Keep Them Out! Chickens Damage The Garden

Do chickens have any place in the homestead garden? Something has been eating our winter squash and green tomatoes and we know just which animal it is.
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Thanks for joining us on our homesteading journey. We are a family of two parents and four kids and we decided to move out of town to found our own homestead / farmstead / family farm to grow our own organic food and raise our children in the best way we know how for child development and health. Family health, diet, gluten free, natural health, cooking, natural food, whole food, whole grains, living food, recipes, permaculture, parenting, kids, children, babies, faith, family life, work life balance, survival, wildcraft, crafts for kids, keeping a family milk cow, home dairy, goats and goat keeping, milk goats, goat milk, chickens, eggs, fencing, puppies, dogs, cats, garden, gardening, winter gardening, vacation, outdoor adventure, woodworking, nature study, plant identification, tree identification, rural living, food preparation, heating with wood, firewood, child training, home business, online business, home based income, entrepreneurship and homeschooling are all topics you will find here.

[@tammyt870]

We just fenced in a big section of our garden this week, too. Chickens were also eating our green tomatoes and butternut squash, too!

[@NkosiCebile]

I looked for a video like this because I needed someone to feel my pain with me. I had a chicken fence. They ate ALL my kale, leaving spinach carrot tomato but not leaving them, sketching the surface basically unrooting most of everything. I slept with a beautiful garden and woke up with no garden. I'm so sad, months of work and it took them a day to destroy it all.

[@bulelwahekeshe6758]

Same problem but my neighbors chicken

[@saintisidorehomestead]

Here's our permaculture take on this, Arthur: chickens belong in the annual garden as long as the garden is not in production. We really love bringing them in after harvest is finished. They take care of spoiled tomatoes, peppers, squashes, etc., reducing the amount of seeds that will volunteer the next season. So, not a matter of space but rather a matter of time. Ducks on the other hand, we let in the garden once a week for about an hour or so, early in the morning when they are hungry for protein. Typically we herd them in, do some other chores, and then herd them back out to the pasture. It really has kept the slug/snail population under control.

[@Brifromscratch]

Great tips!

[@kerenmoore8828]

My uncle has kept chickens and had a vegetable garden since he was a teenager. His rhythm is to let the chickens out one hour before sunset. He sits out there and watches them to make sure they do not get too mischievous and then they go back to the coop on their own. They keep the bugs off the plants yet don't get enough time to eat the veggies.

[@mysparky2011]

I used to do that with meat birds. They had fun, ate bugs, got exercise and did little damage to the garden. I didn't start that until the plants were established though. The only thing I remember them doing was eating my rhubarb patch to the ground. And I thought rhubarb leaves were poisonous . Guess not, saw no ill effects.

[@IngDebo]

I agree with Art, chickens can be destructive in your Garden. I’ve often found what I thought was a perfect Tomato, to only be very disappointed to find it had been completely hollowed out. Now I know that with a large farm you might not have the time to use my ideas but if you have a smallish garden and a small flock of hens, you can get the hens to work for you. This is what I use to do when I had a small Homestead. I had a flock of seven hens, which were allowed the run of my entire fenced backyard but not the garden area unless I was with them. They would follow me around as I weeded and I could keep an eye on them and they would keep an eye on me since my activities would scurry up the bugs and yummy weeds to eat. But several other things that I did was get their help with slug control and Japanese beetles. For the slug control, I had boards down in between the eight raised beds. Each morning when the girls were let out, I would turn the boards over and they would be covered with slugs. The girls would pick up the slugs, roll them in the dirt, like it was powdered sugar and then gobble them down. For the Japanese Beetles, a gallon jug with the top cut off and a couple inches of water and I flicked the beetles into the water the girls would eat them right out of the jug. Art and Bri, you are an inspiration!

[@kirstenwhitworth8079]

Naughty birds. Was that Tea Bag? NO, no ducks in the garden! They will dabble up any root crops you've got in there, as well as some other plants. They will devour any lettuce or yummy greens you've got, too. Ask me how I know. :)

[@isabo3556]

How do you know?

