Anyone else amazed at the benefits chickens bring to the garden...?

[Bhapimama]

I am a long time vegetable gardener, first year chicken- mama. I knew the girls would be good for the garden, it was a big factor in my decision to get chickens.... But now that I am out there this spring getting things ready, I am amaaaaazed at the difference my four sweet snickens (nickname has evolved from snicker doodles) have made in a year! The bug population has been greatly reduced, by ALOT! But the very BEST thing is NO SNAILS! NOT A SINGLE SNAIL OR SLUG OR EVEN ANY SIGN OF THEM!!!!! Normally this time of year, snails and slugs are my worst enemy. Last year, when they were pullets, I showed them snails and they didn't seem interested. So I'm thinking that they must be eating the eggs.... Anyone have any insight on this?

 

[lazy gardener]

My chickens avoid the huge slugs. You know the ones I'm talking about? they are 3 - 4" long and they squeak when you snip them with the scissors. But they love snails. And they will eat the small slugs.

 

[rosemarythyme]

they are 3 - 4" long and they squeak when you snip them with the scissors.

Okay that's terrifying. I almost want to try this but I'm way too disgusted to do it...

 

[TiaLisasRetreat]

My chickens avoid the huge slugs. You know the ones I'm talking about? they are 3 - 4" long and they squeak when you snip them with the scissors. But they love snails. And they will eat the small slugs.

Maybe my chicks are to young because they ignore slide. My chicks are 6 weeks old.

 

[Bhapimama]

Maybe my chicks are to young because they ignore slide. My chicks are 6 weeks old.

Ya I guess maybe that was the issue for me last year too....maybe they have discovered how delicious they are Lol!

 

[Bhapimama]

Okay that's terrifying. I almost want to try this but I'm way too disgusted to do it...

I'm with you!

 

[Bhapimama]

My chickens avoid the huge slugs. You know the ones I'm talking about? they are 3 - 4" long and they squeak when you snip them with the scissors. But they love snails. And they will eat the small slugs.

I'm in the Pacific Northwest and we have big yellow ones called "Banana Slugs"... They're almost pretty in a weird way. But luckily they prefer the Redwood forests and not my garden. But usually there are plenty of the "garden variety" slugs and snails.... That's not even a pun! Lol!