Gardens inside the run.

[Cryss]

A few years ago I covered a single old bunk bed in hardware cloth and grew weeds and wild stuff underneath it. The chickens could peck green things as they grew through the wire without damaging the roots. Then the next year I put a bit of wire connected in a small vertical tubular circle to the corner of the run and grew catnip for them. The bed frame is old and collapsing but it suffices for now. I wanted more garden so I used an old gate tilted against the run, ends capped with wire. As taller plants grow closer to or through the wire the chickens will be able to enjoy them. I’ve planted some lemon balm, spearmint, and some weeds. I’m going to be adding some herbs n stuff like oregano, comfrey, marigolds, maybe borage. ( anyone think any of these aren’t good for them?) I prefer perennial plants but I can add some annuals yearly.
Anyway, wanted to share this idea for those of us who can’t free range our flocks. Mine are rough as is most of my run and coop. I can do this so anyone can. Make it simple or fancy. Your chickens will love it.

View of the end of the run with the beginnings of gardens.

Catnip in this corner.

Closer side view.

Gate with a few weedy plants

Old bed frame with green beginning.

 

[Aunt Tat]

We have some old grates from parrot cages that would be perfect for this! Thanks for the idea!!!

 

[Cryss]

See? I just knew someone would like the idea. I think others have done similar stuff but I don’t see them featured in posts usually. Mostly it’s like a quick mention that gets lost in the main topic. I love the idea and can’t wait for things to grow and fin in the areas and see my chickens enjoying them.

 

[Aunt Tat]

A few years ago I covered a single old bunk bed in hardware cloth and grew weeds and wild stuff underneath it. The chickens could peck green things as they grew through the wire without damaging the roots. Then the next year I put a bit of wire connected in a small vertical tubular circle to the corner of the run and grew catnip for them. The bed frame is old and collapsing but it suffices for now. I wanted more garden so I used an old gate tilted against the run, ends capped with wire. As taller plants grow closer to or through the wire the chickens will be able to enjoy them. I’ve planted some lemon balm, spearmint, and some weeds. I’m going to be adding some herbs n stuff like oregano, comfrey, marigolds, maybe borage. ( anyone think any of these aren’t good for them?) I prefer perennial plants but I can add some annuals yearly.
Anyway, wanted to share this idea for those of us who can’t free range our flocks. Mine are rough as is most of my run and coop. I can do this so anyone can. Make it simple or fancy. Your chickens will love it.
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View of the end of the run with the beginnings of gardens.

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Catnip in this corner.


View attachment 2647783
Closer side view.

View attachment 2647784
Gate with a few weedy plants

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Old bed frame with green beginning.

Did you wrap hardware cloth around the sides so they can get between the grate and fence and PULL the plants out?

 

[FeatheredFriends&Horses2]

I've been doing this with old pallets for a couple years now (I call them my pallet gardens) and my chickens love it! I usually grow rye grass and an assortment of herbs including basil, parsley, and oregano. This year I had an issue with mice tunneling under the pallets and stealing the seeds. They knew they could get away with it since neither the chickens, cats, or me for that matter could catch them. Have you had this issue? And any ideas for dealing with it?

 

[Aunt Tat]

I've been doing this with old pallets for a couple years now (I call them my pallet gardens) and my chickens love it! I usually grow rye grass and an assortment of herbs including basil, parsley, and oregano. This year I had an issue with mice tunneling under the pallets and stealing the seeds. They knew they could get away with it since neither the chickens, cats, or me for that matter could catch them. Have you had this issue? And any ideas for dealing with it?

Try planting the seeds in the house/green house until the herbs at least are big enough to be transplanted. Let them take root and the girls can dine on them. Once they're nibbled down, cover them again and they can regenerate (You "Dr. Who" garden)


As for the Rye Grass or something similar, try this:
I'm looking forward to trying this and fermented feed for them.

Need to check with my Avian vet to see if fermented feed would be okay for my Blue & Gold Macaws and African Gres too!

 

[Sally PB]

This is a super simple variation of a grazing frame. What a great idea!

 

[Auntiejessi3]

I've got an area blocked off with chicken wire in the corner of my run with 2 pots, they have oregano, rosemary, thyme, assorted lettuce and marigolds, everything that pokes out they can nibble on. I'm gonna set another one up with sage and catnip in another area, along with a grazing frame! These are great ideas and keep the ladies entertained along with some natural pest control(the pics are a few weeks after planting, they're huge now)

 

[Cryss]

I’m loving all the ideas here!

Did you wrap hardware cloth around the sides so they can get between the grate and fence and PULL the plants out?

Yes. Actually I laid the wire down on the ground first, then the frame on top. I wrapped the wire up all four sides and over the top, then attached it slightly inside. Then I just flipped it over.

@FeatheredFriends&Horses2

I used this same method to cover six (I think it was six) pallets all the way around. I connected them to make a platform, then topped it with 3/4 inch plywood to make the floor of my 8x12 coop. It sits on treated 4x4s. Nothing is chewing in through the floor!

 

[neo71665]

I have some old steel bread trays from a bakery I've covered with hardware cloth. The trays are about 2x2 feet and 3 inches deep. Plant some rye and flip the trays upside down on top. The chooks eat what pokes out the top.

If ya ever seen the trays they use in a bread truck the modern ones are plastic but it's basically those.