[@gabbydeveau5100]

Love your videos,enjoy all the info even though I am a old lady living in the burbs,have always wanted a small farm but never got one but do have a very green,heavy flower perennial laden yard with a fish pond and 30 year old 2' long koi. But I would love some chickens ( against the town code),horses,& goats. Thank you for sharing your family with the rest of us.

[@FarmerC.J.]

When I was setting my homestead up I studied books and videos about having ducks . I wanted them for pest control in my garden. Everything I read said once the plants are mature you can introduce ducks... but that was a mistake! They ate everything.! They love tomato plants, potato plants, pepper plants, beans, grape leaves....so , if you value your garden keep your feathered friends out! Hope my experience helps you! All the best!😊

[@slipryeel]

I've fenced my garden but they still get in, I use springs from inside old mattresses which I leave on the ground and it seems to stop them pecking at seedlings and scratching them up for some reason so I grab any free mattress and pull it apart and put on top of my seedling works great give it ago.

[@hoffmanjeff]

Grow a a couple butternut squash plants outside the garden just for the chickens.

[@kirstytrembath1392]

we learnt this the hard way we lost all of our new seedlings this year the chickens jumped the fence into the garden 😥 it happened twice. one new and clever chicken showed the others how. we live and learn the fence is much taller now.

[@wjb9425]

What Guinea owners have told me that they leave the garden alone ,they are more interested in bugs than vegetation. They also go into the brush more than chickens.It can be challenging to get them back inside at night to roost as they like the trees.

[@homesteaderwant2b]

When I was a kid, grandma would cover the tomatoes with pinto bean bags to keep the chickens from pecking them.

[@princessperibanu380]

On a quiet afternoon I love to listen to the corn whispering amongst themselves and talking of mysterious things....:))

[@annmarieolsenpacnw]

that roo is in pullet paradise now. he has a job and worshippers.

[@suzisaintjames]

The electric fence is good, but if you have hens that fly over the fence, clip a few wing feathers (on one wing only). It makes them fly lopsided. You'll only have to do this once or twice as they learn they can't fly and eventually give up.

[@cjandauntieyaya1446]

Certain crops need to be put behind a fence because chickens love to peck. So anything that produces fruit that is close to the ground and within their beak's reach should be isolated. Now corn after it reaches a certain height is ok for chickens and their presence actually helps provide nutrients to the corn and also reduces pests. Also deep tuber plants like potatoes and yams can benefit from chickens as they eat the beetles on the vines. Young trees that are hardy can also benefit.

[@CleoCastonguay47]

You're absolutely right about keeping your chickens out of your garden!... You have a beautiful garden and you worked for it to be so nice and healthy. Now comes the time to collect the bounty. You 'll have enough at the end of the season to share with the chickens.

[@danuta.]

My chickens always had access to my garden and only ate the bad bugs and fruit that had bad bugs on it. Also, they loved my lettuce (: so i covered my lettuce with chicken wire and life was good again.

[@wilygramma9921]

Many times they are needing water. Squirrels raid my garden when the birdbaths go dry.

[@waxacres3696]

“This is where we write the cute little things.” LOL! I love y’all. The music is beautiful.

[@terrickes]

I love it when you have your walk and talks. They are some of my favorite videos! Keep up the good work!

[@oscar_jjuarez5266]

Been letting my few chickens out for some bit of free range , always kept an eye out for our herb garden … sure enough they fellas got in and tore EVERYTHING UP 😂 . Given the chance they will mess it all up haha

[@Chronicles1611]

I have heard that silkies are gentle on the garden and good bug control.

[@dollyperry3020]

I had to put a very tall fence around my garden because my chickens were very motivated to get in and my fence is not electrified. Love your videos!

