Grass Clippings

[DLCShark]

Is regular yard grass clippings okay for bedding in the coop/run area and nesting boxes? I dont my yard with anything and I haven't used granular weed and feed or pesticides in over a month with plenty of rain since. Just thought it would be a cheap way of recycling.

 

[Farmer Viola]

Is regular yard grass clippings okay for bedding in the coop/run area and nesting boxes? I dont my yard with anything and I haven't used granular weed and feed or pesticides in over a month with plenty of rain since. Just thought it would be a cheap way of recycling.

should be fine, but make sure to top off the grit hopper. they will need grit to chew up the excess quantity of grass to avoid an impaction. past that, should be fine short grass is better than long grass for eating. long grass can also cause impactions.

 

[DLCShark]

Thank you! I will add an extra grit bucket just in case. I really want it to soak up chicken poop for my compost pile. Lol

 

[Kazfam]

We use grass clippings in the run. The chickens love it - finding lots of goodies in and under the clippings. When the clippings are spent we toss them (with lots of droppings) into the compost bins.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

We use grass clippings in the run. The chickens love it - finding lots of goodies in and under the clippings. When the clippings are spent we toss them (with lots of droppings) into the compost bins.

X2

 

[PertyGertie]

I have found two really long grassy poops in the coop. We know which one it is. The poop has really long pieces of grass in it. I just got my run built and the girls have been out there for a few days and have had access to long grass. It's like she's picking it from the base and slurping it like spaghetti. Do I need to put more grit out for them?

 

[Farmer Viola]

yes, and make sure the grit has sharp edges to it.. smooth pebbles won't work to cut grass.
just keeping the grass trimmed regularly will help as well

 

[6of6chicks]

I use dried grass in my run and I LOVE it. There are so many advantages - soft & fluffy bedding (for heavy breeds), stays dry & smells nice, lasts a really long time, easy to rake out & replace, organic material is compostable, the girls love rooting around in it for seeds and bugs, and it's FREE. I have to mow my lawn anyway, so why not make my own straw, lol!

I dry it first, though, before putting it in there. My girls will gobble fresh grass clippings, which I don't want because I worry about impacted crop. But they don't eat the dried grass. To dry it I just dump the lawn mower bag out on the carport, spread it in a thin layer, and turn it once or twice a day until it is dry. If I want to speed up the dry time I spread it on tarps and lay it in the sun. Super easy and it can't get any cheaper!!


grass clippings spread out on the carport to dry.


dried grass clippings in the run.


close-up of how it looks after it has been walked on & pooped on for two months.

 

[DLCShark]

Yeah I leave mine in the yard to dry then come back and take it up then fill the coop. And free is sooooo awesome. It's time to mow again so I'll be changing the bedding once that's done.