Chickens and perennial beds

[Johntodd]

Hi! Can chickens be put in perennials beds during the off-season, ie, winter? I have an asparagus and hops bed I'd like them to debug and poop in, but I don't want the plants destroyed.

Thanks!
-John

 

[bruceha2000]

I don't know anything about hops but asparagus should be deep enough the birds shouldn't dig them up. They pretty much dig looking for bugs and worms and don't go too deep. I find that the dust baths they make are deeper, they can do in a flower bed.

 

[aart]

and don't go too deep

Pffft!

 

[chickenE]

What breed @aart?

 

[bruceha2000]

What the heck is that bird going for? I've never had one go anywhere near that deep. I don't suppose that was an existing hole that was being investigated??

 

[aart]

What breed @aart?

Easter Egger cross mutt.

What the heck is that bird going for? I've never had one go anywhere near that deep. I don't suppose that was an existing hole that was being investigated??

Goin' to China!!
They do this all over their run regularly.....caveats may include; they are confined and have nothing else to do, sandy soil, semi-deep litter, voles are not uncommon-they may help loosen soil and entice birds?????

It can be a problem, can undermine concrete blocks holding up ramp ends, and they about disassembled the paver block gate threshold, and especially with late snows and addition to litter camouflage these excavations when I walk thru run-'ankletwisters'.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/excavation-by-birds-a-word-of-warning.1086535/

 

[bruceha2000]

When I've had holes like that it was from @#$% woodchucks! I won't tell my hens that they too can undermine rocks and create leg breaker holes!