Any suggestions on keeping chickens from eating my house?

[dperrin]

Wondering if anyone could offer a suggestion - or suggestions for deterring chickens from getting close to my house?

I let them wander around the yard after work. They seem to love being out but sometimes they end up pecking at cellar wall insulation on the outside of the house.

Thanks!

 

[Shiningfeather]

Hmmm, you may have to put up hardwear cloth. I would not think the foam would be to good for them.

 

[PortageGirl]

For some reason they love foam. Do get it covred with something... seems like normal hardware cloth they'd just peck through, though they make some really small hole type, 1/4 inch would make it pretty difficult. I'm going to keep thinking what else will work too but the small wire might just do the trick.

 

[chickensducks&agoose]

maybe really, really thin plywood...

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

I don't know....but my chickens love foam. I tried giving them some scraps in a foam take out container and they ate the whole bottom out. I was worried sick for a few days, but they were no worse for the wear!!

Now I put it on a plastic platter before I take it out to them

 

[Uzuri]

You're going to have to cover it with something -- whether you're worried about the foam hurting them or not, you sure don't want to have to replace all your insulation!

Hardware cloth should do it, though. They' won't be able to get their beaks through. Unfortunately, the amount you need to go all the way around the house probably won't be cheap.

 

[possumqueen]

why WHY do chickens like stryofoam? Does anyone know? I've never met a chicken that would turn it down!

 

[koifarm]

First thing that struck me was the different color where the pecks are.
Hens will see that difference and peck just to see what it is. Try painting over the insulation and see if the solid color changes things...otherwise you'll have to cover it with siding or plywood.

 

[dperrin]

thank you all!