Can't free range anymore - what should I add to their pen?

[Happyoutdoorgrl]

The blasted coyote picked off half my flock of muscovy's and hens so I built a HUGE fenced pen/coop area. There's lots of organic material (rotting wood) in it, so lots of bugs, but no grass. What should I add to their feed/snack rotation to mimic free-ranging in the yard?

 

[Gezellige_Poes]

Terramin clay, loaded with trace minerals and what hens would pick up free ranging, picking at the dirt and/or clay! Try this site for the clay: https://www.good-earthstore.com/terramin-clay/

 

[casportpony]

The blasted coyote picked off half my flock of muscovy's and hens so I built a HUGE fenced pen/coop area. There's lots of organic material (rotting wood) in it, so lots of bugs, but no grass. What should I add to their feed/snack rotation to mimic free-ranging in the yard?

Welcome to BYC. I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your flock. I think they'll be okay without grass, but if you want, you could offer them some alfalfa hay, or maybe leafy greens, fruits, and veggies. Here, where I live, the grass is only green for a few months, and mine do fine without grass to graze on.

 

[Gezellige_Poes]

Welcome to BYC. I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your flock. I think they'll be okay without grass, but if you want, you could offer them some alfalfa hay, or maybe leafy greens, fruits, and veggies. Here, where I live, the grass is only green for a few months, and mine do fine without grass to graze on.

Could also try a product like this to grow grass and offer as treats: https://www.mypetchicken.com/products/amturf-green-feast-forage-mix-2-lb-bag

 

[ChaosMom]

Welcome to BYC. I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your flock. I think they'll be okay without grass, but if you want, you could offer them some alfalfa hay, or maybe leafy greens, fruits, and veggies. Here, where I live, the grass is only green for a few months, and mine do fine without grass to graze on.

I pull stuff out of the area that they would otherwise roam and toss that in.