Bush Cover For Chickens??

[Pinky]

First off, If I posted this in the wrong section, feel free to move it. I didn't know where I should post this.

Due to the sudden discovery of my chickens by hawks and other predators, I need some bushes that can be used as cover. I don't know much about bushes, but I want something that is not harmful if they decide to eat it. My azalea bushes are not thick enough to hide in. I was thinking maybe holly bushes? They free range and my yard is very scarce of hiding places except

for some cars, the stairs by the deck and a couple of other small things spread far apart. I figured a few bushes would help the chickens hide and make the yard look better.Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[LindsayB]

maybe some crepe myrtles? You can keep them cut back each year so they don't get too big. Plus they come in all kinds of colors. Mine love to eat the blooms that come off. I don't think they're poisonous bc my chickens are still around.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

You might be able to find some "dig them up and they are free" ads on craigslist for some older bushes so you don't have to wait for them to grow. I have seen whole hedges free. They all might not live, though.

 

[JoAnn_WI_4-H_Mom]

Mine love hiding in Raspberry patches, Elderberry groves, grape arbors, Blueberry plantings....if you can find these plants free from neighbors or friends who garden, they will add cover and food for the chickens (or you!)

We put old plastic lawn chairs and tables (the white resin type) out in the pasture to provide additional places to duck under, and for us to sit and watch Chicken TV.

We sometimes criss-cross yellow "crime scene" tape over head in the heavy traffic areas. We have hung cds here and there as well, moving there locations pretty frequently.

 

[Pinky]

I love crepe myrtles, but they always die in the winter here. Maybe if I buy a larger on eit would stay alive. Great idea about craigslist! I'm gonna look now. My chickens love blueberries, but are they hard to grow? I know where a farmer that grows blueberries live. I might ask if I could buy some if they are not hard to grow.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Blueberries are easy to grow and the leaves on mine turn a beautiful color in the fall. They do like an acid pH, though. You can add something to the soil, if you need to make it more acidic for them.

Crime scene tape seems very appropriate, to use as a deterrent for predators.