I’ve got some determined leghorn pullets that I’m hoping to keep free range, but they are really getting good at flying now. I’m going to run an electric wire over the top of my fence so that they can’t perch up there and plot their escape. Does anyone have experience with electric fencing and chickens?
I’m worried if I buy a normal kit it will be juiced up for horses and the like and I’ll end up harming the hens. If there are recommendations for energizers that would be great too.
Why don’t you just clip their flight feathers? It doesn’t hurt them, and often they forget they can fly out by the time they grow out again. I give them a block so they can still get up on their roost.
There’s a few reasons. Firstly I’ve had determined fliers and climbers in the past which it makes little difference too. It isn’t just about flight, but the set up I have gives a few options for parkour style escapes.
Secondly, the pullets are going through a molt right now, so it’s not really going to last long.
Lastly, I free range them and prefer they have every chance to escape predators. Especially at the size they are now.
I know clipping wings is very normal and does not hurt them, but for my specific set up and preferences it’s not really what I want to do. I’ve had good results with last year’s hens by using temporary spikes on the perimeter, so I’m considering an alternative to that rather than a complete change of approach.