Chickens in the Garden...I need advice

[Sunnysimplelife]

I am in an urban setting so my chickens roam my backyard and patio. I have lots of potted plants and they love to roost on them and smash my flowers. I am going to get rid of a lot of the pots they jump on. I have been wanted to get rid of some anyway as they take so much watering in the summer. Those I have against walls they don't jump in but the others they do.

 

[snoggle]

Talk about using them in "chicken tractors" so that they can be used to till specific areas. You can plant cover crops for winter and then use the chickens to prep those beds in spring. Also, we're going to put in a small orchard that will be fenced. I'll be able to turn them loose in there for bug control and fertilizing.

 

[robinwiththechickens]

Thank you all so much for the advice! I really appreciate it.

Basically what I'm hearing is that chickens are NOT all that helpful in the garden once it has been planted, but can come in handy beforehand to help with prep-work.

 

[Ourfamilyflock]

The Free-Range chicken Gardens book by Jessica Bloom has a ton of awesome ideas for gardens and chickens coexisting. Planting plants for the chickens that the chickens love so that they will stay away from the plants that you love, and offers suggestions on how to chicken proof your garden and still have it be stunning.

Its a must read for anyone who is into gardening and chickens, which to me goes hand and hand.

You can read the first chapter of the book on your computer or kindle for free on Amazon.com and get a few ideas, though I suggest actually buying the book, you wont regret it, even if you dont yet garden, it might inspire you to start.

http://www.amazon.com/Free-Range-Ch...-ebook/dp/B007NK6A5E/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top