Tinkerbell Posted May 3, 2008 Share Posted May 3, 2008 Another question: Having never seen a flock of Chickens fly past or sitting in the nearby trees, I realise their flying abilities are somewhat limited, but how high can a chicken fly? My garden has a 2m high netting system to keep my cats in (works very well) and I am hoping that my 3 new chickens can't go that high. Is there any chance they could clear this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted May 3, 2008 Share Posted May 3, 2008 I think it would be unlikely. I have a 3 ft wall with a small trellis sitting on top and they've never shown the slightest inclination to clear that (even though there's some lovely rough ground for scratching about it - although I suppose they don't know that ). Mine run, flap, jump the length of the garden but have never made it above a foot or two. They can jump quite high - say onto a window sill - but I think that's about it. (Their wings were clipped when I got them 8 months ago, but haven't been done since.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jomaxsmith Posted May 3, 2008 Share Posted May 3, 2008 The thinner 2 of my 3 girls can get onto the top of the eglu and onto the handrail of my decking (just above waist height) but no higher. I think the risk with chooks is if they can use something as a stepping stone to get up to a higher point. Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted May 3, 2008 Share Posted May 3, 2008 It depends on the personality of the hen. My first Wyandotte was able to do a vertical take-off and end up in a large old apple-tree -- at least two metres, probably more. My second Wyandotte can't seem to get more than a few inches off the ground. So it's a bit like asking how high can a human jump: it seems to vary tremendously. I would put something highly desirable outside the run and see if any of them manage to get over for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ash Posted May 3, 2008 Share Posted May 3, 2008 One of mine flew on top of my 6ft greenhouse the other day. As soon as I noticed I was out there like a shot with a hand full of corn to tempt her down. She hasnt been up there since. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarbaraJ Posted May 3, 2008 Share Posted May 3, 2008 lol yeah mine do low level formation flying in the garden its so funny to watch, they only get 1-2' off the ground. When mine had their wings clipped he said they probably wouldn't need doing again as they don't realise they grow back lol won't rely on that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nuggywoo Posted May 3, 2008 Share Posted May 3, 2008 My little cockerel frequently flies straight up into the trees - approx. 8'. Can't even poke him down with a stick! I don't clip their wings as I'd like to give them a fighting chance against foxes/dogs. No matter how clever a fox is it can't climb trees. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperman Posted May 3, 2008 Share Posted May 3, 2008 I once saw one of ours perched on the washing line 7ft up I wasn't quick enough with the camera unfortunately. That was a while ago and they are bit heavier now. Most of the time they just potter about and dont bother flying. They seem to prefer to use wing power for added acceleration towards the bearer of treats. Kev. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FruitandNutCake Posted May 3, 2008 Share Posted May 3, 2008 mine have only flown a couple of feet off the ground. Scared me the first time they flew across the garden as I didn't know if they would come back down or go up and over the fence! Ive got a two ft high wire fence to stop them wandering down to the veg patch, and they haven't attempted to fly or jump over it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshine Posted May 3, 2008 Share Posted May 3, 2008 Someone i know got chickens(with their wings clipped) on Wednesday but only built a 4ft fence to keep them in their patch of the garden.By Thursday afternoon one of them had escaped and they havnt found it. The other 3 had stayed though, so i guess its just the personality of the hen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...