19 Best Ways to Keep Chickens out of Garden: A Complete Guide

To keep chickens out of your garden, the most effective methods are installing a sturdy fence, using chicken-deterrent plants, and applying motion-activated deterrents.

Last update on 2024-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

1. Sturdy Fence: A fence is the most reliable way to keep chickens out of your garden. Ensure the fence is at least 4 to 6 feet high and buried 6 to 12 inches underground to prevent chickens from flying over or digging under it. Use chicken wire or hardware cloth, as they are more effective than standard garden fencing.
2. Deterrent Plants: Some plants naturally repel chickens due to their strong scents or textures. Examples include marigolds, lavender, and rosemary. Planting these around the garden’s perimeter can create a natural barrier that discourages chickens from entering.
3. Motion-Activated Deterrents: Devices like motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic repellents can scare chickens away. These devices detect movement and activate water sprays or ultrasonic sounds, making the garden an undesirable place for chickens.

Method	Effectiveness (%)	Additional Notes
Sturdy Fence	90%	Requires installation and maintenance.
Deterrent Plants	60%	Effectiveness varies with plant type.
Motion-Activated Deterrents	70%	May require battery changes and adjustment.

Easy steps to stop chickens from entering your garden

Chickens do have their fair share of benefits, but they tend to destroy your garden. From pooping in different places to making noises, and believe me when I say the smell is intolerable. Chickens also dig holes, move mulch, and make the area all dusty. Overall, it is best to keep them out of your garden.

If you consider keeping chickens, keep in mind that raising chickens is expensive, and handling them may not be as easy as you think. Not to mention the holes they dig and the plants they eat in the garden; neither raising chickens nor keeping them out is an easy task.

How to stop chickens destroying garden:

Spraying Water

One easy way is to spray water at them using a garden hose with low pressure to avoid hurting them. Pouring water isn’t the most reliable method, but then the chickens will avoid going into your garden if you are consistent with it. Water sprinkles with a motion detector are helpful when you are not around.

Herbs: Will chickens eat the herb garden?

There is no way to keep chickens off all of your yard areas that you don’t want them to be. Fortunately, there is another way to keep them out of areas, using herbs that repel chickens. Read on to find out how!

Using herbs is a useful way to repel chickens. Chickens do not like the smell of herbs such as marigold, lavender, and spearmint. Not only do you repel chickens, but you also get useful herbs and scents!

If your chickens go crazy over a certain odor, you can plant herbs near your chicken coop to prevent them from foraging in those areas. They will be useful to you in many different ways, but just one of those is scented geraniums! Some herbs that are toxic to chickens include balm and pennyroyal. You can also grow it inside the coop or in a large pot close to the coop for easy access.

If you strategically surround your garden with these herbs, your chickens will run away in the opposite direction. They probably won’t even waste time looking at the tempting crop on the other side.

Sprinkle spices

Sprinkling spices around your garden will keep chickens out as they do not like the smell of spices. Another advantage is that even if the chicken wanders into your garden, the seasoning will give a burning sensation at the bottom of their feet, which makes them flee; this does not hurt the chicken.

Citrus: Is Citrus toxic to chickens?

If you want to keep your chickens out of your veggie garden, you should try putting Citrus in the ground. Chickens hate the scent of citrus fruits, so they will stay away from any area that isn’t safe for them to be in.

Perhaps your chickens think you’re weird for wanting to eat all of your oranges, or maybe they’re just not that into Citrus. Whatever the reason, you should probably stop eating oranges right away so that you and your chickens can both keep things nice and fun.

We all know chickens hate Citrus, but did you know that orange peels can repel those pesky birds? Try sprinkling them around your garden to keep them away from the vegetables you’ve worked so hard to grow. Try placing citrus peels in strategic locations for maximum effect. You’ll have to apply the solution more than once, as the rain will wash it away.

Essentially, you can use citrus peels (and some other citrus products) to deter pests in your garden. This method may require more frequent applications depending on how common your pest problems are. And be sure to remove those spikes which stick up from the ground if you have a wooded area.

