Protecting my garden???

[jgarreth]

Probably a stupid question, but is there anything I can do to keep my girls from getting in my garden?? I have a smaller fence that keeps my dogs out but the birds can fly into it pretty easy. When I'm outside with them, they don't get into it. It's when I leave them to their own devices that they hop in. lol Suggestions?? Here is a pic of what is around my garden:

 

[Chick Charm]

Chickens love gardening!

Sadly the two don't mix. You will need a high fence to keep em out, or keep them in their coop. They love those fresh greens.

Wish ya the best.

 

[jgarreth]

Ugh...I guess I'm going to have to improvise. Hubby said he could raise the fence...or rather put chicken wire up higher. It just is a pain in the butt for me to get in and weed. Oh well....

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Higher fencing is the way to go. I find it does help that my chickens have other areas of their own, though. They like loose sand or peat moss to dust bathe in, as well as loose dirt. There are a lot of things planted for my chickens to forage on, in addition to the grass. Clovers, alfalfa, native plants, chard, kale, berries, etc. Some protection while getting started is important. They also love to scratch around foraging in leaf litter. There are always little life forms for them to eat under any type of mulch pile. If the mulch isn't deep or chunky, mine usually don't fling it everywhere. They can get to what they need with just a little light scratching, it doesn't require major digging. A spot where you can turn over a shovel full of dirt will keep them busy foraging, too. Maybe you can give them a little corner with some alternative activities, until you get your fence remodeled.

 

[jgarreth]

I've started a compost pile for them and they seem to enjoy it. I have several corners of the yard where there is sand and they take dust baths all the time. I guess I will just have to be a little more creative.