Chickens in the garden

[roguechick]

I think this might be the forum to post my question in. I figured it was close enough since it had to do with habitat.

Can I keep chickens in my veg garden? I was thinking chicken poo = fertilizer.

And it's got chicken wire around it already to help keep animals (especially the roaming cats) out. (However, I'd house the chickens at night to be safe - wouldn't leave them out there without an eye on them.) Anyway, is it good for the garden to let them roam AND would I have to worry about them eating at my plants! (I saw the list of foods you can feed them.)

Also - if they are open-fenced (no top) how high does the fence have to be that they can't get over?

 

[HeatherLynn]

We had fencing about 8 foot high that mine managed to get over. They managed to get right back in when they saw the dogs thankfully too. I am curious on this questions too. I would assume the plants would need to well established or they would eat every seedling out there. Would be great if they would come pick pests off my potatoes. Also if you planted Winter wheat could they forage off this a bit?

Other than keeping a top on it I do not know of a way to keep chickens in. An older lady who we used to bought chickens from for like the past 30 years never worried over it though. She said they would make their way back in just give them time.

 

[Grungybones]

The birds will destroy your garden. If not by eating everything you don't want them to, then by digging and scratching. If you want the poo for your garden you might think about a compost pile for the coop droppings. I've just started this myself, so don't have any real data on it yet. I haven't let my birds in the garden, this is just what i've seen posted on the forums.

 

[schellie69]

I think certain plants aren't good for them like tomato plants the fruit is okay but not the plant, I am planing on keeping my chickens out of the garden and I think you need to let the chicken poo break down a bit before you put it on your plants due to the strength of the poo. hopefully some one with more experience will answer your question better then me I am new to the chicken thing also.

 

[CityChook]

I had to fence my garden to keep my chickens OUT. They ate everything. What they didn't eat, they ruined. stomp stomp stomp/scratch scratch scratch.

BTW, fresh chicken poo is extremely high in nitrogen and can burn your plants.

 

[domino7]

I had to fence my garden to keep them out as well. Chickens in garden = no garden lol.

 

[roguechick]

Thanks!

That's pretty much what I thought (especially the fertilizer part) but thought just in case.

I only have 3 foot and 4 foot fencing around it so I guess that's a no-go anyway as far as escapees being possible. Guess I"ll have to come up with a portable run to move around the back yard.

 

[ranchhand]

After four failed attempts.....


chickens and gardens do not mix. Unless you plan on no harvest at all and continual plowing.

 

[elmo]

Composted chicken poop is great for the garden, though. Just not fresh.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

Do you really want fresh manure on vegetables that you might be eating raw? Even if you washed them thoroughly before eating? Generally not a good idea.

Not that the birds would leave anything to harvest anyway.

.....Alan.