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Rocks
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Lava and river rocks are often used as mulch in flower beds and will hinder a chicken from walking in your beds. Rock mulch works well as a mulch generally for rock and herb gardens, but it is a permanent mulch. It is not easily removed, is often expensive and sometimes can hinder the growth of perennial plants, so research your plants first before placing a rock mulch around them.
Other Ways to Discourage Chickens
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Spraying chickens with a hose every time they get near a flower bed you don't want them pecking in will discourage them quickly, but it requires that you are there almost every time they are -- and that can be a little inconvenient. Flat rocks placed around plants will discourage digging. Chicken wire placed over a newly planted bed will also discourage chickens from disrupting new seeds as they appear to dislike walking on the wire. Remove the chicken wire, though, as soon as plants start to grow through the wire. Some gardeners claim success with spraying hot pepper spray or vinegar around or on their flowers.
Also keep your chickens contained. A large coop that can can be moved throughout the yard or pasture will continue to give your chickens the healthful benefit of eating off the ground, without them disturbing your or your neighbor's flower beds.
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Will Lava Stone Keep Chickens Out of Flower Beds?
Chickens make a wonderful addition to any yard or garden. They eat bugs, so few of your plants will have pest problems and if they eat around your garden plants, they generally scratch at the ground, keeping the area weed-free. Unfortunately, chickens can make an unsightly mess and sometimes need to be discouraged from pecking in flower beds, particularly those with new plants. Rock mulches such as lava stone can help.