[@wildwoodsdog6871]

I got a duck in the garden and if he's eating any plants or veggies I haven't seen it yet and chickens do a good job prepping the ground and if you want something great get a few pigs they'll plow and manure for you and rotate with the chickens and then plant

[@blessedhope6293]

Your garden is beautiful! We have always kept the chickens out of our garden (with a permanent fence). The chickens don't mind, because they get all of the wonderful scraps from the kitchen.

[@debbiegallett1125]

Yep chickens cannot be in the garden. Love you videos.

[@brianmef71]

An inch of rain a week is all you need for a garden. If you don't get that, then water, but don't water too much. If you water too much, your tomatoes will crack, because they will expand too fast.

[@workinonit9562]

Garden looks great and agree on the chickens, they will destroy any garden in their path!

[@thewitchofbathnc]

Oh no! So sorry to hear about your garden! I've been wondering about this for a while - whether or not chickens in the garden are more helpful (because they eat pests) or hurtful (because they damage the crops). You live and learn I guess. I'm just sorry they damaged the crop of butternut squash. We're still planning our homestead for the future and it's so wonderful to learn from you guys. Thank you for so much for all the hard work you put into vlogging your homestead adventures. ~Wessa

[@smokeyangelav]

I've heard ducks are good pest control for the garden and there are even special breeds that walk upright for that purpose but I'd talk with Pratt Family Homestead. They got a lot of damage in the garden from their ducks... more so than the chickens.

[@dragonflygrandma]

Another Great Video. Thank you for sharing. Blessing to all of you.

[@brittanynickhuebner8276]

you guys are the best youtubers in the world

[@OldesouthFarm]

Your garden looks great and yes, those darn chickens will eat your stuff! I am really proud of you all and doing so well. Abundant harvest I wish you! Keep up the great work!

[@skezzcrom]

If those chickens are flight capable (most are), fences will not keep them out, but you can clip their feathers to keep them grounded (lots of video on how to clip them on FB)

[@DaybirdAviaries]

I really enjoy the cute little things you write at the end.

[@annmarieolsenpacnw]

a fence wont keep guineas in. unless its 15 foot tall. i think even if you clip their wings they will hurl themselves over a 4 ft fence. they are nutty little buggers. and ducks dig thru the soil around plants with their bills.

[@davidjohnston1971]

Ducks in an established garden won't do damage to crops, but will aid in pest control. In a newly planted garden they will eat tender sprouts. Chickens, as you've learned will do lots of damage.

[@littlefootprintsbigdreams4099]

God bless you and your family and love the talks ....

[@VillageTV]

Life is all about learning!

[@CiecieNewson]

How about making a small garden just for the chickens to see how they effect it and each item you plant in your large garden? ~Smile!

[@MissouriCrookedBarnHomestead]

When you raise the chickens with the garden, always going into the garden since they are chicks, then they won't bother it. They will pick the snails and everything off the garden, but unfortunately, that also means they will remove the good bugs, like ladybugs, mantises, and assassin bugs. So, it's a give and take.

[@lolorton]

our momma hem is loose with her chicks and it took me awhile to figure out she was uprooting my potatoes and throwing the mulch off my asparagus. one chicken did a lot of damage in a few days

[@Frossiart]

You should look into building your own dehydrator on a large scale, it would be very useful for storing grains, corn, and legumes! You can find videos on it on youtube.

[@amysvob3066]

good video Art. I'm trying to figure out how to keep the chickens from damaging ours. we have them fenced in the garden, their run, and our orchard. They've done a tremendous job with controlling the bugs but no cabbage, kale, or brassicas this year lol.

[@pattstorm77]

EXACTLY THATS HOW I LEARN!!!! FROM THINGS THAT DINT WORK ONE WAY THEY DID WORK OTHER WAY :)

[@musiclover2256]

Ducks shouldn't damage the the fruit because they don't have beaks to peck, but they can damage the roots of plants by burrowing under the plants for bugs and whatnot. If you do put the ducks out in the garden make sure to have water in bowls not standing water on the ground or sprinklers--they will make holes.

