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grass clippings in coop?

post #1 of 19
8/9/11 at 9:45pm
Thread Starter 

I recently built my new coop and it's elevated over a run. i was mowing the lawn at the new place and after filling up my yard waste bin in about 5 minutes (yeah, that long of grass) i threw some clippings in the run.  I was thinking this would keep it "green" and maybe provide them with some food.  Mainly though, it would prevent the run from becoming too poopy dirty.

does anyone else do this?

thanks

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post #2 of 19
8/9/11 at 9:58pm
  • ll
  • I ♥ my Orps

Yes I have read quite alot of posts from BYC members saying they put cut grass in the run.

My Member Page has photos of how we started ~ Does yours?
Visit our Hen House & read my introducing chickens page too.

 

2013 Update! There has been a shift in the pecking order...
I'm so egg-cited! Have an egg-cellent day!

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My Member Page has photos of how we started ~ Does yours?
Visit our Hen House & read my introducing chickens page too.

 

2013 Update! There has been a shift in the pecking order...
I'm so egg-cited! Have an egg-cellent day!

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post #3 of 19
8/9/11 at 10:13pm

I use clippings in the run in the summer, and fallen leaves in the fall. Keeps the run from being so muddy, and gives the girls something to do, smile

Seramas, call ducks, mandarin ducks, and geese SCNA member  MO NPIP pt tested flock 

My website http://ittybittybantiebarn.weebly.com/  

FB poultry group, The Roost- https://www.facebook.com/groups/415500468537164/

 

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Seramas, call ducks, mandarin ducks, and geese SCNA member  MO NPIP pt tested flock 

My website http://ittybittybantiebarn.weebly.com/  

FB poultry group, The Roost- https://www.facebook.com/groups/415500468537164/

 

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post #4 of 19
8/10/11 at 5:45am

we have started to do the same.  it began mainly out of laziness as we did want to go ALL THE WAY to the garden or compost so we threw it is the run.  The ladies LOVE it!  they scratch through it and even lay in it.  like the idea of leaves too as there are many, many trees around the run.

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post #5 of 19
8/10/11 at 5:50am

I always put lots of grass clippings in the coop every time the lawn is mowed.   My chickens absolutely love it.   Just make sure you haven't sprayed any weedkiller on it.


http://muckycluckers.blogspot.com/

Read about the antics of my little flock on my blog at    http://muckycluckers.blogspot.com/

“Mucky Cluckers – Tales from the hen run” e-book is at http://amzn.to/xT4DkE   A humorous look at chicken keeping and what they don’t tell you in the “How to” books.

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Read about the antics of my little flock on my blog at    http://muckycluckers.blogspot.com/

“Mucky Cluckers – Tales from the hen run” e-book is at http://amzn.to/xT4DkE   A humorous look at chicken keeping and what they don’t tell you in the “How to” books.

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post #6 of 19
8/10/11 at 6:04am

I was cutting grass daily with a scissors and throwing it into the run every morning.  I'd find dandelion weeds as well.  Now I supervise their free range 3 times a day.smile

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post #7 of 19
8/10/11 at 9:13am
Thread Starter 

ok sweet so it is a good idea then.  I'm assuming I should only do this with fresh grass. Once it sits and dries a bit, they probably won't want it right?

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post #8 of 19
8/10/11 at 1:45pm

I would be careful doing this - if the grass clippings are somewhat long, and it's a new treat for your birds, they can glut themselves on it and fill up their crops.  Longer grass clippings can wad up into a tangled ball, and not pass through the crop.  This is called "crop impaction".  When the stuff sits in there, it will start to rot and can kill your chickens. 

My sister gave her bantams some clippings and their favorite pet roo had to go to the vet.  I know many people wouldn't take a chicken to a vet, and not many vets even treat chickens, but it's my niece's pet, not just a farm bird.  Nevertheless, they no longer give them clippings, they let the birds tear off bite sized pieces from the grass themselves.

Just my $0.02 and experience.

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post #9 of 19
8/10/11 at 2:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by tulie13 

I would be careful doing this - if the grass clippings are somewhat long, and it's a new treat for your birds, they can glut themselves on it and fill up their crops.  Longer grass clippings can wad up into a tangled ball, and not pass through the crop.  This is called "crop impaction".  When the stuff sits in there, it will start to rot and can kill your chickens.


x2

I've heard the same thing. When the chickens free range and eat grass, they're actually snipping off tiny pieces, when they eat clippings, they will eat the entire long blade of grass and it wads up in them. I wouldn't give it to my chickens...just sayin.

Crazy is, as crazy does. 

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Crazy is, as crazy does. 

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post #10 of 19
8/10/11 at 6:09pm

My Ladies love the clippings...my hubby throws them in the run and they dive right in and enjoy it. They also love the leaf piles in autumn!!

Lissa
The Official Lady-in-Waiting to the Royals of Cluckingham Palace (or so I have been informed)
**2 EE, 2 Buff Orpingtons, 2 Black Austalorps, and 1 Plymouth Rock**
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Lissa
The Official Lady-in-Waiting to the Royals of Cluckingham Palace (or so I have been informed)
**2 EE, 2 Buff Orpingtons, 2 Black Austalorps, and 1 Plymouth Rock**
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