Any suggestions or advice for growing a chicken garden?

[LaceyJune]

Hello fellow chicken keepers!
I've come to thought about making my flock their own garden, and was curious what are some great options for their health to eat freely. This idea came to me since those divine orange yolks I hear are just the utmost greatest exsperience especially when they are collected from just steps out from your backyard flock. So, I just wanted to know if anyone Is thinking of this idea or has already gotten a head start in their chicken gardening who would like to share what might me the best options are for my girls.
Thank you!

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Yes, start by identifying your grow zone, any special soil conditions, how much space you can dedicate, and whether you plan to maintain by hand tools, power tools, or heavy equipment.

Then we can tailor recommends.
[edit] and how many chickens?

 

[LaceyJune]

Thank you for your rely!
Okay, I will see where is best away from my run, but I think beside my coop is best since it get semi-good sunshine as well as well access to rain from being away from the roof of my henhouse. And as for my flock, it consists of five hens.

 

[Perris]

Hello fellow chicken keepers!
I've come to thought about making my flock their own garden, and was curious what are some great options for their health to eat freely. This idea came to me since those divine orange yolks I hear are just the utmost greatest exsperience especially when they are collected from just steps out from your backyard flock. So, I just wanted to know if anyone Is thinking of this idea or has already gotten a head start in their chicken gardening who would like to share what might me the best options are for my girls.
Thank you!

Most of what they will forage are insects and other mini bugs living in, on or around the plants, humus and soil, so focus on native local wildlife-friendly species and don't use insecticides or herbicides. Let some of it rewild.

 

[dannichols525]

Sweet potato vine, tomato, broccoli, kale, cucumber, lettuce, and Swiss chard. The birds like all of these and when the season is over we open up the gate and let the birds have at it.

 

[dannichols525]

Sweet potato vine is a favorite and it will grow just about anywhere even in Tennessee clay.

 

[LaceyJune]

Yes, there is no absolute secticides or herbicides being used at all or ever. I will raise all the chickens I will ever have on all natural and organic only. Thank you so much for your reply as well, it helps lots to know that others want to keep their flock safe and healthy without using these poisons or toxins.

 

[Sally PB]

If you want to grow anything, you will have to keep the chickens off that area until the plants have a good start. They will scratch up and eat seeds and sprouts before they get a chance to grow.

Where are you located? Just the state is fine, or the country if you're not in the US. You can add this information to your profile, and then it's always there.

Your climate will dictate what you can grow, so your location tells us a lot.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Without knowing your details I have no idea what is "best" for your girls. Five hens helps but I don't know climate, what facilities are available, or your management techniques.

I'll throw out the idea of a grazing bed. Build a frame 6 to 8 inches high and cover it with a mesh the hens cannot stick their heads through. Plant suitable crops that can grow up through the wire mesh so they can pick it to eat but cannot get to the roots to kill it. This would mainly be for an area that they keep the growth down to nothing but give them green stuff to eat. Or you are growing certain crops that they would destroy if they could get to the roots.

 

[LaceyJune]

Ok, thank you for the starting ideas of what I can certainly start out with my garden.
But I am located in the West Coast in CA.
I hope this helps to better know my climate wher I am! All suggestions and plan-out thought for this little project of mine for my girls is all appreciated. Thank you.