Newbie from Northern Michigan

[Jodi818]

Hi all,
I have 12 Buff Orpington hens that are way crazy. I'm a farm girl myself, but only worked with dairy cows. My ex husband introduced me to the world of chickens this summer (we're recently divorced) and am amazed at how easy chickens are to care for. I also had some meat chickens this summer. Again very easy.

I'm looking for some advice on how to let me chickens run in my garden this summer during day time hours. They will be in their coop at night time because there are lot of predators around, namely coyotes. Anything would help.
Thanks,

 

[4-H chicken mom]

and

from Ohio. So glad you joined. Chickens usually don't go far from their food and shelter source. Good luck.

 

[Imp]

from Washington

Imp

 

[lilolmec]

I guess it depends on how much you value your garden? My experience has been that with their scratching they do a lot of damage to the plants. In the past I have allowed mine to free range a bit in the yard when I have time to watch them, they are pretty good to be herded back to their chicken yard with a bit of herding and the promise of food. Right now I wish they could be out more because with the constant winter rain their yard is a mess, in spite of covering it with a tarp and putting fresh shavings down. Waiting for spring!
Carole, in Washington state

 

[M To The Maxx]

 

[texasgal]

A big Texas sized ..

You'll love it here!

 

[dot n'dave]

HI!!!

Welcome to an awesome site!

 

[Gonzo]

from Indiana

 

[cristy17]

from the UP. where are you in Northern Michigan? About letting the flock free-range in summer -- fence off anything you don't want them to eat! If you plant a garden, they will eat an shoots as soon as they poke up.

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

&

From Newaygo MI!