To keep chickens out of your garden, install a strong fence that is at least 4 feet high and bury it at least 6 inches deep to prevent them from digging under it. Alternatively, use chicken wire or netting to create a barrier around your garden.
Besides this fencing method, there are lots of natural, mechanical, and artificial methods that are widely used to deter chickens out of the garden. Here are some lists with categories-
Unique Ideas:
- Scarecrow Owl
- Reflective CDs
- Wire Cloche Tunnels
- Motion-Activated Sprinklers
- Hot Pepper Spray
Common Methods:
- Fencing
- Chicken Run
- Plant Barriers and Deterrent Herbs
- Netting
- Raised Beds
- Automatic Gates
- Ultrasonic Devices
- Secure Compost Bins
Additional Methods:
- Protect With a Dog
- Citrus Peels
- Chicken Tractor
Here we will explain all the methods with their pros and cons and how effective their role is in keeping the chicken out of your garden.
Let’s get started-
Why Chicken In Your Garden Is a Problem?
Chickens in your garden can be a problem for several reasons.
- They can damage plants by scratching and pecking at them. ( I am suffering from this problem the most)
- Can spread diseases to plants and other animals.
- They can contaminate food with their droppings.
- Finally, they attract predators, such as foxes and coyotes.
If you are considering keeping chickens in your garden, it is important to take steps to minimize these problems.
You can do this by providing your chickens with a safe and secure coop, and by training them not to scratch or peck at plants.
You should also regularly clean up their droppings, and take steps to deter predators.
How to Keep Chickens Out of Garden? ( Best Methods)
I have planted a zinger on a cement bag with soil and ingredients and kept it outside of the garden.
Eventually after sprouting the rhizome, the chickens just destroyed my whole zinger plant by damaging newly sprouted shoots.
From this practical realization, I understand how important to get rid of the chicken from your garden. Nobody wants to damage the plants of his own garden.
That is why if you can take some initiative methods to deter chickens from your garden, it will be more suitable for you. Here are some-
1) Scarecrow Owl
In simple words, a Scarecrow Owl is a lifelike plastic or fabric owl that mimics a real owl’s appearance. Its presence in your garden exploits chickens’ instinctual fear of birds of prey.
Chickens perceive it as a potential threat and avoid the area.
You should place the Scarecrow Owl in a prominent spot (entrance or shady place) within your garden, ensuring it’s visible to approaching chickens.
It has advantages including low maintenance, non-toxicity, and an appealing appearance. But to maintain its effectiveness, move it occasionally.
While a Scarecrow Owl can be a valuable deterrent, it’s best used in conjunction with other methods to comprehensively deter chickens from your garden.
2) Reflective CDs
Once when I was a kid, my parents were supposed to use this technique to reduce chicken interference in the garden.
Now I know it is one of the effective methods to deter chicken as well as bird intervention in your garden.
The techniques are simple: The Reflective CD light is reflected to the chicken eye and hard for the bird to judge the area where to go.
And that will eventually decrease the damage to plants in your garden.
3) Wire Cloche Tunnels
If you’re thinking of applying a 100% effective method to getting rid of the chicken in your garden. Then this wire cloche tunnel is an option.
This is because there is no way to escape the chicken from the perimeter of the tunnel and won’t damage any plants in your garden.
Again, this is an investment for the long term. If you can make an area for chickens then make a tunnel and connect between them, it’s a win-win situation for both the garden and chickens.
Wire cloche tunnel price isn’t too high to bear. You can get this equipment for around 50 to 100 bucks.
So, you can think about it to Keep Chickens Out of your Garden.
4) Motion-Activated Sprinklers
Motion-activated sprinklers are an ingenious method for deterring chickens in your garden.
These devices feature motion sensors and water nozzles that activate when chickens or other pests ( like chipmunks ) approach.
When movement is detected, a sudden burst of water startles the chickens, teaching them to associate the garden with an unpleasant experience.
Read More: How to Water a Garden Without Running Water?
5) Hot Pepper Spray
All chickens and rodents mostly show negative behavior with hot pepper spray.
Capsaicin is a chemical that is built with pepper spray (an aerosol spray that contains oleoresin capsicum (OC)).
