cover crops for chickens

[tbunyard]

IM thinking about planting something better than grass in my yard for the chickens. Ive got the hillside planted in buckwheat and they love that but I'm leaning more towards some crimson clover for the yard. any suggestions?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

You're right for moving away from grass. It isn't particularly nutritious for poultry and is one of the last things they choose to eat.
Any type of forb like clover/ladino, also alfalfa, beets, turnips, radish and in cold weather you could do peas. There is a forage type of turnip called 7top. Most of the energy goes into greenery rather than a tuber.

 

[Folly's place]

I think that mixed plantings are best rather than monoculture. Check out pasture blends, native plants, wildlife mixes. Also fruiting shrubs, both for cover and food. you will also bring in beneficial (and yummy) insects, and critters in the soil. Mary

 

[tbunyard]

You're right for moving away from grass. It isn't particularly nutritious for poultry and is one of the last things they choose to eat.
Any type of forb like clover/ladino, also alfalfa, beets, turnips, radish and in cold weather you could do peas. There is a forage type of turnip called 7top. Most of the energy goes into greenery rather than a tuber.

ok thanks. what about some vetch in winter. too thick?

 

[tbunyard]

I think that mixed plantings are best rather than monoculture. Check out pasture blends, native plants, wildlife mixes. Also fruiting shrubs, both for cover and food. you will also bring in beneficial (and yummy) insects, and critters in the soil. Mary

thanks. yea I'm amazed at how many bees and crickets the buckwheat pulled in.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

ok thanks. what about some vetch in winter. too thick?

I have planted it. All things in moderation.
There are some issues with common vetch.
http://articles.extension.org/pages/67052/feeding-common-vetch-to-poultry

Crown vetch is potentially toxic. However, if given enough forage options, they'll avoid the ones they shouldn't eat.

 

[lazy gardener]

How big is your yard? Do you want to maintain somewhat of a resemblance to lawn, or are you ok with a wilder, meadow/mixed shrub type of yard? Will your front yard be used for any type of family recreation? White clover mixes into lawns well, attracts lots of pollinators. (can be an issue with young kids who like to romp and play) Give more details about available space, soil type, sun exposure, dry/wet spots, do you have time or water available to take care of dry soil issues?

 

[grnidone]

Not a cover crop, but my chickens love love LOVE eating pumpkin leaves.

 

[lazy gardener]

At end of season, when they are on the dry side, when they are wolfing them down, It reminds me of potato chips!

 

[amynrichie]

How big is your yard?  Do you want to maintain  somewhat of a resemblance to lawn, or are you ok with a wilder, meadow/mixed shrub type of yard?  Will your front yard be used for any type of family recreation?  White clover mixes into lawns well, attracts lots of pollinators.  (can be an issue with young kids who like to romp and play)  Give more details about available space, soil type, sun exposure, dry/wet spots, do you have time or water available to take care of dry soil issues?  

What are some ideas for overseeding with some wilder type grasses? I have some natural grass, and LOTS of cheat grass. I'm going to seed something over that will choke out the cheat.