How to Create a Chicken-Friendly Backyard Landscape

So, you’ve decided to raise chickens in your backyard. Well, caring for these animals is not just about the coop and feed. It’s about creating an outdoor environment where your flock can thrive. Designing a chicken-friendly landscape can help ensure your birds stay healthy, happy, and safe while also maintaining the beauty and functionality of your yard.

Provide Natural Shade and Shelter

Chickens need protection from harsh sunlight, wind, and rain. Use tree, shrubs, or even tall grass to create shaded areas where chickens can cool off during the warmer months. Bushes and ornamental grasses also provide a sense of safety and can help reduce stress, as chickens love to dart into cover when they feel threatened.

Use Chicken-Safe Plants

Not all plants are safe for chickens, so we need to be mindful of what we plant. Marigolds, nasturtiums, and sunflowers are great choices. Not only are they safe, but they offer additional benefits like attracting insects or adding color to the landscape. Avoid toxic plants like foxglove, rhubarb leaves, or azaleas. If you ever have any questions regarding whether a plant is safe for chickens, don’t hesitate to do a Google search.

Set Up Dust Bath Zones

Chickens rely on dust bathing to keep their feathers clean and parasite-free. Designating a dry, sandy corner of the yard for dust baths is essential. We can dig a shallow area and fill it with a mix of sand, soil, and wood ash to create a perfect spa-like zone for our feathered friends.

Create Safe Boundaries

Fencing is not just about keeping our chickens in but also keeping predators out. A secure, tall fence with wire mesh buried several inches underground can discourage digging animals. It also helps protect the landscaping from too much scratching and pecking, while still allowing chickens to roam freely within a designated space.

By thinking ahead and designing a backyard with chickens in mind, you can enjoy a beautiful, functional outdoor space while keeping your flock happy and healthy. Ready to bring home your first or next chickens? We here at Chickens for Backyards are here to help! Browse the wide selection we have available and start building your ideal backyard flock! Contact us today to learn more!