My chickens are kept in a fenced in area until late evening while I have time to watch them and keep them away from the garden. I have discovered that if Im watering the garden they stay away from it. So now watering garden while chickens are out. I also have flower beds, when they first came up the chickens bothered them but once they are up they havent touched them. The chickens do dig in the mulch but Im possitive they are looking for bugs and I dont mind that. Im not sre if any of this will help you but I thought Id try to give ideas. Good luck!