Naughty Hens

[Queen Effie]

After a year of keeping my girls in a run, I've decided to let them enjoy the outdoors and be free ranged. They have done an excellent job, staying away from the road and the neighbors house, but they have been getting into our landscaping. I looked to see what they were doing in it and I noticed them eating worms and tons of them. I wouldn't doubt if they have ate a pound of worms each. Any tips or suggestions about keeping them out of our landscaping and flowers?????? I have tried spreading mealworms in the grass and letting them pick at them but they run right back to the landscape. Advice will be very appreciated.

 

[donrae]

Fencing is really the only option. Flowerbeds, especially well kept mulched beds, are just an all-you-can-eat chicken buffet.

 

[SD Bird Lady]

Fencing it off is the only way to keep them out for sure. I think many people on here will agree that chickens and landscaping do NOT coexist peacefully.

 

[Queen Effie]

Okay. Thanks a lot for the help

 

[Reurra]

Get some galvenized hardware cloth, lay it out under the plants. This will prevent them from pulling away the surface soil. After a while, they should get dicouraged and leave the area alone. However, you will always need to have something under the soil just in case as the hens will test it out now and again.

 

[Queen Effie]

Oh that's a good idea. Thanks