Vegetables:
1. Garlic - Strong odor and taste deter chickens.
2. Onions - Like garlic, the pungent smell and taste are unappealing.
3. Leeks - Another allium that chickens generally avoid.
4. Rhubarb - Leaves are toxic to chickens, so they avoid the entire plant.
Annuals:
1. Marigolds (Tagetes) - Often used as a natural insect repellent, their pungent smell deters chickens.
2. Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum) - Chickens typically avoid them due to their peppery taste.
3. Zinnias - Their tough foliage is usually unappealing to chickens.
Perennials:
1. Lavender (Lavandula) - Strong scent and woody stems make it unattractive to chickens.
2. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) - The intense aroma and tough leaves deter chickens.
3. Mint (Mentha) - The pungent smell and invasive nature keep chickens at bay.
4. Sage (Salvia officinalis) - Another aromatic herb that chickens tend to avoid.
Rest assured, planting these vegetation types can significantly reduce the attractiveness of your garden to chickens, thereby minimizing the potential damage they can cause.
Certainly! Chickens tend to peck at and eat certain vegetables and flowers. Here are some plants that chickens are particularly fond of and may need protection from:
Vegetables:
1. Lettuce - Chickens love tender, leafy greens.
2. Spinach - Another favorite due to its soft leaves.
3. Swiss Chard - The vibrant leaves and stems attract chickens.
4. Cabbage - Chickens enjoy pecking at the leaves.
5. Broccoli - They like both the leaves and florets.
6. Tomatoes - The ripe fruits are a favorite snack.
7. Peas - Chickens enjoy the pods and leaves.
8. Squash - They enjoy the tender leaves and fruits.
Flowers:
1. Pansies (Viola tricolor) - Attractive and tender, making them appealing to chickens.
2. Petunias (Petunia) - Bright flowers that chickens like to peck at.
3. Impatiens (Impatiens) - Soft and juicy, they attract chickens.
4. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) - They love the seeds and young plants.
5. Marigolds (Calendula officinalis) - While some varieties are avoided, others can attract chickens.
6. Hostas (Hosta) - Broad, tender leaves appeal to chickens.
7. Begonias (Begonia) - The soft foliage and flowers can be tempting for chickens.
Protection Strategies:
• Fencing: Use chicken wire or other types of fencing to create barriers around vulnerable plants.
• Netting: Lightweight netting can cover plants to prevent chickens from reaching them.
• Raised Beds: Elevated planting areas can sometimes deter chickens.
• Chicken Repellents: Sprays or plants that chickens dislike can be used around the garden's perimeter.
• Chicken Tractors: Mobile coops that allow chickens to forage in controlled areas while keeping them away from sensitive plants.
By combining these effective protection strategies, you can confidently safeguard your favorite vegetables and flowers from being pecked and eaten by chickens, ensuring a secure and thriving garden.