Do chickens contribute to soil erosion on hilly land?

[garethlittle]

Most of my garden is on a very steep hill with a few flat areas dotted along the slope. Before thinking more seriously about keeping chickens I'd like to know if primarily the chickens would be happy in such an area (would it tire them out going up and down the hill and make them reluctant to use the full area available to them?) and equally importantly, could their presence contribute in any real way to soil erosion, something that I have to be mindful of as my ground cover plants are still growing. I've seen firsthand in my fathers garden what half a dozen birds can do to an area of soil. The area the birds will have access to is about 350 square yards, so I hope that spread over such an area, a few birds wouldn't do too much damage.

Would greatly appreciate any advice from anyone with any knowledge/experience of this.

Gareth

 

[Tamdog]

Is this land in the shade with lots of trees or a sunny location that allows things to grow? My chicken have a 1/4 acre fenced in area. Some of it is sloped. It is all under trees where nothing will grow. If I have 5 chickens the land does not show as much erosion or wear, when I get up to 12 chickens it really takes a toll on the land. If I had sun I would partition off areas and allow them to use each area for a short amount of time in order to allow things to grow back.

 

[garethlittle]

Thanks for such a quick reply. Yes, I have several large trees dotted around, half of the land is in shade, half exposed. The land is currently very patchy, some bare dirt and some odd shrubs. Rotating the available area sounds like a good idea, I suppose over 300 square yards (although nice) is more than 3-4 birds need at any one time. Just as potential beginners I don't think we'd ever have more than that.

 

[aart]

could their presence contribute in any real way to soil erosion, something that I have to be mindful of as my ground cover plants are still growing.

I would say yes, they may very well tear those plants up.
Might fence them off the hill until plants are fully established?