Greens for chickens

[addietief]

We have a large run for the chickens and I was thinking of planting herbs and plants around for them to munch on. There isn't much grass where their run is. Can they eat herbs and plants?

 

[Nicole01]

Mine eat grass, weeds like clovers and dandelions(2 favorites), I sprout sunflower, beans and alfalfa. I sprout especially during the winter when there is no grass to munch on.

Last year when I kept them in their run more often, I'd pull grass dandelion and clovers to throw inside the run. I always have greens available all year since it really makes their yolks a rich orange and better tasting eggs.

 

[addietief]

Thanks. They have plenty of shade so I would have to grow a shady item. Not much grass and stuff in that area and I want them to have lots of greens around.

 

[TexasLea]

Anything you plant in the run will never have a chance to grow. They will eat it that quick. There is actually a very good post going on about feeding sprouts as a grass alternative to chickens. You may consider going that route.

Here's the link if you want to check it out:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/672466/feeding-sprouts-grass-alternative


Lea

 

[ChickEngineer]

I go to the local produce market and the farmers market and get their carrot tops. The girls are so spoiled they wont anything else.

 

[Eggcessive]

Mine love swiss chard and especially kale, so I plant lots of both in the summertime. They like me to cut it up in small pieces for them, otherwise they will waste it. Boy am I trained well.

 

[Nicole01]

Some people buy dried alfalfa squares/blocks in the horse section at the farm stores. If I did that, I'd soften it in water to make sure it didn't get stuck in their crop.

My girls love alfalfa the best of all greens.