wombatally Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 Hi, I want to let our 4 ladies start free ranging in the garden. Problem is that we live on a country road which is long and straight and cars come hurtling past at such speed. There is a part of our lawn that can be fenced off so they can roam free(ish) whilst we're at home. My dad has donated some posts and chicken wire about 1m high and there is a wall on the other side. If the wings are clipped (I am plucking up the courage to do this) will they get over the fence? There is also a gate on the whole garden before the road so this is just stage 1 protection! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chookle brother Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 Yes they may, 1m is not high enough. I am very new to keeping Chooks but mine free range in my garden and will jump on the bird table water-but etc all of which are over 4ft tall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gamebird Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 A lot of people on this forum use poultry netting to keep their chickens in one place and that is only just over a metre in height. It will depend on high flighty your girls are and how interesting their run is for them to want to stay there. My chickens are still young and not yet laying and if something scares them they do fly at least 4 feet in the air. I'm hoping they will settle down once they start laying otherwise I will clip their wings. It's easy to do and not painful - just like cutting our finger nails. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 They can easily fly over a 1m fence if they have a mind to.....and especially if there is something raised off the ground for them to take off from. Mine often make escape bids from the top of the Eglu. Madams. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedusA Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 I agree. 1 metre is definitely not high enough. All my girls have clipped wings and could clear that easily. Sorry to disappoint you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wombatally Posted April 17, 2008 Author Share Posted April 17, 2008 Thanks for the suggestions - I think I may have to come up with a plan B!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiggy Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 one of my new girls flew over the omlet netting when she was statled by a pigeon landing next to her, wing clip in order I think Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 My sisters Amber's managed to get over an 8ft high fence even with their wings clipped! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
