5 hens in 1/4 acre pen--how is the grass going to look? *update!*

[TomG]

Most of the people on this thread say that the lawn will be turned to dust. They may be right as most of them have more experience than me. I have four chickens and a backyard (not close to 1/4 acre) Mine are let out of their run around 3:30 every day to roam the yard and go back into the coop at dusk. On weekends they are in the yard all day. My grass has improved due to their thatching. Their dust bathing area is under a hydrangea bush and not easily seen. Maybe I've just been lucky so far. Maybe next summer is moonscape time. But, I have only four, not forty and they do very little damage. I do feed them allot, maybe that helps.
I do know that a four foot high cyclone fence won't even slow them down when they decide to explore the neighbors yard.
How about a miniature donkey?

 

[Judy]

Mine do their best to scratch plants out by the roots before eating them. They often succeed.

 

[Nostalchic]

In Maine, with lots of rainfall and good conditions (much different than here in CO) I also think your grass will survive with only 5 chickens, though it won't look like a park! AND, in defense of goats... does are lovely, friendly, gentle animals with wonderful unique personalities and NOT really very smelly companions - that also produce great milk if you're inclined to manage that aspect of goat-keeping. (Not talking about bucks, here! - different story) We kept Alpines for many years and it was such a great pleasure. HOWEVER, you must have good fencing for them if you intend to have any of your favorite landscape plants/trees survive (they go straight for them, usually as the plants are just about to burst forth with long-awaited blooms) just as with chickens you must have good fence to protect them from things that want to eat them. Goes with the territory... so plan before you jump in. We've also had miniature donkeys and they're a lot of fun, but a bit noisy (LOUD braying especially when you're late getting their breakfast) and really should not be kept alone - need another equine.

 

[Ukyou]

I have 4 chickens in a 1/5 acre yard who free range from the time the earliest riser lets them out of the coop till dusk, and we still have plenty of grass. The main thing I have learned is that I need to water it in the summer. If it gets too dry, then yes, everything gets scratched up. I found 15 min of watering after the chickens are in the coop during the times that the weather is in the 90's and above works great.

 

[Bantimna]

Well from my experience (lets say my neighbors chickens I take care of) with 40+ chickens on 1/4 acres, most of the grass is still there. Yes the peach and berry trees, have zero grass under them and filled with craters (dust-baths). I think it should be okay but, goats might lessen grass quicker than your chickens will.

 

[Ohhhdear]

I've kept 12 hens in a 1/3 acre backyard/woods since May and the grass is fine.
However, they have lots of deep leaf litter in the woods to tear apart and that helps satisfy their scratching urge. They have also devoured all the coral bells, grape hyacinths, daffodils, tulips, and anything growing that's not stinky (like chrysanthemums, daylilies, hosta and hydrangeas).
There are many places they've converted to dust baths.

Their whole yard area is fenced in with 2' green wire fencing. They have never flown over it except for two places where it's close to the woodpiles. Then they give a mighty leap and hop up onto the woodpiles and are free! Those two places I've augmented the 2' fencing with 5' chicken wire and that's solved. I also clip their wings. They're big girls and too heavy to fly very far. Smaller, lighter breeds would find it easier to get over the fencing.
I believe the green color has helped keep them in. They simply can't see it until they're right beside the fencing. Maybe when it's snowy outside they'll be able to see it.

 

[Raen]

The fence is 6 foot, it's just far away and looks short.

 

[johny]

Sorry Raen,
From a running start most chicken can clear 6 feet easily.

Bye bye chickens especially if there are day time predators around.

 

[Rozzie]

I've seen 'em clear 8 feet without looking twice...

 

[PatS]

We recently changed our front fence from 4' to 6'. Never, ever, in over a year did any of the chickens (we have buff orps.) think about jumping over it. And not for lack of opportunity. They free range from dawn till dusk. We just fenced in the garden-to-be with a 4' fence, so I'll know for sure next spring if they can clear 4'. But our friends who also have bo's have a 4' fence around their garden and no problem. I have seen how insanely they attack the kale when she cuts some and gives it to them, so it's not like they have no motivation to get over the fence.

We have had up to 25 chickens and 7 turkeys on two acres and no moonscape. I'm really surprised anyone said anything different. Are we talking about the same species of bird?