[@glendaruff125]

Your garden looks great very healthy. Maybe you have already done this but I guess I missed it. Tell all your kids names slowly.

[@robclippo1161]

In my experience ducks don't do much damage the only thing they would do is dig little holes in the ground (drilling) or pick at grass blades

[@robclippo1161]

Jeanette Doorey, hmmmmmm yes naughty ducks maybe since they were young plants but with Arts problem with eating the fruits I don't think they will be a problem

[@arisiharmaja1312]

I think you guys need to fasten in getting the bee hive with all those flowers

[@karenweber8893]

T bag and his ladies.....He does seem happy, very content! I'm glad you didn't have to put him down.

[@jkbeattyable]

Always enjoy your videos. Thank you for sharing.

[@tara_a_santiago]

"This is where we write the cute little things" 💜

[@1994abbygirl]

Mine dug up my strawberries, and helped themselves with the sweet corn! No more chickens in the garden, ever!

[@terry320]

I remember growing up, that my dad had terrapins get into the garden and eat away on the tomatoes,etc.This was in Virginia and I understand this turtle lives in the eastern United States. Your garden is looking great! You should have a bountiful harvest.

[@overlandcayenne1318]

Love your videos. Art and Bri you're an inspiration to me and my family keep it up

[@giannagiavelli5098]

I know at 50 I'm just a bit old to do a full homestead, but I'd love to at least do a few chickens and goats to have my own supply, make cheese.

[@kylarichardson4]

Great perspective

[@georgiagardengirlshomestea1560]

I have a friend that has a chkn run tunnel. it runs between rows. and they can get to the bugs but not the plants. Just thought I'd share it.

[@chrissyemert8781]

My turkeys are the worst. They ate all my onions and now they are on my Roma's. Next year we are fencing them in.

[@jennybetten3483]

Good luck. Hope you get something figured out soon. I'm sure that is super frustrating seeing your hard work pecked at.

[@toastymornings]

ooooh your garden is looking fabulous! Do you ever have problems with Hawks or eagles messing with the chickens?

[@AgsiSD]

Time to sharpen your axe Art. 🐔

[@bubba-j-usa4815]

Love the videos and all the tips you guys give! keep it up!!!

[@pianovoce]

I wouldnt pick all the damaged squashes. Id let them ripen, and then use them first, and leave the whole ones for winter :)

[@rsoubiea]

Naughty birds, i was wondering about this. people who say they use chickens for bug control in the veggie garden, i'm like i don't think so.

[@cjandauntieyaya1446]

Guineas won't stay put. They fly unless you clip their wings. Then they are just as pecky as the chickens. Ducks are great in gardens except when it comes to leafy greens. So you'll have no fruit pecked but all the green leaves that provide sustenance to the fruit will be nibbled off.

[@SansaStarkofWinterfell]

Nice one Art, "This is where we write the cute little things" Couldn't think of one for today? =) Guinea hens would be awesome to see, can't wait til the babies y'all got grow up! You should try getting quails too, if your land can hold them wild. Our family farm now has pheasants, turkey & quail on it. I'm looking forward to eventually adding other birds too. 🌱Be Blessed ღ 🌼

[@Bergalicious38]

We had guineas when I was young. If memory serves, my dad said they were all ran over. They did stay out on the road a lot.

[@williamchristopher1560]

Arty, just so I can visualise for sure how big your garden is, What are each sides measurments????? Since you throw bad veggies to your poultry, your teaching them what to lok for in your garden. you need to mash up what you feed them so that its not recognizable to them when in the garden. Its likly too late this year to do that. I cant imagine why your chickens dont just fly over your fence. What is it 3ft high? Ive had them go over 5ft fences.

[@Brifromscratch]

William Christopher 60 x 90'

[@sweetheartsmom]

if you want to see what Ducks will do go to 50 ducks in the hot tub and look at his pen he always pins his Ducks away from his organic garden they are devastating on a garden and yes they will eat the fruit

[@dragonlady8961]

Awesome

[@caseymcclellan4221]

I can't speak to guinees in the garden but no ducks! Among other things they will split your pea pods open eat the peas and leave the empty pods on the vine!

