Grass for grazing box

[jwlee]

I want to make a grazing box to put in the run but I’ve noticed a lot of grass seeds are coated with fertilizers and chemicals. Are these safe for chickens? I also want to fill in some dead patches in my lawn when my girls do free range. Does anyone have any recommendations on a brand of grass seeds that are safe for chickens? I’m in Oregon.

 

[Sally PB]

but I’ve noticed a lot of grass seeds are coated with fertilizers and chemicals

For your yard, I would look for a grass that grows well in your location, and with no added "stuff."

There are some great ideas here on BYC. Here's one thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...s-sprouts-for-chickens.1426817/#post-23485946

 

[Alaskan]

’ve noticed a lot of grass seeds are coated with fertilizers and chemicals.

True... but there should be at least 1 or 2 that are free of that stuff... might need to ask around, or even ask them to order some for you?

 

[CluckerFamily]

I normally buy the cheaper grass and it is just the seeds; they aren’t coated in anything.

 

[Pullet Press]

At TSC I saw that they sell chicken grass mixes (most likely not pre-coated in anything) in small bags, probably 1lbs worth, if not more, for around $10, if that might help.

 

[jwlee]

Yeah I’ve tried Home Depot, Bimart, Walmart, and my local feed store. All of their seeds have at least some coating on them. My feed store said to just grow the seeds away from the run and then transplant it later for the grazing box but that seems like a lot of work.

 

[CluckerFamily]

Can you put a mesh over the grower box so that the chickens can’t get to the seeds until you take off the mesh?

 

[jwlee]

At TSC I saw that they sell chicken grass mixes (most likely not pre-coated in anything) in small bags, probably 1lbs worth, if not more, for around $10, if that might help.

I’ll need to look for that next time I’m at TSC.

 

[jwlee]

Can you put a mesh over the grower box so that the chickens can’t get to the seeds until you take off the mesh?

That’s the plan once I get some seeds.

 

[333113]

If you are close enough to where farmers plant, I suggest a 50 pound bag of planting wheat or oats, untreated, which around here will run you about $15-24. Seed for planting has been tested to have high germination.

You can use this same seed for sprouting or fodder or a grass bin, or just feed a handful as a treat. It will go a long way, so it will last a while. That's why I keep mine in a metal trash can.