Do You Use Your Chickens (or Ducks) for Pest Control? Hows It Working for You?

[PasturedPeep]

Ive heard a lot about backyard poultry being great for keeping bugs in check, and Im curious about everyones experiences!
Do you let your flock free-range in your garden or yard to help control pests like grasshoppers, beetles, or slugs?
Have you noticed a big difference in pest populations?

[SilkieSorcerer]

Ive heard a lot about backyard poultry being great for keeping bugs in check, and Im curious about everyones experiences!
Do you let your flock free-range in your garden or yard to help control pests like grasshoppers, beetles, or slugs?
Have you noticed a big difference in pest populations?

Ducks are the best for pest control! My Pekin cleared out our slug problem in no time. They don't scratch, so my plants stay safe. Just keep their water source clean!

[HatcheryHelper]

Ive heard a lot about backyard poultry being great for keeping bugs in check, and Im curious about everyones experiences!
Do you let your flock free-range in your garden or yard to help control pests like grasshoppers, beetles, or slugs?
Have you noticed a big difference in pest populations?

Ducks are amazing for slug control! Ever since we added our Pekin, my lettuce beds have been slug-free.

[CrowingCounselor]

My Ameraucanas and Easter Eggers keep beetles and ticks in check. I rotate them through different garden sections after harvest to avoid plant damage while still getting pest control benefits.

[GreenThumbed]

Our ducks are the real MVPs when it comes to garden pest control. We started with one Pekin, and I was amazed at how quickly she eliminated the slug problem in our lettuce beds. Ducks are gentle foragers , they don't scratch like chickens, and they rarely damage plants while they hunt for bugs. That being said, ducks need a water source, and they can get messy. We built a small pond, and it's been perfect for keeping them happy and healthy while they patrol the garden. If you struggle with slugs, snails, or soft-bodied pests, ducks are a fantastic natural solution. Just be prepared for some muddy footprints!