climbing plants?

[pipkin]

I've been thinking about letting some climbing plants like green beans or something grow up the mesh of my coup. Would this be appropriate or could it pose a hazard? I was also hoping that having some aromatic plants might mask the smell and misslead preditors. Any input is greatly appreciated!!

 

[Imp]

I'm not sure about green beans. I'm pretty sure their invention was a mistake.

But I used to plant Sugar Snap Peas for the chickens. I would chop up the vines & leaves for them after I was done picking the pods.

Imp

ETA-

congrats on joining us. Yeah!

 

[RuffledFeathers]

If you could keep the chickens from eating or tearing the vines apart---- it really should be something non-toxic if they possibly could reach it. They tore my pea vines apart last year, but left the cucumbers alone, so maybe get an English Cucumber started when it's warm enough, they trellis very well and the big leaves would provide some shade.

 

[pipkin]

thanks a lot for the input, I was thinking about cucumbers myself, and yes, I'm ready and willing to suffer some losses!

 

[dahlila]

i was wondering this myself!

anything else besides cucumbers?

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Let's see, beans, peas, cukes... Nasturtiums! They are edible and pretty.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

I was thinking grape vines . . . anyone have any experience with that vs chickens?

 

[darkmatter]

I grow tomatoes in cages in the run, which grow up and over the cage, dropping tomatoes to the chickens. You should also try trees like mulberries and apples if you have the room----works for me.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

The only concern I'd have with grapes is that the vines can get heavy as they mature over the years. You'd have to make sure they have good support. Some people build sturdier runs than others, depending on their needs. You can always do a really hard prune if they start to cause a problem, though. Or add a little more support in that area of the run, if you find you need it. The young growth is no problem at all. Other than that, they're great. Their leaves are used in some cooking recipes.

We have the seedless red ones called reliance. They are fantastic eating! Sweet and flavorful. We've got ours planted over by our hardy kiwi vines. Also monster vines, but very tasty. I don't know if their foliage is edible, but I'm not aware of a problem with kiwi foliage.

Darkmatter, your chickens must love you! Yummy!

 

[pipkin]

Apple trees sound like a great idea! Does anyone think it would be worth while to plant some aromatic plants that might distract preditors? Or if it would have any effect at all?