How do I keep the chicken's off my deck?!

[whathaveidone]

Hello,

We've got 16 pullet layers that we are free ranging. They have the run of our 2+ acres and generally are just fun to watch as they run around the yard.

One problem: They like to hang out on our deck. And while there, they do what chickens do... do do.

Any thoughts about how to train them to stay off? We've been chasing them off, sending the dog after them (he's a gentle giant and wouldn't hurt a feather, but he likes to round them up - useful when I need to gather them up during the day

). I've turned the hose on them (It's stays on the deck now to spray the poop off!).

Any thoughts? The deck is at ground level and can't be gated.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[BlackBart]

I have the same problem but add some Peacocks. When I had Pygmy Goats they were on the deck too. If I left the door open, something other than a human would be in the kitchen.

I think the only solution to to keep them inside a pen.
I am making a huge run over my old horse manure pile. They are always scrathing there for worms so....??? why not? I built the big hen house next to the manure pile for the same idea, to add a huge run.
I do think they will hate my guts for awhile

 

[greathorse]

Yeah if they know they should not be there thats where they go. I suggest pressure washer. Mine come into the garage if I leave the door open and I am sure I couldnt drive them in there if I wanted to

 

[space40023]

Try useing a garden hose, the chicks can be persistent but hang in there you'll win in the end..

 

[cmom]

Quote:
I used a hose on one of my hens that was beating up my pullets. Every time I caught her I sprayed her with the hose. It caught her by surprise. She quit beating them up.

 

[Wifezilla]

I bought this really rough textured door mat hoping it would keep the ducks away from the patio door. I think they like the way it feels on their feet

 

[tls759]

My Mom bought a couple scare crow sprinklers to put in her garden beds, they were scratching up the seeds

The sprinklers are motion activated and work really well, but you have to be careful too or you'll get soaked!

 

[EricShane]

Quote:
Oh! What a good idea!!

 

[Sock Puppet]

I have a spray bottle and when they get on my back porch, I spray the water next to them and they go running.

They are not on my back porch very often thank goodness.

 

[LauraM]

Great ideas! My chickens have discovered my back door (covered back porch) as well. They also seem to like the bristle-y door mat. I don't really want to step outside in a pile of chicken poop all the time. My dog seems to like their company when he is there due to rain though