What breeds are least inclined to fly over the fence?

[Yellow Snow]

I hope this isn't a silly question. Understanding that heavier birds are less prone to high flying and the importance of limiting chickens' motivation to "get to the other side", are there still specific breeds within the "heavy" category that are less inclined to fly over the fence? This factor is important to me as I'm trying to match my future birds to my setup. I've been considering Orpingtons, Austrolorps, and Sussex and would love to hear anything regarding these or any other breeds.

 

[UrbanGrower]

I have a 6ft fence and my australorps don't try, nor do I think they could. However, they probably could get over 4' with some effort. On the other hand my ameraucana can get over the fence, as she's proven, and she doesn't try either. What exactly is your setup going to be like?

 

[gritsar]

I have LF brahmas, EEs, speckled sussex, turkens, silkies, and salmon faverolles.

The brahmas don't even try, they're too heavy, although they can in a fight or flight situation. The silkies don't try. All the others fly over the fences easily, especially the EEs. I've seen those girls fly the entire length of our yard and it's a huge yard.

 

[Yellow Snow]

Quote:
I was originally planning on a 6 foot fence but would prefer to go lower if I can...

 

[Illia]

Heavy, non-hatchery breeds. (almost anything in the dual purpose range but not from a hatchery)

As for hatchery stock - Brahmas, Orpingtons, Cochins to name a couple.


I'm sorry but a hatchery Brahma is hardly any heavier than any other hatchery based hen. They max at about 6 lbs. . . A true Brahma hen should weigh 9 pounds. That's heavy. The main reason a hatchery Brahma wouldn't is because they have shorter legs.

 

[Ironmaiden]

I have 6ft fence and 4ft fence. I noticed that my RIR and EE's fly over. The Buff Orphingtons do not. Yet..... My Dominque's don't either, or Barred Rocks. I can't tell the difference in the breed, but someone here will enlighten me for sure. We try to keep the chickens safe by putting up fence, but some fly over. A dog happened by 3 weeks ago and caught one that had escaped. Bad day.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
I have to disagree with this. My brahmas are hatchery stock. Light as youngsters, they are now almost 3 years old. Most now weigh about 8 lbs. Jezebel and Bella are now over 9 pounds easy. My dark brahma roo weighed 13 lbs. last time we bothered to weigh him.

 

[jmc]

Just clip their wings!! All you need to do is just one wing. Problem solved--i expect

 

[magicpigeon]

Clip the wings or buy heavy breeds such as sussex and australorp....or featherless ones like silkies. I have all 3