chestnutmare Posted September 25, 2011 Share Posted September 25, 2011 I wasn't going to allow my girls on my lawn, but as I am (STILL!!! ) waiting for me ex brother in law to make my ladder... and I keep expecting it to turn up any time now (can you tell I'm fed up of waiting?). He made a custom table for me so that the can be raised in the WIR creating more floor space for the girls. So, as the grass was long we put up the Omlet netting and let them out. They weren't out for long. Their aim was not to eat the grass but to get beneath the grass, to the soil, and then once they found a 'good' patch to keep digging at it until they created a pit. Willow seemed to be the most persistent. It took less than 5mins to do some damage... I don't know whether to be impressed or be disappointed. Of course I took some photos. Belle leading and Trixie the jack russell was there to 'help' us. Willow wondering what area would be best to start digging. Snowy starting her patch but couldn't compete with Willow's digging skills. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JillM Posted September 25, 2011 Share Posted September 25, 2011 Yes, the same happened with my lot today! I thought they would enjoy eating the grass, they decided they'd rather destroy it so there is nothing left for themselves over winter.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackian Posted September 26, 2011 Share Posted September 26, 2011 You have lawn left I have none at all . After a few weeks of worrying about it , I gave up and now I have none , but they just love the dirt there and your chicks look like they are so happy Great pictures I am sure I read on a thread here that they dont like grass a lot as it gets stuck in their little throats. Of course there is the other thought you don't need to mow the lawn and can say to people " sorry about the state of the lawn ,it's the chickens fault " So now I concentrate on my front of house garden instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chestnutmare Posted September 26, 2011 Author Share Posted September 26, 2011 I have lawn because this was the first time they've been let loose on it. Thing is, I don't have a front garden and this patch of grass is all we have of 'garden'... I can cope with them destroying the grass but don't want dips and holes in the lawn. I feel a bit mean... They are lovely though aren't they? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennym Posted September 26, 2011 Share Posted September 26, 2011 I feel a bit mean... Aw, I know what you mean (e.g. I get the guilts every time I put them away after a too-short FR session) but you are entitled to your share of the garden too! We can't let the little madams have it all their way Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mart2584 Posted September 26, 2011 Share Posted September 26, 2011 I returfed my lawn after 3 years of what resembled a dust bowl in the summer and Glasto in the winter and I am watching them and hoping it doesn't disappear too soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted September 26, 2011 Share Posted September 26, 2011 Chestnutmare, you have been to my house you have seen the garden destroying abilities of hens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yorkshire Pudding Posted September 26, 2011 Share Posted September 26, 2011 Mine have the bottom third of the garden fenced to FR in. There is something resembling a moonscape there - not a blade of grass in sight and potholes aka dustbaths everywhere. I hear that laying honeycomb patterned plastic mats, then seeding grass through them, prevents them digging and saves the grass. My chooks were affronted at the very idea - they LIKE digging! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandychick Posted September 26, 2011 Share Posted September 26, 2011 I love my chickens very much, but there is no way they will ever be going near my treasured lawn!!! I dont want poo on my flip flops either I have given them a third of my garden which they are welcome to dig and generally trash ....and they do Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