Fencing: how to keep chickens out of the garden using a fence

The best way to keep chickens out of your garden is to use a fence. Chickens can fly over any barrier that you put up. Depending on the type of chicken and the time of year, they could be in your garden as soon as you put the fence up. To stop this from happening, you need to make sure that your fence has a top on it.

Fences are a cost-effective way to keep yard chickens and animals out of your garden. If you have fences bordering your property, then you can stop worrying about animal intruders because there won’t any!

Stop Weeding:

Chickens love to dig. They dig up and work the ground, leading to a lot of unsightly weeds growing. If you want your chooks to lay as much egg as they can, then you need to keep a good eye on the garden at all times, so you can be there to muck up the weeds before they get too big. If you stop weeding in your garden, then the chicken will stop destroying your garden.

Tactical Planting

Planting the flowers or vegetables close to each other will leave the fewer open ground that chickens love; make sure that the gap isn’t big enough for a chicken. If you do not want to plant flowers close to each other, consider covering the ground with landscaping fabric or netting.

Stones or Containers

Place stones that are big enough for chickens to move around the base of the plants. Avoid keeping gaps, and remember, chickens can knock off small rocks, resulting in destroying the plant. You can grow the plants inside containers; heavy containers will be hard enough to be knocked off, so chickens avoid doing so.

To make sure that the chickens do not destroy your vegetable or flower garden, make a place to invite chickens so that they avoid entering your planting space. If you have extra space, use the area to create a garden for chickens; grow plants that chicken like and edible. This decoy will help keep chickens distracted if done correctly.

Shrub Blocks:

The Secret Garden, one of the bestselling books of all time, tells a tale about an oasis in someone’s backyard. Why not make your oasis in your front yard? Adding shrubs and bushes can enhance the garden and create visual interest. It is perfect for any gardening enthusiast who wants to keep chickens out of his flower garden and add to his secrets network.

Bug Deterring Plants

So you want to grow flowers for your chickens, but you worry about bugs ruining the scene. You could plant flowers that actually deter bugs, like lemongrass, citronella, mint, and lavender. Chickens won’t eat these flowers because pests feed on bird larvae. This will reduce your chicken’s need for pesticide hand-offs and your risk of polluting your local ecosystem.

Hanging Plants

A chicken coop is a chore in the fall and wintertime. When the chickens are out of the coop, they usually aren’t in a mood to be cute. If you have limited space, a hanging potted plant is a great solution.

Like a raised bed, a hen house needs something to break up the monotony. To add some color and life to your yard or garden, try filling it with hanging plants. They’re functional, practical, and even pretty. You can also get decorative pots to add an extra layer of beautification to your yard.

Minor Flocks

Tacky culture is a dangerous thing. Keep your flock small in size, and don’t let them roam free. The average group of hens in the suburbs is five. The smaller flock gives you more information and control over their behavior. It’s also easier to keep an eye on them and be sure they don’t go near your flower garden.

Chicken Tractor

A tractor with a tray is a great solution to keep hens in the coop without fencing. As long as you’re moving the tractor around regularly in their field, you can give them some free-range time whenever you can lookout them.

Fake Owl

Keeping Neighbor’s chickens out of your yard is a huge pain. Owls are one of the biggest pests of modern times. They destroy crops and can even eat chicks and eggs in the nest. But chickens have grown to be predators too. Hens are also clever. You require moving it around quite often. It would be best if you positioned it in places wherever they’ll notice, but it seems natural. False owls or Hawk with movement and sound may work as well!

Electric Fences

Yes. Electrical fencing has many advantages. But if the goal is to keep chickens out of your garden, you’ll need a wooden fence — one without any wires. Electric fences are great at creating a “fence-like” barrier between the chicken and vegetable garden, but they aren’t as strong as timber fences. But they won’t always keep them contained. Most of the time, only a chicken’s feathers touch the fence.

Keeping chickens off the porch

Chicken poop is one of the grossest things in your life. Luckily there are ways homeowners can keep their chickens contained to prevent any unwanted messes — for example, propane heaters. Another reason your hens might be relaxing on your porch is simply that it’s a cooler location than where they normally roost and nest in the morning. Trimming back foliage around your yard will give them a little more room to spread out and relax.