OC is a natural oil found in many types of hot peppers, including cayenne peppers and other chili peppers.
The active ingredient in pepper spray is capsaicin, which is the same chemical that adds the characteristic heat to chili peppers.
Pepper spray works by inflaming the mucous membranes in the skin, nose, and eyes. Typical reactions include restricted breathing.
So whenever your garden is full of plants and vegetables, you can make hot pepper spray to control chickens.
To make hot pepper spray, you can boil 1 gallon of water with 3 tablespoons of hot pepper flakes
A)Common Methods:
6) Fencing
Fencing is a highly effective method to deter chickens from infiltrating your garden.
A sturdy garden fence constructed from materials like chicken wire or hardware cloth creates a clear and unyielding barrier that chickens instinctively recognize and respect.
Make sure the fence extends below ground to prevent digging and is tall enough to discourage jumping. Generally, a 6-inch deep cover with at least 4 to 5 feet or 48-60 inch height is perfect for chicken.
Besides the prevention, fencing provides a long-lasting solution, is customizable to match your garden’s aesthetics, and requires minimal ongoing maintenance.
However, consider the cost of materials and installation.
Regular gate maintenance and secure closure are essential to ensure chickens don’t accidentally access your garden.
Fencing reliably safeguards your plants and preserves your garden’s tranquility.
7) Chicken Run
A chicken run is an outdoor enclosure for chickens.
In simple, you’re making a pathway for the chicken with a covering of a fence, so that it can not go to the side of the garden.
It’s a long-term investment, the chicken run can last at least 3 and 7 years or even more.
So, within that time, your chicken gets enough space for their movement, and your garden is safe from their intervention.
There are various sizes of chicken runs, so measure your garden and make one as per your requirements.
8) Chicken-repellent plants and Deterrent Herbs
From the Agronomic point of view, some plants are natural to deter the chicken as well as rodent pests from the garden.
You should plant those around your garden where the chickens frequently stay or visit. Some of the most used plants that you can use to deter chickens in the garden are-
- Mint
- Catnip
- Garlic
- Marigold
- Chives
- Basil
- Lavender
- Oregano
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Tansy
- Marjoram
- Thyme
These are the herbs that are frequently disgusting for chickens and occasionally eradicated where these are planted.
Besides these herbs, you should choose some barrier plants as per your garden requirements.
Some plants like Confederate Jasmine which is evergreen that are last in your garden for a long time. You can use these for live fencing in your garden.
9) Netting
If your garden area is small and a particular plant that you want to grow to avoid chickens, then netting practice is a good option.
I rather choose to net the chicken population in a corner of the garden. So that I can easily customize my garden and plants in different locations.
But if you’re searching to eradicate chicken interruption in the garden, then netting should done well.
10) Raised Bed Garden
Raised beds serve as an effective defense against chickens in your garden.
By elevating your plants above ground level, they create a physical barrier that deters chickens from pecking and scratching.
Raised beds also safeguard plant roots and improve drainage, mitigating potential damage caused by chicken activity.
Their defined boundaries help chickens recognize garden limits, and their aesthetic appeal enhances the overall garden environment.
To make raised beds a successful chicken deterrent, opt for heights ranging from 12 to 24 inches, ensure secure construction without gaps, and consider reinforcing with chicken wire if needed.
Planting densely within the beds minimizes open soil, making it less attractive to chickens. Regular maintenance and inspection help preserve their integrity.
You May Read: How to Keep Chipmunks Out of Garden?
11) Train Them
If you raising chickens, you know their nature. After each day, they go to their nest without your help.
So it indicated if you can train them not to enter a particular space or garden area, it can evolve with that.
But it may fail if you just rely on their training. You have to take steps and different methods, After integrating with these things, you will finally get the results.
12) Automatic Gates for Keeping Chickens Out of Your Garden
Automatic gates provide a practical solution to the problem of chickens invading your garden.
The process is initiated by selecting a sturdy gate made of metal or wood and pairing it with an appropriate gate opener, such as solar-powered or electric options.
Programming a timer ensures the gate opens during convenient times while shutting to prevent chicken access during vulnerable periods, typically at night.
Here are some additional tips:
- Make sure the gate is tall enough so that your chickens cannot jump over it.
