Coke crate "salad bar"?

[HarlemChicks]

I am new to having chickens & want to start my small flock a "salad bar". I have 8 coke crates that I would like to use. Has anyone used these for this purpose? These are the red/black plastic ones that are less than 6 inches deep. Any feedback is appreciated!

 

[Murphy212]

If they are like I think, kinda open with holes all around, I would put some potting soil down in the run in the shape of the crates. Plant some mixed greens seeds, turn those crates upside down over the soil and let the chicks graze when the seedlings got up above the crates. Wish I had some of those crates!

 

[ozzyman778]

This is a great idea!

 

[aart]

Sounds like these grazing frame concept...but 6" might be too high for the plants leaves to make it out the holes before flopping over.....you could cut it down or bury it a bit.

I think you have to be careful to only plant things which leaves can make it out whatever sized holes are in the mesh or grate. Grass like plants would work best.

 

[HarlemChicks]

Thanks so much for all of the feedback! I'll post some pics once I get it started!

 

[suncatcher]

Sounds like these grazing frame concept...but 6" might be too high for the plants leaves to make it out the holes before flopping over.....you could cut it down or bury it a bit.

I think you have to be careful to only plant things which leaves can make it out whatever sized holes are in the mesh or grate. Grass like plants would work best.

You could also build up the soil under the crates, plant your seeds on the mound, so they grow out of the top, just another idea. Would have ot be careful when you watered them, that it did not all run out, maybe plant clover in the lower area, towrards the outside of the crate. Clover gets leggy when planted in shade.