Backyard Fowl Keepers

We moved our 20+ chickens into a new coop and run inside our vegetable garden since they kept jumping fences to get in. Now, I want to let them free range without destroying the garden.

My idea is to add small doors in the fences with tunnels leading out, so they cant get sidetracked by the veggies. Were also adding chicken wire on top of the garden walls to keep them from flying back in. The tricky part is working around people gates.

Does this plan sound doable? Has anyone tried something similar?

I've done something similar by using a covered “chicken moat” around my garden. Instead of tunnels, I made a fenced corridor that leads them out of the garden while allowing me to control access. The key was training them with food to follow the designated path. A problem I ran into was some birds refusing to leave the coop because they preferred the garden, so I had to make the tunnel exit more appealing. Maybe place a dust bath or favorite treats at the end of the tunnel to encourage them? Also, make sure the doors are easy for you to open and close in case you need to restrict access quickly. If your flock is used to certain routines, changing their habits may take time.

BantamBoss wrote: Sat Feb 22, 2025 12:48 am We moved our 20+ chickens into a new coop and run inside our vegetable garden since they kept jumping fences to get in. Now, I want to let them free range without destroying the garden.

My idea is to add small doors in the fences with tunnels leading out, so they cant get sidetracked by the veggies. Were also adding chicken wire on top of the garden walls to keep them from flying back in. The tricky part is working around people gates.

Does this plan sound doable? Has anyone tried something similar?

Your plan sounds solid, but I'd be cautious about the tunnels. Chickens are creatures of habit and might resist using them at first. You may need to train them by placing treats along the tunnels or herding them through until they get used to it. Additionally, ensure the tunnels are predator-proof, as confined spaces can make them easy targets. If overhead protection isn't feasible, consider reinforcing the tunnel walls with hardware cloth instead of just chicken wire. Also, if the people gates are an issue, maybe use a removable or hinged tunnel section that you can lift when needed? That way, the tunnel doesn't block access permanently. You could also test a temporary setup with portable fencing before committing to permanent modifications.

If you're already fencing the top of the garden, maybe make a fully enclosed run leading out instead of tunnels? That might simplify things and reduce escape risks.

BantamBoss wrote: Sat Feb 22, 2025 12:48 am We moved our 20+ chickens into a new coop and run inside our vegetable garden since they kept jumping fences to get in. Now, I want to let them free range without destroying the garden.

My idea is to add small doors in the fences with tunnels leading out, so they cant get sidetracked by the veggies. Were also adding chicken wire on top of the garden walls to keep them from flying back in. The tricky part is working around people gates.

Does this plan sound doable? Has anyone tried something similar?

What about a small ramp leading up to an elevated tunnel? If they exit higher up, they might not be as tempted to turn back toward the garden.

One potential issue with tunnels is airflow and drainage. If they're enclosed, will they stay dry after rain? Chickens tend to avoid wet, muddy areas, so if the tunnels get soggy, they might refuse to use them. Also, consider the width,too narrow, and dominant hens might block others from passing. I suggest testing a single tunnel before committing to multiple. If the tunnels work well, you can always expand. Additionally, some birds might panic if the tunnels feel too enclosed. If that happens, try using hardware cloth for more visibility instead of solid walls.

Could you create a split-path system? One tunnel for going out and another for returning to prevent bottlenecks and discourage them from wandering back into the garden.

Instead of tunnels, consider a mobile run. A lightweight, movable frame covered with wire could be placed in different areas to give them controlled access. It wouldn't block people gates, and you could adjust their ranging space as needed. If the concern is them returning to the garden, a one-way door system might work better than tunnels alone.

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