Anyone do this?

[suzannesparks]

So my hens are destroying my gardens. Does anyone do a chicken tractor during the growing season, and then let them free range in fall/winter/early spring when gardens are covered? Trying to come up with a solution that makes everyone happy.

 

[KaseySnow]

I would just fence off the garden with chicken wire so they can't access it or just fence off a permanent free range area for them so you don't have to worry about what they might be getting into.

 

[Callender Girl]

Your solution sounds workable. I have divided my yard/garden in two. Things grow to the north of the fence; chickens devastate everything to the south. I have no grass and few surviving perennials on the poultry side.

 

[suzannesparks]

Your solution sounds workable. I have divided my yard/garden in two. Things grow to the north of the fence; chickens devastate everything to the south. I have no grass and few surviving perennials on the poultry side

Gahh! Feel bad locking them to one area, but I love my gardens.

 

[suzannesparks]

I would just fence off the garden with chicken wire so they can't access it or just fence off a permanent free range area for them so you don't have to worry about what they might be getting into.

How big of an area do you think

 

[KaseySnow]

How big of an area do you think

Depends, how many chickens do you have? Ideally I'd say at least 5 square feet per bird, 10 if you're feeling generous and have enough room.

Also depends on how much of your yard you're willing to give up. Like callendar girl noted, they turn grassy areas to dirt pretty quickly.

 

[bobbi-j]

Gahh! Feel bad locking them to one area, but I love my gardens.

Can you fence around your gardens so they can range?