Raising bantam chicks and sex link chick

[4 chicks 4 Kyra]

Hi so I am new to raising chicks and I already adore them! They are my daughter loves, see adores them as well. We have three bantams one is definitely a silkie as the little chick has five toes and downy feathers. We also a have a sex link that is brown and yellow. My question is, is there a way to teach them not to want to fly over my semi-small 7 ft fence? I keep reading bantams fly high and like to fly. I don't live in an area where they would be safe if they flew out of my yard. What can I do? I am thinking I could cover my fence with deer fencing on top so they can't fly out but I'm worried they could get hurt, maybe get stuck in the netting? When I am not Home I was planning on leaving them in their coop and their run during the day. When I'm home I wanted to let them out of their run into a slightly larger area I fenced away from my dogs. Also should my chicks have a nesting box? I have a roosting bar for them. Also what should I do for parasite control? I know these are a lot of questions but this is sooo new to me! I love them and want to make sure I'm getting it all right for them!

 

[lauihm]

I watched a u-tube video on how to clip one side of their wings so that it makes them lopsided to fly.

 

[4 chicks 4 Kyra]

Yeah Ive heard of this practice as well I don't really feel comfortable taking an inborn ability from them though, I know this is probably the common thing to do I'm not sure I feel good about it. I'm hoping to build some sort of fence covering....

 

[JanetS]

Yes, they will need nesting boxes. They shouldn't start laying eggs until they are least 15 weeks. We have 3 red sex link and 2 white leghorns and they have never tried to fly over the fence. Just be careful if you plan on letting them free range. Chickens can attract predators to your yard.

 

[4 chicks 4 Kyra]

Thank you! I will make them a little nesting box today!