Best feeder for a chicken tractor?

[3KillerBs]

(one of these days, I should start a thread with pictures, so I can just link it).

In fact, you should write it up as an article and I'll add it to my set of useful links.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

OK, I admit it. I just like saying "biodiverse polyculture". It sounds better than "my acre of weeds".

 

[Parront]

OK, I admit it. I just like saying "biodiverse polyculture". It sounds better than "my acre of weeds".

It will soon be weed-free and well fertilized!

 

[U_Stormcrow]

It will soon be weed-free and well fertilized!

You don't get Tropical Soda Apple in AZ, I take it???

Yes, those are spikes on the stems AND sticking out of the leaves. Top and bottom. It will grow from the seeds in those toxic fruits. It will regrow from root of 6" length or better, and it spreads underground like mint, as well as storing energy in root buds.

My goats will happily munch on thorny wild blackberry bushes (but show no particular interest int he fruit, unlike the chickens), but they won't touch this stuff (good thing, its one of the few plants that goatrs shouldn't eat)

 

[3KillerBs]

You don't get Tropical Soda Apple in AZ, I take it???
View attachment 2753078

Yes, those are spikes on the stems AND sticking out of the leaves. Top and bottom. It will grow from the seeds in those toxic fruits. It will regrow from root of 6" length or better, and it spreads underground like mint, as well as storing energy in root buds.

My goats will happily munch on thorny wild blackberry bushes (but show no particular interest int he fruit, unlike the chickens), but they won't touch this stuff (good thing, its one of the few plants that goatrs shouldn't eat)

That thing looks like the reason Round-Up exists!!!!!

Or maybe flamethrowers!

(I haven't actually tried the flame weeder on weeds yet because my garden has old chicken run straw bales and half-composted chicken bedding as mulch).

 

[U_Stormcrow]

That thing looks like the reason Round-Up exists!!!!!

Or maybe flamethrowers!

(I haven't actually tried the flame weeder on weeds yet because my garden has old chicken run straw bales and half-composted chicken bedding as mulch).

Yes, dig it out and burn it. Preferably when its very young, before its established much root. Wild birds scatter the seeds, so its a constant effort, but I am gaining on the stuff.

 

[Parront]

Yes, dig it out and burn it. Preferably when its very young, before its established much root. Wild birds scatter the seeds, so its a constant effort, but I am gaining on the stuff.

If wild birds can eat it, why not chickens? The chickens will eat even the stickery weeds I have, but I have to say, I only have the usual foxtails and similar. I put their movable pen over a spot, no weeds after a week or 2. This year's garden is where the chicken pen will be next year. I do not have enough land to give them an acre of polyculture!

 

[thegolffather]

This is very interesting, I am just slowly growing my flock to a size that is productive and one that I can manage despite keeping a fulltime job. Feeding is what takes most of the time because they scratch and spill the feed. I solved the water issue spilling by putting it up on a 4" block. My pen is only a 5x10x4 so I cannot walk inside. Is there a system that I can do so the feed does not spill? I mix feed but supplement what they eat with feeds.