Is a 4 ft fence high enough?

[uncle rico]

My run has a fence 4 ft high made of poultry netting. Can full-size hens fly over that fence or do I have to raise the fence height? I free-range my chickens and havn't had a chance to use the run. I might put a small coop in the run to house my broody hens and/or some roos.

 

[RareBreedFancier]

You have heavy breeds which are less inclined to fly but if there is something good outside to temp them I'd expect they'd hop right over.

I have a full wire roof on my run as some mine are capable of flying up onto the garage roof, about 7' high!

I don't clip wings because I want them to be able to fly if something tries to get them when they are free ranging.

 

[bryan99705]

If all you are doing is containing a hen, throw a fruit tree net over the run because the chickens wire is not going to protect you from a predator.

If your're trying to protect birds then start with welded wire that's fastened with screws and fender washers, topped with welded wire, skirted with welded wire and lined with hardware cloth. Otherwise all you have done is trap the chickens in a closed area so when the coon or fox enter, they don't have to work as hard for their meal

 

[Nicole01]

We covered our run with a strong wire. I'd be more worried of a hawk or other predator getting in through the top. I have a 5 foot tall run and my chicks fly to the top quite often. I have all, but one heavy breed.