Are fresh grass clippings ok to add as mulch on chicken run?

[Emarti54]

Hi y'all:

I am a complete newbie to owning chickens. I have a surplus of fresh grass clippings, most of which I use to mulch my orchard and veggie garden with very good results. Looking for reasons why/why not on if I can use fresh grass clippings to mulch my chicken run. The grass dries/composts very quickly in my area's heat and humidity, so I would be replenishing he run every week or so. Grass is and always has been completely chemical free (I originally bought raw land) and I have only used a thin layer of compost once a year to fertilize. Please advise! Much appreciated.

 

[mowin]

Too much is just going to get moldy and stink. At least it didn't with my run, and it was partially covered.

The gals loved the fresh clippings though. They about attacked it, lol.

 

[Emarti54]

Thanks for reply! I've been told from others that too much fresh grass might cause the girls to gorge and it may result in crop problems. Have you experienced that at all?

 

[mowin]

Thanks for reply! I've been told from others that too much fresh grass might cause the girls to gorge and it may result in crop problems. Have you experienced that at all?

I haven't had that issue. My gals free range in a 1.5 acre area with my 3 dogs. I'll usually dump a bushel or two over the fence for them to scratch through.

 

[Azhtann]

My lawn guy makes a point to give my ladies some clippings when he rides by, and they have never had an issue.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I would allow it to dry (or at least mostly dry) before adding it in, as very fresh clippings can mat and clump and get stinky, and to reduce how much of it they consume, as chickens are more prone to gorging on fresh clippings. I usually leave clippings on the lawn for a day or two and then they're good to put into the run.

 

[Nym]

I encourage my lawn guy to pile up all the clippings for the hens to scratch through ... it keeps them busy for hours, and now I have a lovely rich compost area to use at will. I can't say I've had any problems with them eating it. Mine also free range and have a sectioned yarded area where most of the clippings go.

 

[aart]

I've been told from others that too much fresh grass might cause the girls to gorge and it may result in crop problems. Have you experienced that at all?

I have experienced it, but my birds are completely confined.
If I give any grass clippings, it's very few and spread out all over the run. In the past I've collected clippings left to dry then raked up, makes a great addition to the coarse wood chippings I use as run bedding.