Wire Fencing

To prevent chickens from comfortably passing fences, place the wire fences as low as possible. This method helps protect different garden beds and stops mulch from being moved. Place the wire fencing around plants that you want to save.

Flat Stones

Chickens tend to wreak flowers, dig up plants and mulch; stop this from happening, place mulch around your plant’s base, and then create a barrier using flat stones. Remember that the rocks need to be heavy enough so that the chickens can’t knock the rocks off.

Old Blankets

To keep chickens away from digging cultivated garden beds, place old blankets. Chickens like dust baths and these empty lands will provide them with a good dust bath; therefore, you should cover the garden beds.

Few plants that chickens eat and do not eat:

Ornamental plants

Chickens often like ornamental plants such as violets, bee balm, and clover blossoms. You can plant these on the decoy space to avoid chickens entering your planting space.

Spearmint and Peppermint

Chickens hate the smell of some herbs, including spearmint and peppermint. Plant these in your garden to repel the chickens, and avoid planting these in the decoy garden. 

Vegetable and Fruits

Chickens like to eat vegetables like carrots and lettuce. Chickens enjoy fruits like apples, berries, and bananas. Grow these vegetables and fruits in the garden for chickens to attract them.

Citrus Fruits and Flowers

Chickens hate citrus fruits; therefore, spray citrus juice around your planting space to repel chickens. Chickens also do not touch flowers like tulips, daffodils, and dahlias, so these are safe to plant in your garden.

What smell do chickens hate?

Most chickens find the scent of many spices and herbs unpleasant. You can use spices and herbs to discourage roosting on your deck or patio. Herbs or annuals that work well are basil, rosemary, thyme, mint, sage, lavender, chives, rose geranium, summer savory, oregano, or pennyroyal.

How long do you’ve to hang on to use chicken poop in the lawn?

To use chicken manure safely on your lawn, it’s crucial to allow it to compost properly. Fresh chicken manure can be too strong and potentially harmful to plants due to its high nitrogen content, which can burn them. Here’s a general guideline for composting chicken manure before applying it to your lawn:

Composting Timeline

1. Initial Composting:
   • Duration: 3 to 6 months
   • Process: Collect chicken manure and mix it with bedding material (like straw or wood shavings) to balance the nitrogen content. Turn the pile regularly to aerate it and speed up decomposition.
2. Mature Compost:
   • Characteristics: Compost is ready when it has turned into dark, crumbly material with an earthy smell. It should no longer have a strong odor of manure.
   • Duration: Allow the compost to mature for an additional 1 to 2 months after the initial composting phase to ensure it’s fully decomposed and safe to use.

Application Guidelines

• Application: Spread the composted manure evenly over your lawn. Ideally, you should apply it in the spring or fall when grass growth is active.
• Amount: Use a thin layer (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick) to avoid overloading the lawn with nutrients.

By properly composting chicken manure, you can enrich your lawn with nutrients without risking plant health.

Will chickens destroy my flower garden?

Chickens can indeed cause damage to flower gardens. Their natural behaviors—such as scratching the ground for insects, pecking at plants, and dust bathing—can lead to:

1. Soil Disruption: Chickens scratch the soil, which can uproot plants and disturb the soil structure.
2. Plant Damage: They may peck at leaves, stems, and flowers, potentially killing or stunting plants.
3. Dust Bathing: Chickens often dig holes to bathe in dust, which can damage the roots of plants.

To mitigate these issues, consider the following strategies:

Garden Covers: Use netting or garden cloches to protect vulnerable plants from being damaged.

Fencing: Use chicken wire or garden fencing to create barriers that keep chickens out of specific areas.

Chicken-Friendly Plants: Plant hardy flowers or herbs that can withstand some pecking and scratching.

Chicken Run: Provide a designated area or run for chickens to forage and play, keeping them away from delicate garden sections.

How to keep chickens out of potted plants?

To keep chickens out of potted plants, consider these methods:

Chicken-Free Zones: Designate specific areas for chickens to forage and keep them away from your potted plants. Providing alternative sources of interest or food can help.

