How do I keep my chickens off the porch?

[4broomes]

Hello!

I have a lovely hen named Tom who thinks she's a person. Here's the background - she is about a 1.5yrs old but has been alone for the past 9 mos. after our other hen died. She is free range year around (only cooped at night) and I'm afraid I have spoiled her rotten. Well, I felt bad that she was on her own...

She comes to her name and follows me around the yard to the point that if a door to the house is open she just waltzes in. I shoo her out and she comes right back. (No A/C here in Switz. so we often have the doors open in the warmer months) She also suns herself on the back terrace which wouldn't be a problem except that her poo is enormous!!

We recently bought a cochin bantam hen to keep her company and this is working well. We were hoping that Sonic the bantam would encourage Tom to be more like a chicken. BUT, it turns out that Sonic just follows Tom around like a love sick puppy and now I have 2 on the porch, pooing to their hearts content! We also have 2 chicks in the brooder and I am beginning to fear that I will have 4 birds strutting through the house very soon.

I don't want to leave Tom in the coop - she would be distraught! We have had to do this when we are away and she is obviously very annoyed and upset. SO, long story short.....anyone have any ideas of how to keep chickens off of certain areas???

THANKS - Christy

 

[4broomes]

Oh, and here a few pics of my lovlies!

Sonic

Big Tom

 

[gritsar]

I don't know of any way to keep a chicken out of an area they want to be, sorry. Puppy gates and the use of hardware cloth to block off entrances are about the only way we've managed, but they are not fool-proof.

 

[Kittymomma]

Quote:

We built a new coop in the field and I still get a few that go A.W.O.L. into the yard--They LOVE the mulch in the flower beds.

 

[Bantimna]

Quote:
I agree with grity. You could start giving her treats in a certain area, then slowly but surely they will learn that in that certain place they get treats and have their favorite things.

 

[Bantimna]

Welcome to the forum

 

[RevaVirginia]

Tell them with a firm voice "Don't get on the porch". After which you can say to yourself "Well, I've done all I can do" and enjoy watching your peeps on the porch.

 

[4broomes]

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll try about anything. Making sure I hand out the treats FAR from the house is probably a good start. Not to mention the cheapest.

Wish me luck!

~Christy

 

[FrizzlesRule]

You could always get diapers for them and make them house pets.

 

[wisewings]

Well, we have what we call "the poop deck" and its not on a boat either, so I know your frustration. My neighbor keeps a spray bottle handy and whenever chickens come on to her patio she gives them a quick squirt and they run away. Of course you can't be there with a water bottle all the time. I like the idea of giving them treats in a spot away from the deck, but because Tom is so connected with you, she will probably still hang out right by the door no matter what! Enjoy them while you have them. Beautiful girls by the way.