feeding birdseed to hens...

[wildbird1964]

Is this safe to do? and growing it ? my coop is all dirt, they ate all the grass thats was in it and though I would try growing the seeds and feeding it to them. just dont want to harm them in anyway..so help..lol..

 

[my sunwolf]

I've done it and found that they go crazy for it! No harm to show for it just yet. It's kind of like feeding them scratch. Just make sure they're getting lots of grit to help them digest the tough seeds. Apparently you can grow things like oats, sunflowers, and wheat, wait until they go to seed, and then let your chickens range among the plants. What seeds they don't eat they end up "tilling" back into the soil along with manure. I've never done it, but I keep hearing great stories about this method. Short term, you can also just dig them up grass clumps and throw it into their coop for them to play with, as well as veggies, pasta, etc.

 

[BoonFarm]

Mine love birdseed too. I would suggest closing off a part of your run and planting birdseed there for them and then once it gets to a good height let 'em have it! (and just repeat)

 

[centrarchid]

With confined birds, consider it only as a supplement or treat.