windfall peaches

[nellynelly]

we have a small (~200) orchard of peach trees. the harvest has started, but the trees are still heavy with fruit. the ground of the orchard has a good amount fallen fruit. i want to allow the ladies into the orchard. questions: 1) will they ignore the trees (and fruit on them), 2) the orchard fence is less than 4' high, will they fly out

the peaches are right next to the existing coop/run. i assume if the door is left open, they will be able to find the coop

thanks

 

[nab58]

My experience with birds (wild) and peaches is they pick the most beautiful, perfect peach and peck one hole in it then move to the next! There's only one way to find out if your chickens are happy with the drops. Seriously, I would think chickens would stick to the ground if they have plenty to keep them occupied. I haven't tried free ranging yet, but hear they know how to get back to the coop.

 

[Den in Penn]

They should stick to the ground to eat the peaches if they are going to eat them. They may go into the trees to try to reach them, but the heavier the bird the larger the branch it needs to support it. If they go into the trees they could reach some but not all of the peaches. I think best would be to just scoop up some of the drops and put them in the run for them till after the harvest is done. After the harvest that orchard would make a nice pasture for them. If its a wire fence they should stay in there. If they coop is where they consider home and the water is there they will return.