Chickens picking at paint

[rosemarythyme]

Ugh the chickens have taken to picking paint off the coop. Looks like one started it and the others are copying her. Most of it is very minor but there's one area that's a couple inches across. Currently have some scrap chicken wire wrapped around it but any better (or less ugly) suggestions on how to keep them from getting to it or wanting to pick at it?

 

[Chicken crossing the road]

That’s not good for the coop or the chickens. Is the paint peeling where they are picking? Might need repaint?

Wonder if there is a solution you could spray on to deter them?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Wonder if there is a solution you could spray on to deter them?

The coop is nearly new, so the paint wasn't peeling on its own. I think one of them probably pecked enough to get it peeling in a spot or two and then they all just picked at it from there.

I'll paint over the damage once we get some dry weather (so basically summer ) but obviously I don't want them to keep eating it. A spray on or paint on deterrent would be great but don't know if that exists?

 

[BYCforlife]

https://www.rustoleum.com/product-c...rimer-sealers/peel-stop-clear-binding-primer/

You could probably find this in your local hardware or paint store.

 

[rosemarythyme]

https://www.rustoleum.com/product-c...rimer-sealers/peel-stop-clear-binding-primer/

You could probably find this in your local hardware or paint store.

Thanks, I'll look into that product!

In the meantime, at least having some chicken wire up seems to deter them. Just doesn't look very nice is all.

 

[aart]

Is cover with something solid....can't they still peck thru the wire?
Pic might help.

 

[aart]

https://www.rustoleum.com/product-c...rimer-sealers/peel-stop-clear-binding-primer/

You could probably find this in your local hardware or paint store.

This is primer meant to be applied over peeling paint....still needs to be warm to apply it.

 

[rosemarythyme]

can't they still peck thru the wire?
Pic might help.

They could easily pick through the wire (or above it, I only had a 2' tall piece) but it's not so interesting to them that they're bothering to try. As soon as I put it up yesterday they just went off to do something elsewhere and they haven't touched it since.

I might just go with something temporary like netting attached to garden stakes for the time being, just to keep them away from it until it dries up enough that I can go and touch up the paint. Maybe just not having regular access to it will stop them from picking back up on the habit too.