grass clippings

[trudyg]

I read an earlier (years ago) post on using grass clippings as bedding. Most comments said chickens can get impacted crop from eating this grass. So, if I use a mulching mower with a grass catcher and then dry this caught grass out before using it as bedding, would that work? I only ask because I've had to cut grass every 5 days this summer and it's high when I get around to cutting it and it seems a waste not to use it. Why buy hay? I would make sure it's plenty dry before using.

 

[MIchickenlady]

I read an earlier (years ago) post on using grass clippings as bedding. Most comments said chickens can get impacted crop from eating this grass. So, if I use a mulching mower with a grass catcher and then dry this caught grass out before using it as bedding, would that work? I only ask because I've had to cut grass every 5 days this summer and it's high when I get around to cutting it and it seems a waste not to use it. Why buy hay? I would make sure it's plenty dry before using.

I have been putting my mulched bagged grass clippings in my chicken run this summer. My girls love love love scratching it and eating bits and pieces here and there. No issues at all.

 

[Ebony Rose]

As long as the grass isn't super long (read that as several inches long) you should be alright, even if you let them play in it while it's still green. I used to pile mine into a big mountain, now I just leave the clippings where they lay and let the sun and my birds do what comes naturally.

 

[trudyg]

So, Tycine, I could put the green bagged grass inside the coop & let them spread it around? I'm wanting it for bedding in the coop, not outside in the run.

 

[Ebony Rose]

You sure can Trudyg. Just dump it in there, let them spread it around for you. You'll also learn which side of the coop they favor this way!

 

[aart]

So, Tycine, I could put the green bagged grass inside the coop & let them spread it around? I'm wanting it for bedding in the coop, not outside in the run.

I would let it dry if you want to bed the coop.....why add wet green material to an already nitrogen rich environment?

 

[trudyg]

Good points, Tycine and Aart. Thanks. I'm going to get one of those lawn sweepers today.