grass?

[wannalive]

i know it is probibly a lost cause, but is there any tricks to keep grass in your run.. they eat/scratch it down so fast. i have no real reason for this other than cosmetic, and well with winter coming(freezing and thawing) i am sure it will be a nasty mess. plus spring rains.. so does anybody have any tips..

 

[Tracydr]

Have a larger run and maintain it with water and fertilizer. My " yard" is about 40x 50, which also includes my fenced raised gardens, four 16x8 garden beds. My chickens get the aisles which have grass. Bermuda in summer, rye/ clover in winter. The shaded areas are gravel. I've been getting a little mustard to gow in the gravel/ shade.
I irrigate and fertilize the grass, which isn't much for 20 chickens but it's still enough that I have to mow it frequently.

 

[lorain's fids]

Quote:
what do you use for fertilizer?

 

[kizanne]

search BYC for salad bar.

whole thread about them

Idea is a 2x4 or 2x frame with a chicken wire top. The grass grows threw for chickens to eat but they can't eat it down to root or scratch it up.

 

[wannalive]

what fertilizer do you use that is safe for the chickens?

 

[Cindy in PA]

Why do you fertilize when the chickens are doing it for you?

 

[MIKE555444]

Quote:
This seems to be a great idea... I plan to test it next spring

 

[kizanne]

I have two and I love it , so do the chickens. I wouldn't do the whole are though because the wire is hard on their feet.

 

[HEChicken]

Quote:
x2

 

[saladin]

Quote:
Just turn them loose! No problems save predators and they can be held at bay with a good dog and traps.