[@debramurray5132]

Great video

[@marycook9607]

Do the deer get into the garden? They ate all my bean plants while I was gone for 3 days last year. I was devastated.

[@kenmacdonald4207]

Guinea Foul will pick a small bug off a ripe tomato without damage😏

[@brianwhite9555]

I'm guessing and hoping that the chickens only damaged some smaller squashes, Art. If you have peck marks or tooth marks(rodents) on larger squashes please know that these will scab or scar over. The fruit will continue to develop normally. Both of the squashes you removed probably would have healed up, as long as the damage didn't go too deeply. I'm not sure the same could be said of the softer-skinned summer squashes. Here's a fun project to do with your kids. It works on both pumpkins and winter squashes. When your pumpkins/squashes get to a decent size, but well before they are ripe enough to harvest, supervise the kids while they use a small tool to carve their names, or designs, into the fruits. Be sure to leave the fruits on the vine until maturity. Keep the cuts narrow, and don't carve any deeper than 1/8". As the fruits mature, these carvings will scab over and harden up. At the end of the growing season, the kids will have fun harvesting these pre-decorated fruits.

[@Brifromscratch]

Fun! Perhaps we will try it.

[@heatherd.9390]

This is a neat idea! Love it :)

[@alicelewis7261]

when your garden is producing you don't wont ducks in them or chickens they will eat every thing the ducks like to eat the roots of your plants I found that out the hard way.

[@jordanhomestead5939]

Are you sure its not a mouse or rat? That tomato and one of the butternut's look like rat/mouse damage to me. I only say this because I constantly battle rats and they destroy melons/squash and tomatoes. This year alone I have killed 10 rats and have caught them in the act late at night. I sure hope its your chickens, much easier to solve :) Good luck and love your videos!!

[@jaysonhunt8421]

"In the Dapple'd Shade" I think that is the title of your next book!

[@monarawles5832]

Love today's "cute little title!"

[@MsCaterific]

💙

[@giannagiavelli5098]

does acorn squash store well

[@Brifromscratch]

Most will store for over a year in a box in a cool room.

[@williamchristopher1560]

Ah, mines 100 X 40, so U got me beat

[@conniefrye4401]

Rats and mice will do the same thing as well as birds. My problem is the birds and squirrels.

[@saurabhd8247]

Hi Art, do you give vaccinations to the chicks for Newcastle, Marek disease, IBD, fowl pox, coccidiosis?? Regards :)

[@dianeveilleux6452]

You can't share a few things with them?

[@solfeinberg437]

How do you keep them out? I can see the damage / watch them do the damage - they like tomatoes / remove all the mulch / bury scratch etc. How do I fence them out?

[@thebackyardchickenfarmer2914]

You should probably clip their wings

[@deusvitae69]

that rooster would have been dinner if ya'll weren't so nice :P

[@NkosiCebile]

I woke up with no garden today, we are eating that rooster and the helper of that. I'm so furious I feel no sumpathy. They destroyed my garden in one day, ate all my kale. Unrooted almost everything

[@teresaedwards6101]

Don't put ducks in garden. They will eat your plants. Ben there done that.

[@daddi275]

Two words Chicken soup or Fried chicken

[@teresa-greeneyes3886]

Guineas are too loud. my neighbor has them.

[@marisolflorescantu9922]

cut wings back like Justin did

[@NovaScotiaLiving]

yikes.

[@DeepSouthDawn]

Impatiently waiting for Dolly to give birth....

[@geoffhorvath3261]

These fresh Empire commercials are annoying

[@gerrymarmee3054]

Chickens gotta eat. Just not your food!

[@dogparkbehavior7410]

Give them a job Justin's are use to working all the time by u keeping them in one spot is not helping

[@Brifromscratch]

We moved them just a few days ago.