Best grass to plant in a chicken run?

[333113]

landscape timbers typically ARE pressure treated. Just FYI. Construction/standard lumber would be the way to go if you want to avoid the chemicals of pressure treated wood. Also, cedar boards would be an option for a naturally rot resistant wood without chemicals, but it can be expensive. Take a look around Home Depot, Lowes or Menards and compare the costs of each option. Personally I like to buy 2"x3"s because they are often less than $2 each for 8' boards. One 2"x3"x8' would build a 2'x3' frame, which is perfect for the 3' wide roll of wire I have.

I use the 6 inch by 4 foot or 6 foot untreated cedar fence boards in my garden and pens. They are cheap, easy to find at Lowe's, Home Depot, etc., short enough to carry in the car, last pretty well and won't poison anything. When they wear out and are no longer useful, they go into the brush pile next to the compost.

 

[MontanaChickDoc]

I have a stack of thin cedar boards in my closet - I think they are the kind you would use to line closets or trunks...they are pretty thin but I could probably repurpose them...

 

[BigBirdsWorld]

I think planting grass is a great but expensive idea!

 

[BReeder!]

I think planting grass is a great but expensive idea!

I don't know what you pay for grass seed, but it's pretty cheap by me. 5lbs of rye grass is $10-$15 and would cover quite a large area or fill small sprout beds several times over and last a whole season for me.

 

[BigBirdsWorld]

Yes, but when you have about 30 chickens they eat that very quickly...

 

[Cryss]

Coincidently I just posted today about how I repurposed a bunk bed frame here, bottom of the page.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/what-have-you-repurposed-while-building.1260884/page-46

Today I put plugs of soil from my yard that are growing various grasses and weeds. I figure it's the closest I can get to what they'd be munching if they were free ranging. I also threw in some marigold seeds hoping they'd sprout and grow.

 

[Chullicken]

I have great success with Rolled Oats. Stuff grows awesome and fast, very lush and affordable. Can even be planted inside to make grass mats. Have to really manage your project well though, chickens and pigs are the worlds finest el natural rototillers.

 

[jthornton]

I think planting grass is a great but expensive idea!

Wheat feed is about $8 for 50 lbs and goes a long way.

JT

 

[cnmcgee]

Can anyone suggest what might be best for growing near Raleigh NC. Hot, humid and currently trying to get out of a drought. Full sun to filtered light in the area I want to turn green for my flock. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[jthornton]

I have good luck sprouting wheat seeds indoors and feed them one tray a day.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/sprouting-wheat-video.1427258/

JT