ground cover for chickens

[pattyl110]

Hi,

I have 4 beauitful girls that are now 5 months old. Just started getting eggs, 3-4 per day, a few weeks ago. When I started out, I have the coup on my side fenced yard that had florida ferns all over. I didn't know that chickens loved ferns so much. Now I just have sandy dirt. They don't mind the dust or dirt, but I want something nicer to look out my kitchen window. Is there anykind of ground cover that they wont eat?

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. I do love my new pets, but want to have a nicer area for them.

Patty Leslie
Dunedin, fl

 

[ranchhand]

Unfortunately, what they don't eat they scratch to death.

 

[teach1rusl]

I think whatever you replant you will have to block with chicken wire - they seem to like to sample everything. Mine don't bother my hostas, but they have over 2 acres of greenery to roam among, so that's probably why. I doubt they would go after holly, just because the leaves are so thick, but holly doesn't look too Florida-ish...lol

 

[Arielle]

Mine free range with plenty of grasses and clover, and they still take bites out of my hostas. My son's cactus was free game too when I brought it outside for a bit of summer sunshine. THe buggers!

 

[MEchickenfarmer33]

mine have destroyed any plants around my house so unfortunately nope

 

[arcatamarcia]

I have pots covered with 2 X 4 welded wire. I make a cylinder with a top on it. I've planted lavender and mints. The girls eat the leaves, but they can't scratch it to death. And I've heard it helps prevent worms. Then spread sand over pea gravel, add the pots. It isn't ground cover, but it isn't bad to look at. The girls get to peck and you have something nice to look at.