Unsecure chicken perches

[migsy]

I've got some Omlet chicken netting and at first it seemed to keep the hens in. Now they are flying over it and getting into the "forbidden" areas of the garden. I have clipped the wing of one hen but she is the one that flies over the most! I was a bit nervous clipping the wing, so I think I probably didn't do it enough.

 

Does anyone have experience of chicken netting and if so, if I clip the wings properly will it stop them flying over?

 

Thanks for any replies.

[lillybettybabs]

Mine is wired up to the mains which seems to stop them from being adventurous.

[Surfnirvana]

Yes, mine is wired up to a battery, which does seem to work.

[migsy]

Thanks for your replies! Interesting that they don't fly over if the netting is charged. I wonder if they sense the charge as obviously they do not touch it when they fly over. Do yours have clipped wings? I was thinking of getting an energiser for my netting so that they don't have to be kept in a run when I am on holiday but thought there would be no point if they could fly over anyway. Also, do you need a run if the netting is energised, or do you just rely on the fence?

[Surfnirvana]

Yes, I clipped my chooks wings. It is quite easy and although it feels rather odd using the scissors to cut the feathers, once you've done one bird the next one is a lot easier. I cut the long feathers back to the second set if that makes any sense.

They have touched the fence when it has been on and got a bit of a crack - a loud bok bokking ensued! - but after they've done it once, they know to keep clear from it. Sounds a bit harsh I suppose, but it does seem to work and of course the main reason we got it electrified was to keep the fox out rather than the chooks in! We keep it on all day and night, so if a fox comes round at night time they will get a crack and hopefully not attempt it again (well that's the plan and seems to have worked for the last 2.5 years!)

 

Generally if we are in the house, we will open up their Cube run and they can go in their electric fenced in area. However, if we are at work or out, we will keep them in their Cube run with the fence round and on.

 

Hope this helps!

 

x

[migsy]

Thanks. I had been thinking about electric fencing. Sounds like it could be a good idea if I clip their wings properly!

[chicken bark]

I think a determined hen will get over it with a clipped wing. Having said that the older and heavier the girls get the less likely they will do it. I have my hens behind electric netting and only one has ever got over it and I'd probably put the house too close to the fence so she only had to hop over.

I've not clipped my girls wings either. So one occasional escapee is not too bad I think.

 

Definitely recommend electric fencing.

[migsy]

I have clipped her wings twice and she is still flying over and eating the strawberries! I've decided to get a walk in run now as I want them to have more space when I am on holiday and I am just too worried that she will escape whilst I am away. I don't think my helpful neighbours will thank me for a chicken chase!

[The Dogmother]

Had you thought about fencing in your fruit and veg?

[migsy]

I don't mind the odd escape as I can put her back but it is just the holiday thing. Perhaps we should put something over the strawberries! OH not impressed as he planted them.

[The Dogmother]

If you have chickens, then I'd recommend that the fruit and veg are in a fruit cage - it's the only way. The will get in whatever else you do!