Lazy City Chicks

While I find then very picturesque, they do poop a lot and I rather keep them off the people area. Still need to figure out how. I have tried several fencing options to a) keep the chickens in a certain area and b) keep the dogs from eating the chicken food. So far, dogs and chickens working together as a team, they have found ways to thwart my plans. So far, I haven't been able to get myself to plonk down the money for an electric fence (~$200) with electrifying unit of sorts (~ $300-400) = a whole lot of money to keep 7 chickens where I want them to be…...

They own that bench and any thing else they might find nice to set on or poop on.
your just there to provide for them.

Marianne, it does look nice in photo form, but I am certain the walk from the deck to inside involves either shoe removal or a ritual tread checking... Ha.

I personally listened to many on the subject of chicken fencing before settling with what none recommended... 4' chain link... No one recommends it because they can fly right over it. But with basic nail care, (wing clipping with only the problem birds) I have had essentially zero problem with my white rocks leaving their daily paddock. They also recognize the security and want to stay inside.

Thus, in your circumstance with the grapes, and the deck, maybe basic wooden trellis (4' is fine especially with the added height of the grapes growing) around the deck. Then, possibly a basic gate even three foot at your stair locations or walk outs, that will slow their progress to the human space of clean feet? No electric needed.

Maybe my thoughts don't fit with your ideals, but chickens are easily grounded to a coop, and easily penned with proper nail care. And, please keep in mind if wing clipping bothers you; one chicken is often an example for the rest (at least in my experience), thus, minimizing any extra stresses. Heck, that is how grade school works in this world...

Best of luck.

Suggestion: Do not ever feed them near the human's yard. Always give food/treats in their yard, not yours. And, don't give them treats every time you go outside. It conditions them to regard you as somebody that they must be near when ever possible. They will patiently wait outside of your door, awaiting the next treat. Once they learn that it only happens in their territory, they will be less inclined to leave their territory.

All good suggestions. I have a moveable coop and wanted to do more of a padlock shift system. And am trying to implement the feeding with compost idea Geoff Lawton featured in one of his free videos. Geoff Lawton. I am also taking a course with Pat Foreman, the author of City Chicks and driving force behind the Gossamer Foundation http://www.chickensandyou.com/gossamer.html. Right now, I am trying to fence them out of areas I don't want them in and to train them (I heard that is possible - we shall see) to stay away from people spaces. John, feeding them away from where I want them is a good idea - still need to keep the dogs (at least one of them thinks she might be a chicken herself) from eating their food. Compost seems to work pretty good, but I still give them feed just to make sure they get enough.
Francis, I am afraid Paul will virtually shout at me if I clip any chicken wings. Shaking with fear. LOL.
Jimmy, you are right. The transformation from city dweller with spoiled pets to city farmer with working animals is a slow one. And I always check my shoes!!!