Chickens keep going into neighbor's yard

[nuthatched]

It comes down to making your run bigger or fencing in your property, unfortunately, there's not many options.
Chickens love to be places they shouldn't.

 

[centrarchid]

I have about 8 acres fenced in. It is easy to see a pattern in the places they spend time in and I can manipulate the areas to make them more or less attractive. As a result my chickens are no longer leaving property even though most have roost within 40 feet of the property boundary.

 

[eighthens525]

Can you show pictures of yard area you want them in and area they are visiting?

 

[centrarchid]

Your neighbors property is a chicken magnite because it has cover from elements and aerial predators, quality foraging area in terms of the mulch below the trees, and the "edge effect". Chickens love edges as they are the most productive places to eat and provide other resources. What does the other side of your property provide?

 

[eighthens525]

Your neighbors property is a chicken magnite because it has cover from elements and aerial predators, quality foraging area in terms of the mulch below the trees, and the "edge effect". Chickens love edges as they are the most productive places to eat and provide other resources. What does the other side of your property provide?

I have woods, open fields, etc. Edges everywhere!

 

[centrarchid]

Open fields not good. Low plant diversity no good. Low visibility of surroundings while foraging not good. Or forage base could simply be depleted on your ground.

 

[centrarchid]

For giggles, do you have access to mealworms that could be used to entice the chickens back into areas you want them in. It does not take much bug eats to get the chickens to shift their ranging habits.

 

[centrarchid]

And then you have the issues of habits already in place and proximity to roost and nesting area.

 

[FunClucks]

Have you considered Premier electric fencing with some bird netting on top to deter aerial predators? Provides good predator protection, keeps chickens in place, large area they can roam around in, and you can move it periodically to give them new foraging grounds. If you can extend it from the run exit, extra bonus points.

 

[eighthens525]

Have you considered Premier electric fencing with some bird netting on top to deter aerial predators? Provides good predator protection, keeps chickens in place, large area they can roam around in, and you can move it periodically to give them new foraging grounds. If you can extend it from the run exit, extra bonus points.

Yea I have I just was hoping not to do fencing but that may be my only choice until whatever is in my neighbor's yard stops being so enticing.