If you keep chickens or live near someone who does, you know just how destructive they can be in the garden. Chickens love to scratch, peck, and dig, and unfortunately, gardens are the perfect spot for them to do so. While chickens can be adorable, their love for fresh vegetables and fruits can cause a lot of damage to your garden. In this article, we will discuss some tips and tricks to keep chickens out of the garden, so you can enjoy fresh produce without the interference of your feathered friends.
One of the most effective ways to keep chickens out of your garden is to build a fence around it. Chickens can be opportunistic creatures and will take advantage of any open space they can find. A fence acts as a physical barrier and can help deter chickens from entering your garden. You can use a variety of materials for the fence such as wood, metal, or plastic but make sure it's tall enough to prevent the chickens from flying over it. Additionally, you can use chicken wire to reinforce the fence and make it harder for them to penetrate it.
Another method to keep chickens out of your garden is to use row covers. These are made of lightweight fabric and act as a barrier to prevent chickens from accessing your crops. You can drape the row covers over your plants, ensuring that they are adequately secured to avoid chickens from getting underneath. The covers allow air, water, and sunlight to penetrate while keeping the chickens out. It's essential to keep the soil moist, as row covers can prevent water from seeping in, making sure that your plants are well-nourished.
In areas where a fence or row covers are not practical, creating physical barriers can be your best bet. You can use a variety of materials to make these barriers, such as bricks, stones, or even plants. For instance, planting prickly bushes such as blackberry, hawthorn, or rose can prevent chickens from accessing your garden, as they are unlikely to peck through them. Additionally, you can use mulch, straw, or gravel to make the area unattractive to chickens.
If you own chickens, training them can prevent them from entering your garden. You can do this by creating another designated area where you can feed the chickens. By doing this, you are teaching them that they can only eat at specific places, thereby reducing their appetite for your crops. Additionally, using gadgets such as automatic feeders can also help train the chickens and keep them out of the garden.
Chickens can be destructive when they are bored or lack activities that keep them engaged. Keeping them busy with activities such as pecking toys, foraging activities, and hiding treats can prevent them from seeking entertainment in your garden. You can also provide them with an area to scratch and peck, which can make them less likely to dig around in your garden.
Planting strategically can also help keep chickens out of your garden. You can tuck your plants tightly together, making it harder for chickens to access your crops. Additionally, you can install trellises, vertical gardens, or raised beds, which can make it harder for chickens to reach your plants. Planting some herbs, such as cilantro or dill, can also be a great way to deter chickens from entering your garden, as they do not like the strong scent they emit.
If you own chickens, consider putting them in a chicken run. A chicken run is an enclosed area designed specifically for chickens, which allows them to roam freely and safely. You can build it as big or as small as you like, making sure that it's big enough for your chickens to move around comfortably. By having a designated area for your chickens, you can prevent them from accessing your garden and destroying your crops.
Chickens can be a joy to have around, but their love for fresh produce can cause a lot of damage to your garden. Employing these tips and tricks can help keep them out while allowing you to enjoy fresh, organic produce. Whether you choose to build a fence, use row covers, or train your chickens, remember that consistency is key. Keep at it, and soon you'll be enjoying the fruits of your labor without having to worry about your feathered friends.
