Chicken in the mulch.

[jschway]

My hens have destroyed the mulch around my trees by digging and spreading every where. Any tips for a safe way to keep them out? (I have read that cyan pepper keeps cats out)

 

[Fred's Hens]

One either to fence gardens, mulch, landscaping beautifications to keep the chickens out, or one must fence the chickens into a pen or run. Chickens poop wherever they go and they love to eat pretty things and precious garden things and they dearly love to dig dusting holes and scratch out mulch. It's what they do, it's what they have done for 1000s of years. That's my 2 cents worth, anyhow.

 

[Slinglings]

I have started surrounding paths, shrubs, flower beds, etc, with large rocks. I ask everyone I know for rocks I look on craigslist, freecycle, etc. It isn't a perfect solution, but it is helping a LOT, and it can look nice.

 

[Pinky]

I started using chicken wire around my plants/mulch. Almost invisible from a distance, and the chickens don't try to get in it. I do not think pepper will keep chickens from spreading the mulch.