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They are safe for the chooks, but you will not get any of the produce!

I had a pumpkin vine that I thought was not in reach of the chooks, admired this lovely pumpkin as it grew. Went to pick it only to find it was just a hollow shell, the chooks had been eating it from the side I could not see!

Hmmmmm. I can see I am going to have to rethink this.
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Plant the vines OUTSIDE the chook fence, and let them run up it. The chooks can't dig up the roots, the vine climbs up the fence, and most of the crop stays out of the reach of the chooks. Added bonus - the chookpen gets some shelter. Double bonus - the vine gets fertilised by the chook poo that washes in its vicinity.
The chook garden is not in their run, it's in the backyard where they are allowed to free range every day. This is where I have the available space and thought I might be able to grow the vines. What was I thinking!
I might get some large pots and try and grow the small versions of pumpkin and melons in them. That way I can place them around side garden where rest of veg are.
Has anyone had any success with growing mini melons etc in pots.
Thanks everyone for your suggestions so far!
Kind regards
Floss