If you have a backyard or patio that chickens are turning into their playground, then this is for you. While these feathered animals can be delightful additions to any home, their constant presence in your outdoor living space can quickly become a nuisance. From unsightly droppings to potential health hazards, it’s important to establish boundaries and keep your chickens off the patio.
But how do you achieve this without compromising their free-range lifestyle or resorting to harsh measures? Well, keep reading as we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide filled with creative solutions and expert tips to help you reclaim your patio while keeping your chickens happy and healthy.
Whether you’re dealing with a few curious hens or a full-fledged flock invasion, these strategies will help you create a harmonious outdoor environment for both you and your chickens.
Also Read: How to Keep Birds off Patio Furniture
Understanding Chicken Behavior
Before we delve into the solutions, it’s crucial to understand why chickens are drawn to your patio in the first place. Chickens are naturally curious creatures with a strong instinct to forage and explore. They spend a significant portion of their day pecking, scratching, and searching for food, water, and dust-bathing spots.
Your patio, with its flat surface, potential food scraps, and shaded areas, may seem like an inviting oasis to your chickens. They may also be attracted to potted plants, as the soil provides an ideal spot for dust bathing and foraging for insects[6].
Additionally, chickens are social animals and tend to stick together as a flock. If one hen ventures onto your patio, the others are likely to follow suit. Understanding these natural behaviors will help you develop effective strategies to redirect their attention and create designated spaces for them to engage in these activities away from your patio.
1. Create Physical Barriers
One of the most effective ways to keep chickens off your patio is to establish physical barriers. By making it difficult or impossible for them to access the area, you can train them to stay within their designated spaces. Here are a few options to consider:
1. Fencing
Installing a fence around your patio is a straightforward solution to keep chickens at bay. Choose a material that is sturdy, durable, and tall enough to prevent your chickens from flying over. Chicken wire, hardware cloth, or welded wire fencing are popular options.
When constructing your fence, make sure to bury the bottom portion at least a few inches into the ground to prevent chickens from digging underneath. You can also add a top cover or roof to your patio to completely enclose the area and prevent any aerial access.
2. Chicken Runs and Coops
Providing your chickens with a designated space to roam and forage can help keep them off your patio. Consider building or purchasing a spacious chicken run attached to their coop. These options on Amazon can work well. This will give them plenty of room to engage in their natural behaviors while keeping them contained.
Make sure the run is equipped with features that cater to their needs, such as dust bathing areas, perches, and shade. You can also add enrichment items like hanging treats or scattered scratch grains to keep them entertained and discourage them from seeking out your patio.
3. Raised Beds and Borders
If your patio is adjacent to your garden or landscaping, creating raised beds or borders can help deter chickens from venturing onto the patio. Elevating your plants and defining clear boundaries will make it less appealing for chickens to cross over.
You can use materials like bricks, stones, or wooden boards to create a physical barrier around your patio. Make sure the border is at least a few inches high to discourage chickens from hopping over.
2. Use Deterrents and Repellents
In addition to physical barriers, you can also employ various deterrents and repellents to make your patio less inviting to chickens. These methods work by creating an unpleasant sensory experience or startling the birds, discouraging them from returning to the area. Here are some options to try:
1. Motion-Activated Sprinklers
Installing motion-activated sprinklers around your patio can startle chickens and deter them from approaching. When a chicken triggers the sensor, a sudden burst of water will spray out, surprising them and creating a negative association with the area.
Look for sprinklers specifically designed for animal deterrence, as they are more sensitive and have a wider range of motion. Place them strategically around your patio, focusing on entry points and areas where chickens tend to congregate.
2. Reflective Surfaces
Chickens, like many birds, are startled by sudden movements and reflections. Placing reflective surfaces around your patio can create a visual deterrent that makes chickens uncomfortable.
Try hanging old CDs, aluminum foil strips, or reflective pinwheels around the perimeter of your patio. The flashing lights and movement will disorient chickens and discourage them from approaching. Just make sure to secure these items well so they don’t become hazards or litter.
3. Predator Decoys
Chickens have a natural fear of predators, so using decoys can be an effective way to keep them off your patio. Place realistic-looking decoys of predators like owls, hawks, or coyotes around the area. We used the Flambour Outdoor Cayote Decoy, and it’s been very helpful on our patio.
The presence of these “predators” will make chickens think twice about venturing onto your patio. Move the decoys around periodically to prevent the chickens from getting used to them and realizing they’re not real.
4. Sensory Repellents
Certain scents and tastes can be unpleasant to chickens and deter them from specific areas. Try sprinkling herbs like cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or citrus peels around the perimeter of your patio. The strong smells and flavors will discourage chickens from approaching.
You can also make a homemade spray by mixing water with spicy or bitter ingredients like hot sauce or vinegar. Spray this solution around your patio, focusing on areas where chickens tend to congregate. Reapply after rain or watering to maintain its effectiveness.
