When can they fly?

[featherz]

I have my chicks (hatched on monday) in a plastic tote that has sides of about 18 inches. I covered it with a wire mesh the first night until I figured out they weren't going anywhere. However only four days later I see more wing feathers and 'fluttering' around. At what age do I need to put the mesh back on? now?

 

[gryeyes]

It seemed like mine were able to flap their way up to the edge of the brooder when they were just over two weeks old.

 

[MaKettle]

My girls were definitely catching air by about 3 weeks..they are 6 weeks now & fly everywhere!!

 

[featherz]

Ok here's my next newbie question.. Do I need to clip wings when they are big chickens or will they be fine 'as-is'?

I'll cover the brooder with mesh in a week or so just in case. :0

 

[gryeyes]

They fly MORE when they're chicks than when they are grown up. They're learning to use their muscles, and feathers, and they're just full of spunk and vinegar.

Depending upon the breed of your birds, you may or may not need to clip their wings.

 

[featherz]

I have four RIR and four white leghorns. Hopefully all pullets.

feed us!

 

[snowflake]

I have all standard breeds, the older they get(1yr now) the less they fly, some times a short distance to get away from the Roo's, they flap like crazy when they are running to get a treat, but don't leave the ground.

 

[gryeyes]

Rhode Island Red and Leghorn pullets are fairly light birds, and Leghorns are KNOWN for being able to fly. The Leghorns are pure layers, while the RIR is a dual purpose bird, meaning there's more meat on 'em.

You may have to clip their wings if you don't cover their run so they can't fly out.