Keeping Chickens Out Of The Garden

What Is A Garden Chicken?

Garden chickens are a species of chickens that are bred specifically for their ability to thrive in garden settings. These chickens are often chosen for their low-maintenance behavior, their beauty, their adaptability to weather fluctuations, and their robust resistance to pests and disease. Garden chickens are often smaller and more docile than the typical backyard hen and, unlike some other chickens, they require little space for foraging and nesting.

Why Keep Chickens Out Of The Garden?

Chickens can be a great addition to any garden, but there are some potential hazards that may occur when chickens are let loose in a garden. Chickens can dig, scratch, and eat through garden beds and plants. They can also damage delicate plants and disrupt the natural habitat of other animals that may inhabit the area. Allowing chickens in the garden can also make the garden less inviting to humans, as there can be a mess of feathers and droppings.

Preventive Measures

One of the most effective ways to keep chickens out of the garden is to fence out the area. A wire mesh or plastic fencing will be more than adequate to keep the chickens out. Make sure to put up fencing that is at least two feet tall and has no gaps the chickens can squeeze through. Additionally, you can use netting over the entire garden to keep the chickens away from the plants and from damaging them.

Maintaining Fences

Fences need to be maintained regularly for them to be effective. Check the fences periodically for any holes or gaps that need to be fixed and make sure that the chickens can't climb over them. It's also important to make sure the fencing is stable at all times, as it can become weakened over time due to weather or wear and tear.

Monitoring Activity

By monitoring the activity of chickens in the garden, you can identify potential areas that chickens tend to frequent and that may need protection from them. For example, if you notice chickens always gathering at the edge of the fence or at certain areas of the garden, you can use netting or fencing in these areas to keep the chickens away.

Keeping Chickens Away With Scents

There are a few scents that chickens tend to avoid. Among the most effective ones are lavender, garlic, and peppermint. Planting these herbs or essential oils near the fencing can act as a deterrent to keep the chickens away. Additionally, these scents provide several benefits to plants, including protection against pests.

Using Automatic Feeders

One way to keep chickens away from the garden is to use automatic feeders for chickens. This allows the chickens to eat without having to walk into the garden, as the feeders can be placed away from the garden area. Automatic feeders are a great way to provide a constant supply of food for the chickens without having to worry about them entering the garden.

Using Decoy Predators

Another way to keep chickens away from the garden is to use decoy predators. The most common decoy predator that is used is a plastic owl, which chickens tend to stay away from. It is important to move the plastic owl around to different areas of the garden, as chickens will become used to a static decoy and not be scared of it.

Closing Remarks

Keeping chickens out of the garden is not as difficult as it may seem. With a little planning and some creative solutions, such as fences, scented herbs, automatic feeders, and decoy predators, it is possible to keep chickens away from the garden and maintain a healthy, vibrant environment. It is also important to remember to monitor the activity of the chickens from time to time to ensure that they are staying away from the garden.