Chickens in the Garden

 We’re all familiar with “baby proofing” our homes…well, I’ve had to “chicken proof” my garden. Seems my sweet girls don’t care which plants are my favorites. Or that I spent $40 on a Little Ollie topiary. They can’t stop doing what nature intended them to do which is, to scratch. So I’ve had to come up with a few creative ways to guard my precious plants.

I’ve found that metal feeder cages work nicely as a dome over seedlings and keep the chickens from digging in them. A nice layer of stones also works well for pots. I buy bags and bags of these at Ikea. I’m sure they are cheaper somewhere else, like say, the garden center.

Another favorite way to protect the soil is using old beach shells to surround the plant. I think it looks the prettiest too! Chickens definitely don’t like scratching on seashells.

 

Of course, these are really just minor inconviences compared to the joy our girls bring us. Ruby has become our golden bird. She has the sweetest personality and often times walks right into the house to say hello. She also lays the biggest eggs even though she’s the runt.

 

And the nesting box has been seeing a lot of action. On most days they’ll share a box and take turns going in to lay their eggs. I guess they know that “Sharing is Caring”.

And every evening as the sun is setting they march themselves off to bed like clockwork. One at a time they waddle into the coop and find their place for the evening.

Now that we’ve had them for nearly a year, I don’t think our garden would be the same without them. They add so much fun & enjoyment that their “bad habits” are easily overlooked.

For those of you who are new to my blog, here’s where you can read about our Chicken Coop and where you can see all The Chicks who are now The Girls. Thanks for dropping by!