What do you do with free range chickens and flower gardens?!

[TurkeyMountainChickens]

I know this has been discussed before - and I've read the threads from previous years. I'm wondering if anybody has tried the strategies listed in them - for example, using rocks instead of mulch, filling in the spaces with rocks or plants, burying some chicken wire under the mulch, etc.

Also, what HAS worked for you in keeping chickens from utterly destroying flower beds? Mine scratch in the mulch like crazy, spreading it all over the lawn!

 

[Teach97]

I have a big fence....but my kids still get out and destroy the flower beds and yard for that matter...I think I should make the kids play witht he chickens

 

[ScoobyRoo]

I would consider myself lucky. Most of my plants (daylilys, hostas, grasses and peonies) were well established before getting chickens. Also, I used to rake and burn the leaves. Not no more. I don't buy mulch anymore because the chickens do scratch in my flower bed and the leaves are mulched because of them. I decided not to fight a losing battle with them. Sorry not much help here but giving you my experience. Good luck to you.

I should also state that I don't bother with annuals anymore because the chickens will destroy them.