In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various plants that can effectively deter chickens, the reasons why they work, how to incorporate them into your garden design, and where to purchase these plants. This article aims to be a one-stop guide for all your chicken-deterrent plant needs.
Several plants can effectively deter chickens from your garden due to their strong scents, flavors, or textures. These include lavender, chives, oregano, thyme, mint, marigolds, catnip, and spearmint. Incorporating these plants into your garden design can help keep chickens away. However, it’s important to provide your chickens with enough food and foraging opportunities to prevent them from resorting to these plants.
Plants That Deter Chickens
Chickens, while wonderful backyard companions, can wreak havoc on your garden. Luckily, there are several plants that chickens tend to avoid due to their strong scents or flavors. Here are some of the top chicken-repelling plants:
- Lavender: Chickens generally dislike the strong scent of lavender, which can also act as a natural insect repellent.
- Chives: The strong flavor of chives can deter chickens.
- Oregano: Chickens usually aren’t fans of the taste of oregano.
- Thyme: Similar to oregano, thyme is another herb that chickens find unappealing.
- Mint: The strong scent of mint can help keep chickens away.
- Marigolds: Not only do chickens avoid marigolds, these flowers can also help brighten egg yolk color.
- Catnip: Chickens generally avoid catnip due to its strong scent.
- Spearmint: Chickens dislike the taste of spearmint, making it an effective deterrent.
Remember, hungry chickens may still eat these plants if there is nothing else available. It’s essential to provide your chickens with enough food and foraging opportunities to prevent them from eating plants meant to deter them.
Why Do These Plants Deter Chickens?
Plants deter chickens through a combination of factors, including scent, taste, and texture. Chickens are repelled by the strong smell of certain plants, herbs, and fruits. The strong scents of these plants irritate chickens and keep them away from the desired spaces. In some cases, chickens may taste-test these plants, but the flavor may quickly deter them.
Texture also plays a role in deterring chickens. Plants with fuzzy or prickly leaves, like sage or yarrow, can deter chickens. Ornamental grasses are known for their durability, hardiness, and being generally chicken-proof due to their texture, color, and shape. Dense foliage in shrubs can also make it harder for chickens to penetrate and access the plants.
Incorporating Chicken Deterrent Plants into Your Garden Design
Strategic planting can help deter chickens from your garden while enhancing its overall design. Here are some useful tips:
- Plant chicken-repelling herbs around your garden or in pots placed strategically.
- Use citrus rinds or scatter citrus peels around the garden to deter chickens with their strong scent.
- Plant dense groundcovers and shrubs that are difficult for chickens to penetrate, such as ornamental grasses, rosemary, sage, and Mexican bush sage.
- Choose chicken-resistant ornamental plants like agapanthus, bearded iris, calla lily, and anemone.
Remember that young plants need to be protected from chickens until they have time to mature. You can also use physical barriers like chicken wire, hardware cloth, or fences to keep chickens away from specific areas of your garden.
Where to Purchase These Plants
You can purchase chicken deterrent plants from various sources, such as local nurseries, garden centers, or online retailers. Websites like The Sill, Lively Root, Nature Hills Nursery, Bloomscape, Proven Winners Direct, and House Plant Shop offer a wide range of indoor and outdoor plants that can be delivered right to your doorstep.
Conclusion
Keeping chickens away from certain areas of your garden doesn’t have to be a battle. By incorporating chicken-repelling plants into your garden design, you can create a space that’s beautiful for you and less appealing to your feathered friends. Remember to provide enough food and foraging opportunities for your chickens, and they’ll be less likely to nibble on your plants. Happy gardening!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any other ways to deter chickens from my garden?
Yes, in addition to planting chicken-repelling plants, you can also use physical barriers such as chicken wire, hardware cloth, or fences. Providing your chickens with enough food and foraging opportunities will also reduce their interest in your plants.
Can chickens eat lavender, mint, or other chicken-repelling plants?
While chickens generally avoid these plants due to their strong scents and flavors, hungry chickens may still eat them if there is nothing else available. Always ensure your chickens have enough food and foraging opportunities.
How can I protect young plants from chickens?
Young plants can be protected from chickens by using physical barriers like chicken wire or hardware cloth. You can also place them in areas that are out of reach from the chickens until they have time to mature.
Can these chicken-repelling plants harm my chickens if they eat them?
Most chicken-repelling plants are safe for chickens to eat in small amounts. However, it’s always a good idea to research each plant individually to ensure it’s not toxic to chickens.
Where can I buy chicken-repelling plants?
You can buy chicken-repelling plants from local nurseries, garden centers, or online retailers such as The Sill, Lively Root, Nature Hills Nursery, Bloomscape, Proven Winners Direct, and House Plant Shop.
