A run or let them wander about?

[quarryman]

We have little space for our proposed coop and run set up. Near to the coop is our vegtable garden of 11 raised beds. If we let chickens out on their own will they scratch up or otherwise bother or destroy vegtable and flower beds? Or, do we need a run for a forage area? Our veggies are important to us, so any information would be appreciated.

 

[Billyj]

In a simple word. Yes

Yes they will clean you garden for you if they get the chance. They will scratch up and in anything they can. If you do not want your garden messed with, you will need to build a run. If you will be out and about with them, you could let them out for a while, but you will be shooshing them from your garden constantly. When the garden is finished growing, then yes, by all means, let them out. They will clean it up good for you.

 

[<3ChickenForever]

Weput a fence around our garden,

good luck with that and

 

[schellie69]

From Kansas and yes the chickens will wipe out your garden.

 

[AngelzFyre]

Quote:

They will definitely bother or destroy the flower beds...they'll be after bugs and veggies and whatever else they forage for and they sure don't know the difference of what's yours or theirs as far as territory. If you could maybe fence off your garden/raised beds so they could get to what grass is elsewhere, that would be best. Also make sure that no predators can get to them while they are out free ranging.
I have both my coops open up into those pre fab dog kennel panels that are reinforced with crossties around the bottom, chicken wire and hardware cloth. I let them out in the mornings, put them up safe and sound at night.
Hope this helps!

 

[Knock Kneed Hen]

I have mine in a run for their safety. Just don't overcrowd them. It's better to give them lots of space, not just the recommended 10sq. ft. per bird. I have a 200 sq. ft. run and keep 13 standards and 2 bantams in it. They also use the coop readily as it's well lit. I provide them with things to do: straw with goodies hidden in it, cabbage head on a chain, etc... I spend time in there with them too. I like to keep them guessing as to when I'll bring them treats so it's not always the same time every day. Enriching any caged animal's life if worth the effort. Think of it as taking care of their mental well being as well as their physical well being. If you let them free range they WILL destroy your garden unless it's fenced. If you have a small yard you'll have chicken poo all over the place. . . unless you have a dog, then the dog with enjoy all the snacks dispersed all over the place.

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
Oh yes, yes, quite a lot in fact

Unless you cage the veg beds in some way.

Or, do we need a run for a forage area? Our veggies are important to us, so any information would be appreciated.

Actually even if you DO cage the veg beds and let the chickens run loose, it is still real nice to have a run because sometimes you will not WANT them free ranging but would feel bad locking them into the coop either. For instance if you are keeping them in til afternoon to teach pullets to (mostly, sorta) lay their eggs in the coop and not hidden all around your property; or if there are stray dogs or active predators menacing them some day; or if you are keeping an eye on an injured or ill bird. Just cuz you have a run doesn't mean they *have* to stay in it all the time, but it will be there when you someday need it.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat​