meat and that would hurt like the dickens. I just clip the one, so as to throw them off balance when they attempt to fly. Good luck!
I used to have a football feild sized spot chicken wired off, My hens didnt even try to fly over a 36'' fence. I keep my hens good and fat,so if they have to put the least amount of effort into their mobility they give up!! Walkings the only way to go for them..but when a couple of my white leghorns were juviniles they would fly on top of my barn!!! 13 feet high. Now ive got them tamed out and now they fly to my shoulders and thats it. Ive got rid of the fence now and now im 100% FREE RANGE, the only way to go!! Feed cost are now cut in Half,eggs taste better(i think),and hens are happier.
Thank you everyone for your replies I did check out the How to pages and found the wing clipping does not look all that hard...but I think I play the 'wait and see' game before clipping.
My hens are usually free-ranged, but when they are penned, they can and WILL find a way over our 8' high fencing in our run. I have 2 that learned how, and unfortunately the other hens watched and figured out the same way out, and now I have to re-arrange the run. Maybe my hens are more trouble-makers than normal, but we have a heck of a time keeping them penned. The only ones who can't make it over are my barred rock girls and the buff orpington roo. I guess their size stops them. Good luck- Em