Chicken-Proof Your Garden: A Guide

Are you fed up of sharing your prized flower display with clucking hens? Has your carefully planned vegetable patch been pecked to shreds? You're not alone. Keeping chickens out of a garden can be a tricky business, but with the right approach, it can be done.

Overview

Looking after chickens is becoming increasingly popular the world over - whether its keeping egg-laying hens in the back yard, or nurturing them in an urban micro-farm. And for the most part, their inquisitive behavior can be endearing, but sooner or later, they will start to log their mark on the wider garden.

But there is hope. If you're fed up of competing for space with your feathered friends, you're in the right place. In this guide, we'll be taking an exhaustive look at keeping chickens out of the garden, from constructing impenetrable fencing, to how to deal with a pesky chicken who insists on getting past everything.

Fencing

So at the heart of a good chicken-proofing operation is how well the fencing holds up. Galvanized chicken wire is usually the best choice for durability and cost-effectiveness but it has to be used properly. Opt for a wire mesh with holes no more than 1 in x 1 in (2.5 cm x 2.5 cm) if possible. Make sure the fencing extends to a height of 3-4 ft (0.9-1.2 cm), or higher ideally - this will prevent the chickens from flying over or through it.

Electric Fences

If you're dealing with an extra determined chicken, an electric fence could be the solution. Ensure you have basic understanding of electrical safety, as you don't want to give a shock to any person or animal. Electric fencing also needs to be correctly installed - check your local authorities for regulations, and there are plenty of online resources to help.

Buried Fencing

Buried fencing is an increasingly common way to keep chickens out the garden - here the fencing is inserted below the ground level. It's more labor-intensive, but is highly effective in keeping angry chickens at bay. As with any kind of fencing, take note of your local regulations and follow them.

Natural Obstacles

When it comes to chickens, the most effective solution is usually the most natural one. Planting dense shrubs, creating topographical barriers, and using bird netting as an additional protective layer can all prove to be a deterrent to would-be raiders. With these kinds of physical solutions, they key is to be creative and not give chickens a chance.

Behavioural Reprogramming

A good chicken-keeper will tell you that the real art of chicken-proofing is in the behavioral reprogramming. This involves implementing a carefully planned regimen of comfort food, rewards, and surprise attacks. A keen observant of chicken behavior can identify the causes of their behavior, and can adjust their regime accordingly.

Pinless Peepers

Pinless peepers are an increasingly popular way to set chickens up for success. These handy little devices are designed to protect chickens' eyes during battles, while also helping to promote increased awareness of surroundings. Pinless peepers are basically a more humane way of conditioning chickens and they can really help to reduce pecking behavior.

Closing Remarks

Preventing chickens from getting into the garden isn't an easy task - it requires patience, understanding, and a good dose of creativity. And as with most animals, it pays to work with them, rather than against them.

It's important to remember however, that chickens may still attempt to penetrate even the best-designed defenses. In such cases, it's best to use a combination of physical and behavioral deterrents, before finally resorting to more extreme measures.

When all else fails, don't forget that there's always a chicken-cam solution - this way, you can observe and keep a lookout for the consequences of your reprogramming efforts.

So there you have it keeping chickens out of the garden can be done - just be prepared for the long-haul. Good luck!