Andyp wrote:Going back to your OP. Are they helping with the slug problem. Unless they are free ranging in the garden I can’t see how they can help control your slug problem.
Our hens free range during the day when we are home durIng autumn and winter once the veg and soft fruit have been harvested.
Yes, when we are out in the garden they are loose with us, even without the fox they wouldn’t have free reign; you need to keep an eye on them with the younger plants because they will nibble most leaves. So in the cabbages and sprouts a little nibble doesn’t make a difference as the get the caterpillars and slugs but new young plants can take a bit of a beating.
But as for slugs, they have absolutely smashed them. They get really excited when you go to the pen gate and race out to get to the usual slug hides; taller grass on edge of compost heap and under the shade of the bigger plants.
They are very relaxing just to sit and watch them too.