reintroducing myself to chickens

[kenbob]

We had chickens when I was a kid, now at fifty two I think I want to do it again. Ours were free ranging back then, but the dogs killed most of them. I am building a coop and run next to my garden, would it be advisable to allow the chickens into the veggie garden or will that be a bad idea. I was thinking that maybe a little free fertilizer and bu:/g control would be nice.

 

[awesomefowl]

Let them out only when you are there to watch (keep an eye on) them.

from NY!

 

[Cacciatore]

Welcome

from California. I allow my chickens in the garden at times depending on what I have planted. During the winter when I have less young plants they spend more time in the garden. I have cabbage growing now and they love it, so I built a cage from 1x2s with mesh over it to keep them out. That way I can have them in the garden without losing my cabbage.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

and

from a cold Ohio. So glad you joined.

 

[dawg53]

Welcome to BYC.

 

[kla37]

They would LOVE to be loose in your veggie garden!!! They would probably eat everything they could. My garden is fenced to keep out deer and when I'm not growing anything or it is the end of the season and I want the garden to get cleaned out, then I let them in there.

 

[Desert Rooster]

Hello

from Hesperia, Ca and

 

[Wild Trapper]

from Ohio.

If you let them in the garden, you won't have to worry about picking your veggies, they will do it for you.

 

[ginormous chicken]

From Elverta, California

You can let them out, but I would watch them. Next thing you know all the cabbage is gone and you are standing there wondering why. It should be a treat to let the chickens in the garden. Oh, chicken poo from the source itself is acidic; it'll burn, be careful!

 

[ChickieBooBoo]

Welcome to BYC from Canada!