Cages or Cloches: Place wire cages, cloches, or plant covers over your potted plants. Ensure the coverings are sturdy and have small openings so the plants can receive light and air.

Mesh or Netting: Use mesh or netting around the pots. Secure the netting with stakes or weights to prevent chickens from pushing it aside.

Plant Stands: Elevate potted plants on stands or shelves that are too high for chickens to reach. Ensure the stands are stable and won’t tip over.

Repellents: Apply natural repellents around the pots, such as cayenne pepper, garlic, or vinegar. These can help deter chickens from approaching.

Barrier Plants: Place deterrent plants around the pots, like mint or lavender, to make the area less appealing to chickens.

Physical Barriers: Create barriers around the pots using rocks, bricks, or other materials that are hard for chickens to move or peck through.

How tall of a fence to keep chickens out of garden?

Chickens can be kept in a garden or yard as long as you erect a barrier 6 feet or 1.8 meters high. That will keep them safe from predators, the elements, and your curious children. Bantams, like baby chicks, require the same height barrier to prevent predators, the elements, and your curious children from harming them.

What is the best natural chicken repellent?

Several natural repellents can help keep chickens away from garden areas:

Essential Oils: Oils like eucalyptus, citronella, and tea tree oil can be used in sprays or diluted in water and applied around garden areas.

Cayenne Pepper: Chickens dislike the spicy smell of cayenne pepper. Sprinkle it around garden beds to deter them. Reapply after rain or watering.

Garlic: The strong smell of garlic can repel chickens. You can use garlic powder or crush fresh garlic and mix it with water to create a spray.

Vinegar: Chickens are sensitive to the smell of vinegar. Mix white vinegar with water in a spray bottle and apply it around garden areas.

Mint: Chickens tend to avoid mint. Planting mint around the garden or using peppermint oil in a spray can help keep them away.

Lavender: Chickens often dislike the scent of lavender. Planting lavender around your garden can act as a natural deterrent.

How long should you keep chickens in the coop before free-range?

It would help if you kept the chickens locked up for about a week before free-range. Chickens will return home on their own to eat and drink. Surprisingly, chickens do not run away; they do not go too far from the coop and return at night for roosting.

How to keep chickens out of your garden when you free range?

When free-ranging chickens, keeping them out of specific garden areas can be challenging, but you can use these strategies to manage their access:

Supervised Free-Ranging: Supervise the chickens while they are free-ranging to prevent them from wandering into the garden. This is more labor-intensive but can be effective if other methods are not feasible.

Fencing: Install a sturdy fence around the garden area. A height of 4 to 6 feet is typically effective. Use materials like welded wire or hardware cloth for durability. Adding an apron of fencing at the bottom (buried or extended outward) helps prevent digging.

Electric Fencing: Set up electric fencing around the garden. This can be particularly effective if chickens are used to free-ranging and might be deterred by the mild shock.

Chicken-Safe Zones: Designate specific areas for chickens to forage that are separate from your garden. Provide them with a separate run or a chicken-friendly area with their own mulch and entertainment to keep them occupied.

Visual Deterrents: Use visual deterrents such as scarecrows, reflective objects, or motion-activated sprinklers. While these might not be foolproof, they can add an additional layer of deterrence.

Barrier Plants: Plant dense, thorny, or aromatic plants around the garden perimeter. Chickens are less likely to cross into areas that are dense or have strong scents.

How to keep chickens from separating mulch?

Chickens can be persistent in digging and scratching through mulch, but there are a few strategies you can use to keep them from disturbing it:

1. Barrier Fencing: Install a low barrier or border around the mulch area. A fence that’s about 12 to 18 inches high can help prevent chickens from accessing the mulch. Make sure it’s sturdy and extends a bit underground to deter digging.
2. Mulch Alternatives: Use mulch materials that chickens are less likely to dig through, such as coarse wood chips or gravel. These materials can be less appealing to chickens compared to finer mulch types.
3. Chicken-Friendly Areas: Create designated areas for chickens to scratch and forage that are separate from your mulch beds. This can be a designated run or a separate part of the garden with its own mulch or bedding material.
4. Physical Barriers: Cover the mulch with wire mesh or hardware cloth. This will allow water and air through but prevent chickens from scratching it.
5. Planting: Use dense planting or ground cover plants around the mulch area. Plants can create a natural barrier and make it less attractive or accessible to chickens.

