Do you have chickens wandering onto your patio? Are you looking for ideas on how to keep chickens off patio? If so, don’t worry. You can keep them away without needing a dangerous hog wire fence or chicken netting.
Instead, you can create unique covers from scratch or purchase items to decorate your outdoor patio to deter the chickens from entering and make it look aesthetically pleasing all at once!
Whether it’s a small coop or something more elaborate that you need – we’ve got some great ways to keep chickens off your patio.
In this blog post, we will explore the different skills needed in order to confidently execute both easy, quick fixes and more complex solutions. So if you want to keep those pesky hens off your patio once and for all – read on!
What Will You Need?
You will need some supplies to keep the chickens away from your patio. Depending on how elaborate you want to get, these items might include:
- Mesh netting
- Chicken wire
- Styrofoam insulation
- Plastic or vinyl fencing
- Tape measure & pencil
- Hammer & nails
- Wooden stakes & screws
Once you have your supplies, you can get started on how to keep chickens off the patio.
10 Easy Steps on How to Keep Chickens Off Patio
Each of the following methods will help you create a barrier that chickens won’t want to cross. However, it is important to understand each method’s work before committing to one.
1. Install Mesh Netting:
This is perhaps the easiest and cheapest option for keeping chickens away from your patio. All you need is some mesh netting (available at most home improvement stores) and stakes or nails to secure it into place along the edges of your patio area. The mesh should be raised at least 6 inches above ground level in order for it to deter the chickens effectively.
2. Use Chicken Wire:
Similar to mesh netting, chicken wire can be used along the edges of your patio in order to keep chickens away. All you need is a roll of wire and some stakes or nails to secure it into place. This method takes slightly longer than the previous option as it requires more shaping and cutting but will still effectively deter the chickens from entering your patio area.
3. Build a Styrofoam Insulated Cover:
If you’re looking for something with a bit more insulation (especially during colder months), then building an insulated cover with styrofoam is an effective way to keep chickens off the patio. You will need pieces of styrofoam, tape measure & pencil, hammer & nails, wooden stakes & screws as well as plastic or vinyl fencing for this method.
4. Invest in a Chicken Run:
If all else fails, investing in a chicken run is an effective way to keep chickens off the patio. This method is more expensive than the other options but will definitely help to keep chickens away from your patio area. Your local pet store should be able to provide you with an appropriate sized chicken run that fits your needs.
5. Create Scarecrow Piles:
Using scarecrow piles (or artificial predators) can be helpful when it comes to keeping chickens off the patio too. All you need are some sticks and materials such as old clothes, rags, or plastic bags. Place the material in piles around your patio area and leave it there for a few days – this should help to deter chickens from entering your space.
6. Hang Strings of Tin Foil:
Hanging strings of tin foil around your patio is another way to keep chickens off the patio method that can be used. The movement of the tin foil in the wind will scare away chickens and other animals. Make sure you use long enough strings so that they can move freely in the breeze.
7. Plant Unappealing Plants:
Planting unappealing plants such as marigolds and basil is also useful to keep chickens off patio solutions that can be used. Chickens don’t like the smell of these plants, so they will generally avoid them and any area near them. If you have a large enough patio area, you can also plant more permanent plants, such as shrubs and trees in order to keep chickens away.
8. Plant Dense Cover:
Planting dense covers such as shrubs or trees is another way to keep chickens off the patio solution that can be effective in deterring chickens from entering your patio space. This method requires more maintenance than other options but can help protect your area from unwanted visitors.
But make sure to keep an eye on how the plants are growing, as they can become a hiding spot for chickens if left unchecked.
9. Use a Motion Activated Sprinkler:
If you want an automated way to keep chickens off the patio solution, then investing in a motion activated sprinkler could be beneficial. The sprinkler will detect movement and scare away birds, rabbits, and other animals with a sudden burst of water. This method can be beneficial in keeping chickens away from your patio as they don’t like being startled by the sprinkler.
10. Use Visual Deterrents:
Using visual deterrents such as shiny objects and wind chimes is another way to keep chickens off the patio solution. Chickens are naturally scared of bright lights and loud noises, so placing these items around your patio area can help to scare them away.
It’s important to note that this method won’t keep chickens away all the time but can effectively deter them from entering your space occasionally.
By following these steps to keep chickens off patio tips, you should be able to create a safe environment for yourself and your family without having to worry about pesky chickens invading your space! Just make sure to check up regularly on how the methods are working and adjust as needed.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Place a barrier around the patio to stop chickens from getting close. This could be a fence, netting, or anything else that is tall enough so that chickens won’t be able to reach over it.
- Use repellents like motion-activated sprinklers, motion-activated lights, or sound machines to scare away any chickens who come near your patio.
- Cover up any food sources or areas with mulch or other ground materials so that chickens are less likely to walk on them and pick through them for food.
- Employ natural predators like owls or hawks in the area, as they will naturally keep birds away from your patio space.
- Put water dishes out of reach. Ensure that any water dishes are placed on higher ground so chickens can’t reach them. This will encourage them to find somewhere else to drink.
By following these tips and tricks, you should be able to keep chickens off your patio and enjoy the outdoor living space without any pesky intruders. In addition, these strategies can help protect your backyard birds from predators as well!
5 Safety Precautions
- Install a chicken wire fence around the perimeter of your patio. This will help keep chickens from getting onto the patio in the first place and also prevent them from roosting on ledges or other elevated surfaces.
- Move any bird feeders away from the patio area, as this can attract chickens that are looking for an easy meal.
- Place spikes or prickly vegetation around the edges of your patio, as this can be an effective physical barrier to deter chickens from trying to enter it.
- Keep the area around your patio clean and free of clutter, as this can provide hiding places for chickens. Be sure to sweep up any spilled birdseed or other food items that may have fallen on the ground, as these can be a big attractant for hungry chickens.
- Avoid using chemicals or other methods to scare chickens away, as this can be dangerous for both humans and animals. Instead, employ humane methods such as sound deterrents, motion activated sprinklers, or clapping your hands if you spot a chicken on the patio.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to effectively keep chickens off your patio and enjoy a peaceful outdoor space!
Conclusion
Keeping chickens off patios and other outdoor areas can be tricky, but it’s not impossible! Taking preventative measures ahead of time is the best way to avoid problems in the future.
Ensuring that your chicken coop is secure and covered, providing adequate exercise opportunities inside or outside of the coop, and establishing boundaries with a physical barrier are essential steps to keeping your patio free from foul traffic.
To conclude, prevention is key when attempting to keep chickens away from patios and other outdoor spaces – with consistent maintenance; you’ll be able to enjoy your lovely space without any pesky feathered friends buzzing around.
Hopefully, the article on how to keep chickens off patio has provided you with the necessary information and tips to ensure that your outdoor area is free of chickens. Good luck!
Enjoy!