legend21 Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 Hello all, I am looking for advice, my chickens arrive at the beginning of June, but I have a raised bed planter in which I am growing potatoes, covered with mesh tunnel netting, I read that potatoes are very bad for chickens, should I just dig up the potatoes or will they be okay if the girls are allowed out to free range for a while every day, I dont know if they would jump up on the planter and peck at the leaves. thanks in advance for advice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiggy Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 I keep my girls away from my spuds, you could just keep the bed patitioned off whilst the girls are out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budgies Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 They probably will try and peck at the leaves but if you have tunnel mesh it will limit the damage they can do. If you're particularly concerned and you have any plastic netting you could make a barrier around the bed for whilst they free range. Don't dig up all those lovely spuds though!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cordelia Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 I have several planters full of potatoes in full leaf., all around the garden, and the chickens havent gone near them at all...and I'm sure the leaves are within easy reach of them at all times.... as my planters are of various heights Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debbietabby Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 Mine ignore the potatoes (and most of the other plants) but dig huge holes and kick large amounts of dirt around. So I'd fence off your spuds if you want them to survive! My girls love cooked potato - it's possibly better than dandilions and almost as good as slugs. They're chooks after my own heart! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
legend21 Posted May 11, 2009 Author Share Posted May 11, 2009 Thank you new friend lots of good advice and and peace of mind. cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
