Free range - How to protect your plants?

[QuailMan6666]

If I am going to free range my chickens how do I protect my plants from being eaten by my chickens? Will chickens eat my orchids and groundcover plants, or do they just scratch the ground and leave the plants alone?

 

[JacinLarkwell]

They'll probably destroy them, either on purpose or just by scratching

 

[SilverBirds]

They will trample Orchids and any other small foliage while foraging. You'll need to prevent the chickens from reaching the plants, either fencing in the plants or the chickens.

 

[QuailMan6666]

If I clip both wings of my bantams will they stay within a four foot tall fence?

Currently I have sebrights and Mille fleur chicks. I’m just planning for the future.

 

[SilverBirds]

If I clip both wings of my bantams will they stay within a four foot tall fence?

Currently I have sebrights and Mille fleur chicks. I’m just planning for the future.

Probably not.

 

[QuailMan6666]

Probably not.

Can silkies jump over a 4 foot fence?

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Can silkies jump over a 4 foot fence?

Depends on how curious or spooked they are. I have a boy that routinely jumps rather high.

 

[SilverBirds]

Can silkies jump over a 4 foot fence?

If they're really motivated to, yes.

 

[TaylorGlade]

I usually put chicken wire around anything I care about. But yes - chickens are innovative.

 

[fluffycrow]

Can silkies jump over a 4 foot fence?

Yes. But since you already have sebrights and D'Uccles, I don't think bringing in silkies would help with your current birds staying contained