Help! Opinions please.

[suzannesparks]

So the hens we got came from a 100% free range situation. I wanted to do that for them, but they are destroying my gardens. I’m feeling really guilty about locking them up. Do I re-home them, or hope that their chicken yard with some occasional free ranging is enough? I want them to be happy.

 

[All4Eggz]

So the hens we got came from a 100% free range situation. I wanted to do that for them, but they are destroying my gardens. I’m feeling really guilty about locking them up. Do I re-home them, or hope that their chicken yard with some occasional free ranging is enough? I want them to be happy.

They should get some free ranging daily if possible. I would close off the garden with fencing, but it's up to you.

 

[suzannesparks]

They should get some free ranging daily if possible. I would close off the garden with fencing, but it's up to you.

I cant we have too many all over the place.

 

[All4Eggz]

I cant we have too many all over the place.

Not sure then. Maybe extend the run a little bit, then keep them enclosed but when you are outside, let them out so you can watch them

 

[suzannesparks]

Not sure then. Maybe extend the run a little bit, then keep them enclosed but when you are outside, let them out so you can watch them

Their yard and run will be like 12x12

 

[Isadora]

Their yard and run will be like 12x12

How many chickens are we talking about?

 

[suzannesparks]

How many chickens are we talking about?

3

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Either give up the gardens, protect the gardens, give up free ranging the birds (12x12 run is, in typical conditions, good for 12-15 chickens), or give up the birds.

We have scattered gardens on the property, raised 4x12 beds. I put step in posts in the corners, and protect each with 4' netting. It keeps my chickens out, and is only a little inconvenient when we try and work the beds (by unhooking the netting on one of the long sides to offer access).

The chickens range between them, gobbling bugs. Win/Win/Inconvenient.

That is, the chickens who get around or over my electric fence (generally by landing on the top of the gate, first) to get into the gardens area.

 

[Vickischics]

So the hens we got came from a 100% free range situation. I wanted to do that for them, but they are destroying my gardens. I’m feeling really guilty about locking them up. Do I re-home them, or hope that their chicken yard with some occasional free ranging is enough? I want them to be happy.

You must have tastey bugs in your garden!!!

 

[Chookchicken]

You must have tastey bugs in your garden!!!

It’s obviously a very healthy garden.