Gary, Can't you just clip the feathers (On only one wing) to keep the Chickens from flying off? OR would that put them in to much danger of not being able to "Escape" if need be?
Yes, we could clip the feathers but elect to not do so. They rarely try to get outside the fence (only the roosters have done so). Our primary concern is predators and flight is their primary defense mechanism. Additionally, they fly up to their roosts. Lastly, as "organic animal husbandry-people" we don't give antibiotics, growth hormones, clip beaks or feathers. The birds are allowed to live as they would in nature (with minor human influence).
ETA: Organic food costs more for a reason: it is a lot more work than the business-farm model.
