Need help keeping my chicks out of unwanted areas

[weloveourchicks]

We just got a new patio put in and have done alot of land scaping around the area. We let our chickens free range on Sundays - however i would really like for them to stay off the patio and out of the flowers - the other 10 acres is free to them to roam. Any pointers on how I can keep them out of this area?

- - Susan

 

[Ugly Cowboy]

Have ya tried chicken wire?

 

[consdrs]

good fences make good chickens

 

[weloveourchicks]

no, i was trying to find out a way w/o having to put up fences. I've been watching them today and each time they go near it I would get a broom and scoot them away. It seems to be working as they've finally just retreated down to the pond.

Susan

 

[ncCHICKS]

If they want it, they'll keep trying. Take shifts with the broom. Or assemble a box shape of netting/fence that is movable, when chickens are out, place it over flowers and when not hide it behind coop.

 

[weloveourchicks]

That might work, thanks! I'll get my DH to build me some things to put around my flowers when they are out.

 

[schmije]

We had the same problem this summer with the chickens and our tomato garden. Shooing them away worked as long as we were standing there, but once we were out of sight, they were back to pecking tomatoes. We finally had to put up a temporary fence to keep them out. Some kind of barrier is the only thing I know that will work.