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How high can a chicken fly?

7 replies
Joined: 06/19/2009
User offline. Last seen 36 weeks 3 days ago.

I have some natural walls around my proposed chicken yard/coop.  The lowest wall is about 5 feet.  Is this high enough or do I need to amend it? Thanks, Susan 

Joined: 06/06/2009
User offline. Last seen 15 weeks 2 days ago.

I've yet to read a text that doesn't recommend a 6' wall as a general rule. That being said, my temporary pen is constructed of 1"x2" wire mesh, 4' tall. I've found that my birds only get out when they're low on food or water.
A chicken's ability to fly is also dependent on breed -- the larger ones can't fly as well as the smaller ones, and don't necessarily need a taller fence. As long as the birds are happy with their surroundings, they should stay put.

Joined: 06/19/2009
User offline. Last seen 36 weeks 3 days ago.

Thanks, JIMMY.  where are you located? Susan  

Joined: 06/06/2009
User offline. Last seen 15 weeks 2 days ago.

I'm actually in KY. I live just outside of Franklin, which is the Southernmost town on I-65.

Joined: 08/05/2009
User offline. Last seen 31 weeks 4 days ago.

My free range chickens can fly from the floor up to 7 foot high rafters in a building so I guess it depends on how much flying practice they get. Some of mine are only 4 months old and can do this while some birds that I have bought can hardly get up on a 3 foot roost and are much older. The guineas can fly to the roof of the building with ease.

Mark F. (not verified)

I have 5 month old Rhode Island Reds that fly up to and perch on top of a 6' high chain link fence. I'm going to have to go higher or clip their wings if I want to keep them in.

Joined: 06/06/2009
User offline. Last seen 15 weeks 2 days ago.

I finally gave up on trying to keep them inside the pen I built for them. I usually open the gate for them before I go to work in the morning, and quite often 4 out of my 6 are already out! They only go inside the pen because that's where their roost is anyway, so I'm thinking it's time to remove the pen! It's a bear to mow anyway.

Joined: 01/25/2010
User offline. Last seen 7 weeks 4 days ago.