pumkinsmummy Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 Hi there. Hubby wants the girls moved out of the gardens as they are trashing his lawn , and we have managed to get some space in the field behind us. It is really open to the elements though and so we have been told we can plant some shrubs/bushes etc. Can anyone recommend anything that they can use as both shade and wind shelters? Whatever is planted needs to be cow friendly as well. Thank, you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
koo2cat Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 In my girls' run there is a very large mature variagated holly bush/tree (it was there a long time before we had chickens!). The girls love it to bits. They shade from the sun under there and shelter from the wind and what's most lovely is to see them all perching on the branches underneath. Infact I find them under there all the time (lazy little things!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweety Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 Hi, I have found that my girls will shelter under almost any kind of shrub/tree/plant in the garden but, if the field is as open to the elements as you say, you might be better getting something like the shelter sold by Flytesofancy. I bought one as a Christmas present for my 5 bantams and, although it was expensive, it is very well made and provides them with a really substantial shelter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueandwhite Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 Hi my girls made a dustbath beneath a buddleia (not sure how you spell it - butterfly bush!) and California Lilac in the Summer and it has remained dry and useable all through this freezing winter. Plus they haven't made any attempt to eat the leaves on these shrubs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
