Slug Pellets

Hi

I'm new here... about to take delivery of my first chickens and had a question. They won't be let out of their run immediately as I want them to get used to where they are, however, they will eventually come out. I have a small veg patch in my garden as well as other plants. I have used slug pellets, however, I do get the kind that are meant to be safe for pets, though whether this includes if it's eaten by a chicken I don't know.

I haven't put any down for at least a week now and none are visible, so presumably have dissolved or whatever happens to them when they disappear. I was wondering how long before it's safe for the ladies to scratch around in areas where there's been slug pellegs, albeit "pet safe" ones.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Hiya VBuff! Welcome to the C & C forum and the wonderful and entertaining world of keeping chickens!

If you like your veg patch to stay intact, I'd keep your chooks away as they have a great ability to scratch and dig up small plants. Their droppings are also too much for many plants and could damage certain veg. However the droppings do make great compost but it does need time to break down before adding it to your garden. Fruit trees and established fruit bushes can take the strength of the chicken poo though!

To avoid any risk of your hens eating any pellets and if you don't mind your chooks scratching around your veg patch, I'd leave it til at least 3 months before allowing them in the area.

Keep us posted on how you get on and don't forget to post some pics of your new additions in the gallery area!

Thanks for that. I'll put some netting around it then. It's not a huge area anyway, just enough for some beans, courgettes, etc. I need to net off the pond anyway, just to be safe. Another area of netting won't hurt.

I have a few compost bins so I'll have to do some pooper scooping and put it all in there to break down for the plants. Next year's runner beans are going to be something else!

I'm going out today to meet the girls. I can't wait until they come home. I've dreamt of having chickens for SOOOOO long.