Can chickens destroy fully grown sunflowers?

[squeakyballs]

I was wondering, if I planted some sunflowers and kept them surrounded with chickenwire until they were 5'-6' tall, could I then remove the wire and let the chickens play under them? Can the chickens damage the large stalks, or will they appreciate the shade and only eat the lower leaves?

My grandmother ordered this type for me, and it occurred to me that they might make some nice shade.

http://www.burpee.com/product/annua...lower+sunforest+mix+-+1+packet+(100+seeds).do

 

[Bullwinkle]

Hi Tofu:

I raised a big patch of sunflowers last year for my chickens. I can't say for sure (since they were in my garden away from the chickens), but I think once the got taller they'd be fine. I dont think the chickens would hurt the big thick main stem, but if there are leaves low enough they might have to peck/taste them. I did have a 'wild' sunflower sprout and grew and the chickens did not bother it. Later in the fall when I got x4 goats.... they ate the thing down to a stub (on a side note.... I'm not sure if there is anything a goat will not eat!! ... bark, paint, window frames... uggg)

I saved the whole heads and gave them to the chickens still in the 'head' this winter. It helps keep them busy scratching and picking at them... they really like sunflower seeds...

 

[GardeNerd]

Once you remove the fencing the chickens could start scratching around the base. That could do some damage to the plant root zone, but chances are the plants will survive until you harvest the seeds.

 

[squeakyballs]

Thanks you guys! I hadn't even thought about them scratching, but I bet if I added some woodchips (the type that is already in their run) around the base it would be fine