Chicken Food Tower

[NatJ]

I kept thinking how to sow on such tower next growing season, as the planting areas are vertical and small (no matter the chicken wire or hardware cloth), sowing tiny seeds will be comparatively difficult.

I had been wondering about that. When seeds sprout, the tops usually try to grow up, which could be a problem if they are planted in the side of the tower. But I also know they usually grow toward light, so maybe that would be enough to help them grow out the side instead of going straight up and dying in the middle of the dirt.

 

[Phaedra Geiermann]

I had been wondering about that. When seeds sprout, the tops usually try to grow up, which could be a problem if they are planted in the side of the tower. But I also know they usually grow toward light, so maybe that would be enough to help them grow out the side instead of going straight up and dying in the middle of the dirt.

Yes, so when we pile the filling up, the seeds should be only sowed in the outer area, 1cm is a safe distance for them to grow after germinating (most of the seeds need warmth but not light to germinate, some exceptions are like celery, celeriac or specific herbs) but not too easily fall outside.

After they're germinated, they will need sufficient light to properly grow.

I also assume they will try to find the shortest distance to reach light for growing, so far they did. As the temperature is suitable, the seeds will germinate, reach the light not too far away and then grow upward.

 

[Phaedra Geiermann]

08.07 Update for Chicken Food Tower

I kept working on Chicken Food Tower No.6, there are totally 7 in two runs. As the rainy weather will remain till next Tuesday, I plant to finish No.6 and 7 asap, so they will have a good chance to get thoroughly wet.

As usual, there will be nothing planted in the lower half, just purely cold compost pile.

Now is a good timing as there will be a lot of materials after harvesting vegetables, fruits or cut flowers. I don't mind what are filled inside the lower half, because:

1. nothing planted inside that half, and whatever will be planted in the upper half will be short term crop (before frost, might be mid-Oct) and won't need to develop their roots so aggressively.
2. from now on till next spring, there is plenty time for the filled materials to gradually decompost
3. no matter what, there are quite sufficient amount of chicken manure inside.

So, on one hand I am doing cleaning of the run, and on the other hand, I try to repurpose those right there in the run, instead of put them into compost bin.

After the hens finishing all the leaves, the vegetable stems just go inside (lower half)

For the upper half, I used the soil from old pots (originally planted potatoes or spring bulbs). Again, old soil is fine, I didn't try to get amazing harvest from such food towers for chicken.

A thin layer is enough, and just sow at the out ring, so after germination, seedlings will easily access to the light they need to grow.

Only below 4 types plants will be directly sowed
- grass
- mixed wheats
- whatever vegetable seeds that are too old (potentially the germination rate will be lower) or i don't want to plant any longer.
- green manure: especially oilseed radish, alfafa and red clover

After sowing, covered with another layer of green waste, then another layer of soil for more sowing. Just use what you have cleaned from the garden harvest. A thin layer of grass clipping can be used in between, too.

Some new germinations on the tower no.4 (no.1~4 are in another run)

I personally love the mint, lavender and strawberry planted on the top of tower no.3, especially mint and lavender can always give a pleasant fragrance when you touch them.

Some new friends joined.

Overview of No1~4, they did offer me more funs when I am here with chickens.

No.1~2

No.3~4

They do inspect and harvest frequently

Winter wheat grows much much much faster than herbs (basil) and other vegetables, but chickens love wheat grass very much.

Some radish and peas are germinated among grass

What I plant to sow tomorrow, soak a bit to help them germinate even quicker.

I believe some delicious wheat grass will grow from such a mixed wheat product.

 

[Phaedra Geiermann]

I guess they love here.

 

[N F C]

I guess they love here.

View attachment 2789902

View attachment 2789903

Fun to see your birds enjoying the towers!

 

[Phaedra Geiermann]

So happy to see them enjoy!

 

[Wolfie2]

Been reading your thread, neat idea. Just wondering, What are your plans for the persimmon tree? Transplanting it when it gets a god root system?

 

[Phaedra Geiermann]

Been reading your thread, neat idea. Just wondering, What are your plans for the persimmon tree? Transplanting it when it gets a god root system?

Yes, it is difficult for such a young tree to survive the winter, so I plant to transplant it before the first frost arrive, just temporarily foster here.

 

[Phaedra Geiermann]

Two days ago, I found the seedlings on the tower no.1 are fully destroyed. Today I know who did it. One of the cockerels (i guess he is on the top of the pecking order among chicks)!

So, a small video for today's drama. I saw that when I was making the vertical planter V2, just outside their run.

Well, anyway, the towers did bring them fun for 100% sure.

 

[RoyalChick]

Two days ago, I found the seedlings on the tower no.1 are fully destroyed. Today I know who did it. One of the cockerels (i guess he is on the top of the pecking order among chicks)!

View attachment 2796202

So, a small video for today's drama. I saw that when I was making the vertical planter V2, just outside their run.

Well, anyway, the towers did bring them fun for 100% sure.

View attachment 2796207

Well, I would say that is a big success - you were growing them for the chickens!
They definitely had a good time!