- Place the gate in a location where your chickens are less likely to try to cross it, such as near a fence or wall.
- If you have multiple chickens, you may need to install multiple gates.
- Be patient and consistent with training your chickens. It may take some time for them to learn to avoid the gate area.
13) Ultrasonic Devices
Ultrasonic repellents are like secret sound machines for your garden.
They make really high-pitched sounds that we can’t hear, but chickens and other animals can, and it kind of bugs them.
So, when you put these devices in your garden, it’s like telling the chickens, “Hey, this place is not so comfy for you,” without hurting them at all.
The chickens will be like, “I don’t like this noise,” and they’ll go find another spot to hang out.
That way, your garden stays safe, and you don’t have to be mean to the chickens. It’s a win-win.
14) Secure Compost Bins
To keep your compost pile safe from big animals and pests, you can make a kind of fence around it.
You can use old pieces of wood, metal mesh, or even chicken wire to do this.
These fences will stop animals from getting inside and making a mess.
If the lid on your compost bin doesn’t close tightly, you can fix it by putting something heavy on top, like bricks.
This way, it stays closed and animals can’t open it.
These simple steps help keep your compost safe and tidy, making sure it works well to make nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
You can also make a compost bin out of:
- Garden Fencing
- 1″ mesh fencing
- Used pallets
Additional Methods:
15) Protect the Garden With a Dog
Dogs can be fantastic helpers in keeping chickens away from your garden.
They have a built-in protective instinct that can be used to train them.
You can teach your dog to chase chickens by barking or gently running after them, without hurting them.
Dogs are also great because they scare away other critters.
Some dog breeds are experts at finding and chasing pests like mice and rats.
You can use your dog’s natural skills to protect your garden from these pests without hurting them.
16) Use Citrus Peels
If you don’t want chickens in your garden, you can use the smell of citrus fruits to keep them away.
Chickens really don’t like the strong smell of fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Here’s what you can do:
- Collect the peels from these fruits and spread them around the edges of your garden.
- You can also try dipping a cloth in the juice from these fruits and placing it near your garden’s entrance. But remember, you need to change your clothes every few days because the smell won’t last forever.
- Another trick is to spray the ground with lemon or lime juice. But if it rains, you’ll have to do it again to keep the smell strong.
17) Chicken Tractor
A chicken tractor is like a portable home for chickens that you can move around in your garden.
It helps chickens stay happy with fresh grass and keeps them from messing up your garden beds.
People also call it a “chicken coop on wheels” because it can roll around your yard.
When you’re looking for a chicken tractor, here are some things to think about:
Size: Make sure the chicken tractor has enough space for all your chickens. Each chicken should have at least 2 square feet of room.
Wind Protection: If it’s windy where you live, get a chicken tractor that has walls on two sides to keep your chickens cozy.
Material: Chicken tractors made of metal or hardwood are the best because they’re strong and last a long time. And the ones with wheels are easier to move.
How Can You Maintain Garden Health and Organization?
To keep chickens out of your garden and make sure it stays healthy and neat, there are some simple steps to follow.
First, you can trim or prune your plants to make them less tempting for chickens to peck at.
Be sure to pick up any fallen fruits and vegetables regularly because these can attract chickens.
You can also use garden nets and covers to keep chickens away from your plants.
However, to encourage chickens to stay away from the garden, make sure you provide them with enough food and water in their own designated areas.
When chickens have plenty to eat and drink, they won’t be as interested in your garden.
It’s also a good idea to create some shade and shelter for your chickens.
This gives them a comfy spot to rest without bothering your garden.
Spending time with your chickens and watching their behavior can help you understand their needs better.
How high is a fence to keep chickens out of the garden?
To make sure chickens don’t bother your garden, it’s a good idea to have a fence that’s at least 4-6 feet tall. Most chickens can’t jump over a 5-foot fence, but it’s safer to have it a bit taller. You can also try these things:
Electric Fence: Think about using an electric fence. It gives chickens a little shock when they try to get close, so they’ll stay away.
Chicken Wire or Mesh: Cover any gaps or holes in the fence with chicken wire or mesh. Chickens can be clever and find ways through small spaces.
