Free range alfalfa

[kproffer]

I’ve seen some warnings against giving chickens too much hay and causing impacted crop. Just wondering about free ranging with summer coming...we have a large alfalfa field behind our house...would this cause a potential problem? Or is the caution with hay only after it’s cut and dried?

 

[GC-Raptor]

I don't think that field will be a problem. My Golden Comets won't go on grass higher than about 5 inches.
I am currently using a compressed bale of Alfalfa hay and Orchard grass mixed with Pine shavings for bedding in my coops. . GC

 

[kproffer]

I don't think that field will be a problem. My Golden Comets won't go on grass higher than about 5 inches.
I am currently using a compressed bale of Alfalfa hay and Orchard grass mixed with Pine shavings for bedding in my coops.View attachment 1744102. GC

5 inches?!! I’m going to have to mow more frequently! We have a golden comet in our flock of month old chicks. She quickly became my son’s favorite.

 

[TwoCrows]

Alfalfa flakes right off the bale are fine. My flock has a constant supply of alfalfa, it is very good for them. They don't tend to eat those stiff stems. And I don't see a problem with free ranging in hay fields either!