my coop is ugly

[jeepgurl]

I think maybe trees are a bad idea. I can just imagine the chickens getting up in the branches and going awol over the fence! I will continue to search the internet for a vine. Thanks for the idea though!

 

[ChickiesInUtah]

I think maybe trees are a bad idea. I can just imagine the chickens getting up in the branches and going awol over the fence! I will continue to search the internet for a vine. Thanks for the idea though!

Ah, good point. I hadn't thought of that.

Good luck and keep us posted on what you decide. I wish I could help more.

 

[LittleSticks]

Your coop doesn't look ugly to me. I lived in Tucson for 27 years and I've seen some ugly!

How about climbing vines in planters? Maybe bouganvilla? (sp?). You cut hardware cloth to cover the soil in the pot, staple it/wire it down and the chicks can't destroy the roots. In theory.

I've read that if the plant is big enough it can stand some snack attacks by chickens. Sneak snack attacks?

You could also put in some upright 4x4s along the fence and attach planters or hanging plants that will trail down. Use nursery pots (the cheap black plastic pots) and slip your plants into the decorative planters. If the chicks eat those plants just slip in another plant. Lavender is drought tolerant. Have I read chicks don't eat it? I'll test that in a minute.

Good luck!

 

[LittleSticks]

Just tried three types of lavender and my girls tasted it but didn't seem too interested in a second bite. You could try a small piece (or maybe a neighbor has a plant) to find out what your hens think of it.

Hmmm rosemary grows well in the desert. I'll try that on them next. My guess it they won't like it.

 

[Joe.G]

I have seen some coops that are a lot worse off then yours. Maybe you plant some plants off the ground a bit so they can't get to them as easy.

 

[jeepgurl]

i love the lavender idea! thanks!