By combining these methods, you can minimize the impact chickens have on your mulch while allowing them to roam and forage elsewhere.

What is the best fence to keep chickens out of my garden?

To keep chickens out of your garden, a fence needs to be both tall and secure. Here are some options:

Underground Barrier: Burying the bottom of the fence 6 to 12 inches underground or using an apron of fencing material can prevent chickens from digging underneath.

Mesh or Wire Fencing: Use 2-inch or smaller mesh to prevent chickens from squeezing through. A height of at least 4 to 6 feet is recommended. Chicken wire can work but may not be sturdy enough; welded wire or hardware cloth is better.

Electric Fencing: Adding an electric fence can be highly effective. Make sure the wires are positioned at different heights to deter chickens from attempting to fly over or crawl under.

Solid Barrier: For a more permanent solution, a solid fence like wood or vinyl can work, but it needs to be at least 4 to 6 feet high. Ensure there are no gaps or spaces at the bottom.

What About Using Netting or Wire?

Netting or wire can be very effective. You can cover your garden with bird netting or use chicken wire to create a barrier. The netting should be stretched tightly over your garden and secured firmly. This method prevents chickens from pecking at your plants while still allowing sunlight and rain to reach them.

Can I Use Scare Tactics to Keep Chickens Away?

Scare tactics can be useful but are often temporary solutions. You can use objects that move or make noise, like wind chimes, reflective tape, or plastic owls. These items can scare chickens away initially, but they may become accustomed to them over time. Rotating different scare tactics can help maintain their effectiveness.

Are There Any Natural Deterrents for Chickens?

Natural deterrents include certain plants and substances that chickens find unpleasant. For example, planting lavender, rosemary, or mint around your garden can help repel chickens. Additionally, sprinkling cayenne pepper or garlic powder around your garden can deter chickens, as they dislike strong odors.

How Can I Create a Physical Barrier with Plants?

Using physical barriers with plants can also be effective. Planting thorny or prickly bushes around the edges of your garden can discourage chickens from entering. These natural barriers can create an uncomfortable environment for chickens and help protect your plants.

Should I Consider Training Chickens to Avoid the Garden?

Training chickens can be challenging but is worth considering. You can train them to avoid certain areas by using positive reinforcement techniques. For instance, you might reward them with treats when they stay away from the garden. Consistency is key, and this method requires patience.

Can I Use Electrical Fencing?

Electrical fencing is another option to consider. This type of fence delivers a mild shock to deter chickens from coming too close. It’s effective but requires proper setup and maintenance. Ensure the fence is set up correctly to avoid harming the chickens excessively and to ensure its effectiveness.

How Do I Manage Free-Ranging Chickens to Avoid My Garden?

If your chickens are free-ranging, it can be trickier to keep them out of your garden. Providing alternative food sources and creating designated foraging areas away from your garden can help. Make sure the chickens have plenty of space and enrichment to keep them occupied and less likely to wander into your garden.

What Are Some DIY Solutions for Keeping Chickens Out?

DIY solutions can be both creative and cost-effective. You can build simple barriers using materials like old pallets or scrap wood. Another idea is to create a “chicken moat” around your garden using water-filled containers or mesh barriers. These DIY methods can be customized to fit your specific garden layout and needs.

Final Words

It is a continuous battle to keep chickens out of your garden, and sometimes it may stress you out. The best way to repel chickens is to add two ways together, such as making a decoy garden plus spraying citrus juice around your garden; this method helps distract the chickens and repel them from your planting space. We hope this article was helpful, and let us know which way worked best for you.

The first thing to consider is why your hens are entering your garden in the first place. Chickens are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. They naturally forage for food, looking for insects, worms, and other small animals to eat. If your garden is overgrown or neglected, chickens may see it as a good place to look for food.

There are so many great ideas to keep chickens out of gardens. And there are so many options for fending off chickens. What did you do that wasn’t here? If you have any valuable tips for keeping pesky chickens out, please submit them!