Introduction

Chickens are great for keeping pests and weeds under control in your garden. However, they can also cause damage to your plants if they are not properly trained or kept away. In this article, we will discuss some effective ways to keep chickens from tomato plants.

Fence off your garden area

The easiest and most effective way to keep chickens away from your tomato plants is to fence off your garden area. This could be as simple as using a chicken wire fence or a more sturdy wooden or metal fence. Make sure the fence is at least 5 feet high so that the chickens cannot jump over it, and bury the bottom of the fence at least a foot deep to prevent the chickens from digging underneath. Be sure to keep the gate closed at all times, otherwise, the chickens will find their way in to your garden.

Build a chicken run

If you do not want to fence off your entire garden area, you can build a chicken run to keep your chickens in a designated area. This will not only keep them away from your tomato plants but also give them a safe and secure space to roam around. Your chicken run should be covered on top so that the chickens cannot fly out, and it should be big enough so that they have plenty of space to move around. You can also plant some grass or other plants inside the run to give your chickens some greenery to explore and peck at.

Cover your plants

Another way to keep chickens away from your tomato plants is to cover them up. You can use bird netting or floating row covers to protect your plants from chicken damage. Simply drape the netting or cover over your tomato plants and secure it in place with stakes or rocks. This will allow your plants to continue to get sunlight and air while keeping the chickens at bay.

Distract your chickens

Chickens are curious creatures and love to peck at things. If you provide them with a distraction, they are less likely to bother your tomato plants. You can scatter some scratch or other treats around your garden area to keep the chickens occupied, or you can build them a dust bath area where they can roll around in the dirt and take a dust bath. Keeping your chickens entertained and busy will go a long way in keeping them away from your tomato plants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several effective ways to keep chickens away from your tomato plants. Fencing off your garden area, building a chicken run, covering your plants, and distracting your chickens are all great options to prevent chicken damage to your plants. With a little patience and persistence, you can have a happy and healthy garden and chickens that are well-trained and content.