Containing chickens

We have a handful of chickens that we keep for fresh eggs.  We like having the birds, but our biggest problem is keeping them in their own yard.  My husband spent a lot of time putting up a nice fence and a shelter for the chickens to give them their own space and to keep predators out.  However, since chickens can fly they are constantly getting out of their area and digging up our yard and flower beds, not to mention the dropings they leave all over the yard.  Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to better contain chickens?  Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to keep them from digging in our flower beds once they do get out?  Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[Aruba417]

Aren't you supposed to build a big enclosure with the top enclosed as well? You make the small yard, and then put chicken wire on top to keep them from getting out. I've never owned chickens, but I house-sat for these people that did and their chickens were closed in their little yard.

[Aruba417]

No problem...I'd like to own chickens some day when I get a house. I never thought about them digging up flowers! LOL!

[goatgirl]

Thank you for responding to my question.  We actually do have an enclosed area for the chickens to go at night, but during the day we let them out into the fenced area to give them a little more scratching room.  I guess we will have to think about enclosing the outside yard as well to keep them from escaping.  Thanks for the suggestion.

[fromnowhere]

yes they are horrible to dig up beds ;) i used to clip one side of mines wing to prevent them form flying over the fence. works well. just simply get some sissors and cut the feathers shorter on one side than the other.