Jules. Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Although I'm not really garden-proud I've noticed recently that the chooks are destroying patches of grass which were previously well greened. So I've decided that (even though the girls may beg & plead through the run mesh) they will now be restricted to a couple of hours free ranging at weekends only. With the dark winter nights the girls will be tucked up in bed by the time I get home at nigt anyway, so I'm trying not to feel too guilty about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kannie Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Yes we let ours out for less time in the winter Jules: I think its necessary to preserve the garden when things are growing more slowly, and anyway its wetter and less sunny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yolky Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 I have found that them free ranging in the winter is preferable....the rain washes away the poo for me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules. Posted October 18, 2008 Author Share Posted October 18, 2008 Thanks! Last year they free ranged loads because the bottom part of the garden was netted off where the eglu & run was, got trashed & became the land where the walk-in run is now, so I wasn't bothered at all about that part of the garden at the time. This year is different, because if I net off the grass near the run it will all get trashed, & that grass is currently part of my lawn & I want to preserve it I think I'll net off the patio area to finally keep it poo free, & let the girls have the run of the grass & flowerbeds every now & then, so they will be out less often & over a larger area, so hopefully the damage will be minimal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 18, 2008 Share Posted October 18, 2008 I let mine out whilst cleaning the run and Eglu today and they were most confused!!! I usually chase them off my fenced off borders but today I let them on them as I have pretty much tucked them up for the winter - so they can help me get rid of the bugs and generally scratch it all up! Emily got stuck in straight away but Chirp looked all worried - as if to say OOOh look mum - shes in your borders!!! naught naughty! not like me! - i'm being a good girl I am!!!! So I picked her up and put her in and she was most worried looking! Gotta love em! Louise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mutrix Farmers Posted October 20, 2008 Share Posted October 20, 2008 The netted area my girls have is about 75% shrub bed and 25% grass, although it is looking a bit sorry for itself! I do move the netting around to give them a fresh patch of grass and allow the old bit to recover. They seem determined to dig up the grass to look for bugs and worms though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
