We had chickens get into the garden and in the process of scratching dig up newly planted transplants as well as eat some of those vegetables we planted. While chickens can aid in controlling insects in the garden they do not distinguish between the baddies and the goodies.

Hey Organic Mama

In addition to the above ideas, (except the gum) my best defense has been a good offense. Macabee traps and cats have been effective for me as has been the wind driven clacker/noise makers. Resist the urge to flood the little buggers...it only fills their hot tubs.

Ceres? Wow, a true SJ Valley girl. (I'm originally from outside Visalia)

As the guy from the University of Georgia states in the video wild animals will soon become used to those noisemakers just as they will become used to the smell of those soaps and many other things we attempt to do to keep them out.
A good tight fence is about the only sure means of keeping unwanted critters out of your garden.