migsy Posted June 22, 2010 Share Posted June 22, 2010 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lillybettybabs Posted June 22, 2010 Share Posted June 22, 2010 Mine is wired up to the mains which seems to stop them from being adventurous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surfnirvana Posted June 22, 2010 Share Posted June 22, 2010 Yes, mine is wired up to a battery, which does seem to work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
migsy Posted June 22, 2010 Author Share Posted June 22, 2010 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surfnirvana Posted June 22, 2010 Share Posted June 22, 2010 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
migsy Posted June 22, 2010 Author Share Posted June 22, 2010 Thanks. I had been thinking about electric fencing. Sounds like it could be a good idea if I clip their wings properly! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted June 24, 2010 Share Posted June 24, 2010 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
migsy Posted June 24, 2010 Author Share Posted June 24, 2010 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted June 24, 2010 Share Posted June 24, 2010 Had you thought about fencing in your fruit and veg? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
migsy Posted June 24, 2010 Author Share Posted June 24, 2010 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted June 25, 2010 Share Posted June 25, 2010 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