3. Provide Alternative Spaces
One of the best ways to keep chickens off your patio is to give them alternative spaces that cater to their natural behaviors and needs. Here are some ideas:
1. Dust Bathing Areas
Chickens love to dust bathe, as it helps them keep their feathers clean and free of parasites. Create a designated dust bathing area away from your patio using materials like sand, fine dirt, or wood ash.
Make sure the area is large enough for multiple chickens to use at once and located in a sunny spot.
2. Foraging Zones
Chickens spend a significant portion of their day foraging for food. Set up designated foraging zones in your yard by scattering scratch grains, mealworms, or other treats in specific areas away from your patio.
You can also create a “chicken garden” filled with plants that chickens love to nibble on, such as lettuce, kale, or herbs. By providing them with ample foraging opportunities, they’ll be less likely to seek out your patio for food scraps.
3. Shaded Retreats
Just like humans, chickens appreciate a cool, shaded spot to retreat to during hot summer days. Create shaded areas in your yard using trees, shrubs, or even artificial structures like umbrellas or tarps.
Place perches or branches in these shaded spots to encourage chickens to hang out and relax. By offering them a comfortable place to escape the heat, they’ll be less likely to seek out the shade of your patio.
4. Training and Positive Reinforcement
In addition to physical barriers and deterrents, you can also use training and positive reinforcement to teach your chickens to stay off your patio. Chickens are intelligent creatures and can learn to associate certain behaviors with rewards or consequences. Here’s how to get started:
1. Establish a Routine
Chickens thrive on routine and consistency. Establish a daily schedule for feeding, watering, and free-ranging that encourages them to stay in designated areas.
For example, you can scatter treats or scratch grains in their run or foraging zones at specific times each day. This will teach them to associate those areas with positive experiences and discourage them from seeking out your patio.
2. Use Positive Reinforcement
Whenever you see your chickens engaging in desired behaviors, such as staying in their designated areas or avoiding your patio, reward them with treats or praise. Yes, you heard right! This will reinforce the idea that good things happen when they respect your boundaries.
You can use a clicker or a specific verbal cue to mark the desired behavior and make the association even stronger. Over time, your chickens will learn that staying off your patio leads to positive outcomes.
3. Redirect and Discourage
If you catch your chickens on your patio, gently redirect them back to their designated areas using a broom or a squirt bottle filled with water. The goal is to startle them and create a negative association with being on the patio, without causing them any harm.
Be consistent with your redirection efforts and always follow up with positive reinforcement when they return to their appropriate spaces. With patience and persistence, your chickens will learn that the patio is off-limits.
5. Maintain a Clean and Tidy Patio
Finally, one of the best ways to discourage chickens from hanging out on your patio is to keep the area clean and free of any attractants. Even though this tip sounds so basic, this actually works well and will work for you as well.
Chickens are opportunistic foragers and will be drawn to any potential food sources or nesting materials. Here are some tips for maintaining a clean, chicken-free patio:
1. Remove Food Scraps and Debris
Make sure to clean up any food scraps, crumbs, or debris from your patio promptly. This includes fallen fruit from nearby trees, spilled birdseed from feeders, or any leftovers from outdoor dining.
Use a broom or a leaf blower to regularly sweep your patio and keep it free of any organic matter that might attract chickens. If you have an outdoor compost bin, make sure it’s securely covered and located away from your patio.
2. Keep Potted Plants Tidy
If you have potted plants on your patio, keep them well-maintained and tidy. Chickens love to scratch and dig in loose soil, so make sure to cover the top of the pots with rocks, shells, or other decorative elements.
Prune any dead leaves or flowers regularly and dispose of them in a sealed compost bin. If you notice your chickens are particularly interested in a certain plant, consider moving it to a different location or protecting it with a physical barrier.
3. Store Outdoor Furniture and Cushions
Chickens love to perch and roost on elevated surfaces, so outdoor furniture can be a tempting hangout spot. When not in use, store your patio furniture and cushions in a shed or garage to discourage chickens from making themselves at home[1].
If you prefer to leave your furniture out, consider using furniture covers or placing deterrents like reflective pinwheels or fake predators on the seats and tables. This will make the area less inviting and encourage chickens to find alternative perching spots.
Conclusion
Keeping chickens off your patio requires a multi-faceted approach that combines physical barriers, deterrents, alternative spaces, training, and maintenance.
Remember, the key to success is consistency and patience. It may take some trial and error to find the right combination of strategies that work for your specific flock and setup. But with perseverance and a little creativity, you can achieve a harmonious balance between your chickens and your patio.
Implement the tips provided in this post and enjoy the best of both worlds – a thriving backyard flock and a pristine patio perfect for relaxation and entertainment. Your chickens (and your guests) will thank you!
