Super tough lawn alternative

[BearBuilder]

Hi, I need some help from clever gardeners please!

I have a portion of my garden fenced off for my hens, who are likely to be locked up for several months again soon for bird flu restrictions.

Whilst they're on lockdown I'd like to plant something that is tough enough to withstand their constant scratching - they have completely destroyed the previous lawn and also the clover I tried after that, to the point that we just have mud left.

Any bright ideas for something that could be planted now to establish itself and be super tough by springtime much appreciated!!

Does it get sun? If so creeping thyme could work.

If not then maybe creeping buttercup, lamium, ground ivy, or creeping vinca, but these will all take over the world given a chance so wouldn’t use unless it’s a very self contained area!

I don't think any plant will survive in a small area with hens. you'd need to either swap them to different areas to give plants a chance to recover, or plant small shrubs instead of grass.

I've seen a clever idea: a small raised bed, inside their run, wooden sides maybe 5 inches tall. chicken netting nailed across the top. Sow grass, or other plants. The chickens can graze the grass as it grows through the netting, but can't rip it to shreds and uproot it the way they normally do.

Agree with PPs, nothing survives in a small chicken run. On the plus side they are a great way to dispose of unwanted snails.

I should have said, sorry! I reckon they have around 25-30m2 of outdoor space between 6 of them (as well as a good sized run). I was hoping that would be enough for them to not completely kill everything but maybe not!

I like the idea of a raised bed with mesh, could definitely build some of those.

Pretty shaded area unfortunately which doesn't help matters!