What to grow in a grazing bed in Florida?

[katie_94]

After losing one of my girls to an unknown predator, we no longer let them free range without constant supervision and extended the run by 20ft. Since they'll now be spending most of their day inside the run, I plan to build a 2ftx9ft grazing bed with removable hardware cloth top. I occasionally give them vegetables from my garden free of pesticide.

Besides grass (we have St. Augustine grass in our yard), what else can I plant for them that will grow through the mesh, safe for chickens, and is suited for where I live?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Hanathehappyhen]

Snap peas, alfalfa, and clover. Have you thought about trying to sprout grains as well?

 

[katie_94]

Snap peas, alfalfa, and clover. Have you thought about trying to sprout grains as well?

oooo I haven't! We do grow broccoli but they're matured.

 

[Hanathehappyhen]

You should give it a try! I'm planning on sprouting oats for my girls this year.

 

[katie_94]

You should give it a try! I'm planning on sprouting oats for my girls this year.

I will! One of my favorite parts of chicken keeping is finding new ways to care for/entertain them.

Also, I've never grown snap peas before. Don't they need to climb or will they fit through 1/2" hardware cloth as it grows?

 

[Hanathehappyhen]

I will! One of my favorite parts of chicken keeping is finding new ways to care for/entertain them.

Also, I've never grown snap peas before. Don't they need to climb or will they fit through 1/2" hardware cloth as it grows?

They can just use the hardware cloth as a trellis. (I recommend saving some for yourself-they're delicious!)