Chickens are digging in the landscapes...

[Chicks Galore3]

My chickens have started digging the the landcape! Needless to say, my Mom isn't happy about it. Is there something I can put in there that they don't like to discourage them digging? There is hastas where they are digging, and they have never bothered it until now. Now it is filled with pot holes, and they are digging through the layer of slate rocks and are mixing the dirt below with the rocks and it doesn't look very nice...

 

[popsicle]

Best thing you can do to keep them out is to fence them out (or fence them in a run).

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

The feather footed bantams don't scratch as much.

But they aren't the reliable heavy-duty egglayers either, which you probably have and want.

I agree with popsicle.

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

Basically, you're doomed. I've found that pullets don't scratch as much as hens, but hens are TERRIBLE. They'll destroy everything. They'll dig up bulbs. They'll eat your tomatoes. They'll rip out flowers. They LOVE to dig in mulch, so mulching things actually makes the problem worse. Mine got out of the pasture last week, and ate all the leaves off all the kohlrabi and Brussels sprouts plants.

The only way to stop them from digging in the landscaping is to put them behind a fence. A 4' fence is sufficient as long as you clip their wings.

 

[donrae]

Basically, you're doomed. I've found that pullets don't scratch as much as hens, but hens are TERRIBLE. They'll destroy everything. They'll dig up bulbs. They'll eat your tomatoes. They'll rip out flowers. They LOVE to dig in mulch, so mulching things actually makes the problem worse. Mine got out of the pasture last week, and ate all the leaves off all the kohlrabi and Brussels sprouts plants.

The only way to stop them from digging in the landscaping is to put them behind a fence. A 4' fence is sufficient as long as you clip their wings.

x2. You can have free range, unrestricted birds, OR you can have landscaping. Not both.

 

[DanEP]

The feather footed bantams don't scratch as much.

I've got a bantam cochin that thinks he's a rototiller

 

[NovaAman]

Landscaping or run... yup, gotta agree with that.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

The feather footed bantams don't scratch as much.

I've got a bantam cochin that thinks he's a rototiller

LOL

 

[Chicks Galore3]

Ok, thanks guys!

 

[lizmcd]

My hens have destroyed my back yard. I'm a huge out doors woman. I built them an area they can do whatever they want. My only problem is I'm afraid they will fly over the fence now to go back to the yard they loved so much.