Fake Predators: Put fake animals like plastic owls or scarecrows in your garden. Chickens get scared of them, so they won’t come in.
Extra Tall Fences for Flying Chickens: If you have lightweight chickens that like to fly, make the fence even taller. Bantams and young chickens are known for their flying tricks.
How to keep chickens out of the garden without fencing?
Gardens are wonderful places filled with vibrant plants, but sometimes pesky chickens can cause trouble by digging and pecking.
Though we have talked about numerous way to getting rid of chicken out of your garden, without fencing some techniques may involve-
- Citrus Peels
- Herbs
- Decoys
- Chicken Wire
- Wire Cloth
Bonus Tips:
- Plant shrubs to make it harder for chickens to get to your garden.
- Arrange bricks and stones to create obstacles.
- Don’t weed as often because chickens like bare soil.
- Make a special garden just for your chickens to distract them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Smells Do Chickens Hate?
Chickens hate strong smells like peppermint, citrus, vinegar, garlic, and ammonia, which can be used to repel them. But they
Chickens don’t really like strong, bitter smells from herbs and spices. Some of these include garlic, paprika, chilies, curry powder, cinnamon, and chives.
They even find the smell of citrus fruits a bit yucky.
So, one way to keep chickens out of your garden is to plant these smelly herbs and spices around the edges.
There are more smells that chickens really don’t like.
For example, peppermint is one of them.
You can make a spray using water and peppermint oil and then spray it around your garden to keep the chickens away. They just can’t stand the smell.
Vinegar is another thing chickens don’t like to smell. It has a strong, sour odor that they find unpleasant.
Citrus oil is also a big no-no for chickens. If you want to use it, make sure it touches the chickens directly.
You can put orange or lemon peels around your garden, or soak a cloth in citrus juice and place it near the entrance.
Chickens will think twice about coming in if they smell that.
How Do I Keep Neighbors Chickens Out Of My Garden?
If you want to keep your neighbor’s chickens out of your garden, there are some steps you can follow.
First, put up a strong fence around your garden.
Make sure it’s at least 5/6 feet tall so the chickens can’t get in. Use metal or plastic mesh netting and bury it about 6 inches deep to stop them from digging under the fence.
Next, try to remove or secure any food that might attract the chickens, like fruits or vegetables that have fallen on the ground.
You can also use motion-activated sprinklers. These sprinklers scare the chickens away because they turn on suddenly and surprise them.
Consider planting plants that chickens don’t like, or you can use natural things like garlic or hot pepper spray to keep them away.
Don’t forget to check your fence often for any holes or weak spots and fix them right away.
It’s also a good idea to talk to your neighbor about the problem and ask them to do something to keep their chickens on their property.
Be polite and friendly when you talk to them, and try to work together to find a solution.
How Do I Get Rid Of Unwanted Chickens?
If you have some birds that you need to find new homes for, one way to do it is by using Craigslist.
You can create an ad on Craigslist to offer your birds to people who will take good care of them.
Many folks who are interested in poultry are using the internet to buy and sell birds, so it’s a good place to find them new homes.
This approach can be more effective than trying to find local options like asking 4-H kids, farm families, or poultry clubs to take your birds.
By using Craigslist, you can reach a broader audience and connect with people who are specifically looking for birds to add to their flocks.
Conclusion
To keep chickens out of your garden, you can use the above techniques like physical barriers, visual deterrents, and proper garden management.
You should also address the underlying reasons why chickens are entering your garden.
Besides these, if you could take all the necessary methods for your garden, I hope you will get your answer for How to Keep Chickens Out of Garden?
Reference: https://www.wikihow.com/Repel-Chickens http://txmg.org/williamson/files/Chickens-and-the-Garden.pdf
I am a graduate of Bangladesh Agricultural University, where I delved into various agricultural disciplines, equipping me with a profound understanding of agriculture. Beyond academics, I have hands-on experience in gardening and crop cultivation. My passion is to embrace sustainable farming and horticulture. With a BSc in Agriculture, I am dedicated to promoting environmentally conscious and efficient agrarian practices.
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Agriculture (Hons.)
Master of Science. (Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security ) (MS)
Bangladesh Agricultural University