Worried about flying.

[Dixiethea]

I am new at chicken raising. I'm worried about them flying over my fence to none safe area. I have a chicken tractor but would like to let them free range in my fenced in yard.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Most breeds will. Some won't. How high is the fence? Some heavy breeds won't but I've had Jersey Giants that could get over a 6' fence. They'd fly up onto the gate and then hop over. If you angle the wire at top inward, that can help.

ETA
Or you could get Black Penedesencas that respect all fences. They can fly but they just don't go over fences unless cornered by a predator. Most of my fences are only 3'. I've successfully confined flocks of roosters in a 2' fence.

 

[Impress]

You also have the option of only free ranging in the late afternoon, they will wander around but not far as they like to stay close to their perches in the evening.

 

[Dixiethea]

My fence is 41/2' tall 1/2' is buried to help keep animals from digging under.

 

[Farmer Pete]

One o f the things that works for me is clipping their wings. This doesn't hurt them, and so far has worked great, just make sure you only do it to one wing.

 

[Dixiethea]

How old do you clip the wing?

 

[Farmer Pete]

It depends on when you want them to free range. Usually about 2 or 3 months old. Then you will have to do this after every molt, because the flight feathers will grow back.

 

[TLWR]

I have 2 BOs and 1 BR. The BR will find her way over the fence (usually through) to get to the shrubs next to the house by the garage. Then she spends even longer trying to get back INTO the yard. For the most part, they don't visit the other side.