Invading Neighbors Garden

[BettyD]

We live on 5 acres, our neighbors have 20+ acres. So we are not right next to each other. Our 7 free-range chickens (1 rooster and 6 hens) have discovered their beautiful rose garden. Of course, they are very unhappy and asking to us to fence them. We do not want to do that if at all possible. We love watching them roam on our land. Anyone have suggestions to keep them out of their rose garden. Right now, we are looking at ultrasonic sensors but not sure they'll work.

 

[sourland]

Good fences make for good neighbors.

 

[WingItRanch]

I know it's expensive but consider fencing your entire 5 acres. It will help with the relationship with your neighbors and keep your birds safe while allowing them to roam on your property.. not damaging someone else's.

If fencing your entire property is not financially possible, think about a large run. Now that your chickens have discovered your neighbor's garden, they will keep going over there and being destructive.

 

[tlcmurphy]

Welcome to BYC!
I understand you want to free range your birds, but you need to keep them on your property. I have dogs and chickens, and a fence. It’s what is required to keep my animals on my property.

 

[BettyD]

Between our two properties, we have a beautiful view. Fencing would destroy that. That would be an absolute last resort. You don't think that if we discourage or fence them for awhile, they'll forget about it???

 

[tlcmurphy]

I know it's expensive but consider fencing your entire 5 acres. It will help with the relationship with your neighbors and keep your birds safe while allowing them to roam on your property.. not damaging someone else's.

If fencing your entire property is not financially possible, think about a large run. Now that your chickens have discovered your neighbor's garden, they will keep going over there and being destructive.

I’d suggest fencing just a portion of that area, I’m sure your chickens would be happy with an acre or 2.

 

[BettyD]

As a side note, the neighbors love the chickens. We've had them since 3/5/25 and started free ranging them as soon as we could. They love seeing them roaming (on our property and even in the back of theirs). They just don't want to keep cleaning up the rose garden directly behind their house. The husband has chased them with his Polaris and the wife banged pans. The idea of fencing an acre or two is possible if nothing else better comes along. Anyone else???

BTW, thanks everyone!

 

[21hens-incharge]

I also say fencing them onto your property is the right answer to the problem.
It will also help keep them from being picked off by random predators.

 

[Mrs. K]

If you lock them up 24/7 for several weeks, then when you let them out, they will stay close to that space for a while.

The more you let them out, the farther the will roam, and if you let them out every day, well very quickly they will be back in the roses.

 

[The Moonshiner]

Agree with everyone else. Fencing is the only real option.