southernchicken Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 hi, i'm getting prepared for the new adventure of chicken owning I have a garden roughly 100ft x 35ft that i feel the chooks will enjoy pecking about in. The garden is fully enclosed by 6ft6 fences down both sides and at the back there is a 9ft mesh fence with even taller bushes and hedges growing in front of it. My confusion comes , as this weekend i went and visited a chicken lady in Ringwood who had about 40 chikens 3 turkeys 2 goats and some ducks in a very large enclosure, but there were a couple of chicken roaming around outside the pen, and when i asked why they were out she said '' they hop in and out''. I don't know if their wings weren't clipped ( didn't think to ask at the time) but i am now worried that my fences are not high enough...... Any ideas ??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 Perhaps there were buildings near that they jumped on or trees they launched from. How funny. I wouldn't think they could get out of your garden, it sounds wonderful. You might not want them to have all of it when you've seen their gardening skills. Remember a fox can get over barriers if there is something to jump from but you can get tools to prevent that like foxwatch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southernchicken Posted March 10, 2009 Author Share Posted March 10, 2009 thinking back their wooden houses were about 3ft from fence , thankyou i just want them to be safe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 There are some fancy/pure breed hens that do not fly or have shorter wingspans so can be kept in lower fencing for example : Orpingtons Brahmas Cochins Favorelles Silkie As Plum advised though, a fox will easily be able to get in even if your girls cant get out With the fancier heavy/ fluffy breeds though you do have to bear in mind you will probably get less eggs and more broody "episodes" than with a lighter more flightier breed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mostin Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 Yes, chickens are very good at finding "launch pads" . Once you have removed anything they can launch from they should be fine in your garden whatever breed you get. Beware of foxy-loxy though . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falkor Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 I have never seen any of my Orps higher off the gound than my largest plant pot (about 1/2m) I haven`t seen any eggs either! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Watch Posted March 11, 2009 Share Posted March 11, 2009 My hybrid Omlet chickens have never got over my 6ft fences. When they were young and lighter, they could get over 4ft (even with wing clipped) but now 2 years on, they are heavier, older and don't get over 4ft unless there is a launch pad nearby. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunshinesupernova Posted March 12, 2009 Share Posted March 12, 2009 I've only recently got chickens - and thoroughly enjoying them. I've got 2 x cochins and a blue orpington plus three cream legbars. The legbars are as mad as a box of frogs.... but none have thought of tryign the fence (or the gate - which is only waist height.) The cochins can get up into the cube - but do so very ungainley ! They can't fly and are feather balls - even more so than the orpington. THey are also stupidly friendly and come galloping down the garden when they see anyone coming. I can now pick one of them up when she stands at my feet. The other loves a fuss but doesnt like being picked up. I can easily handle and fuss both cochins and the orp - but can't get within 2 feet of the cream legbars. One cochin is laying every day so far - the orpington is laying two on and one off - as is the other cochin. To be honest, they are laying more than I expected these large pure breds would. Given the choice again - cochins all the way for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted March 12, 2009 Share Posted March 12, 2009 Given the choice again - cochins all the way for me me too, mine are adorable but they do test my patience with their broodiness. I will be interested to hear if yours go broody very often or whether I've just got a pair of lightweights! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunshinesupernova Posted March 12, 2009 Share Posted March 12, 2009 I'm sure time will tell on that one...... early days yet ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kathryn Posted March 13, 2009 Share Posted March 13, 2009 My miniture Orpington cant jump more than about 2 ft, although if there is food to be had she might just manage 2 and a half! Lovely personality - would definitely recommend this breed. They can eat though!! On the other hand I have a Yokahama that can literally fly straight over the garage roof. Since starting to lay though she has lost all interest in exploring and I haven't seen her go over the garden walls since. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Madchook Posted March 13, 2009 Share Posted March 13, 2009 hi, i'm getting prepared for the new adventure of chicken owning I have a garden roughly 100ft x 35ft that i feel the chooks will enjoy pecking about in. The garden is fully enclosed by 6ft6 fences down both sides and at the back there is a 9ft mesh fence with even taller bushes and hedges growing in front of it. My confusion comes , as this weekend i went and visited a chicken lady in Ringwood who had about 40 chikens 3 turkeys 2 goats and some ducks in a very large enclosure, but there were a couple of chicken roaming around outside the pen, and when i asked why they were out she said '' they hop in and out''. I don't know if their wings weren't clipped ( didn't think to ask at the time) but i am now worried that my fences are not high enough...... Any ideas ??? Southernchicken, can I ask what breeds she has? (more importantly, any blue or white egg layers?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debbie26pet Posted March 14, 2009 Share Posted March 14, 2009 There are some fancy/pure breed hens that do not fly or have shorter wingspans so can be kept in lower fencing for example : Orpingtons Brahmas Cochins Favorelles Silkie As Plum advised though, a fox will easily be able to get in even if your girls cant get out With the fancier heavy/ fluffy breeds though you do have to bear in mind you will probably get less eggs and more broody "episodes" than with a lighter more flightier breed. Favorelles, mine can def lift of the floor the higher the better she loves the kids swing at the very top bar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omletina Kyckling Posted March 14, 2009 Share Posted March 14, 2009 Don't think about leghorns because they can easily clear a 6ft fence. I've given up trying to keep Tiina in the enclosed area as she just flies straight out the minute my back is turned!! She's as daft as a brush too, and a noisy layer!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minnie the Moocher Posted March 14, 2009 Share Posted March 14, 2009 None of mine attempt to clear their 6' fenced enclosure. I live near Ringwood. Are you talking about Foxwood Fowl? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
