Hi, I'm New

[jkkelly]

I used to raise chickens in Minnesota 5 years ago. At that time I was most interested in their poop. I had a large garden and being cheap ( I wish I could take credit for being environmentally conscious but no, it wasn't that) I wanted the poop for fertilizer. It worked out great, the garden was fertilized and the chickens got lots of left over greens. My eggs were not organic but were delicious and had vibrant orange yolks.
Now I live in Arizona. I have a tiny back yard with a few weeds in it. I've been saying for years that I miss having chickens. I woke up the other day with one thought in mind - I gotta get some chickens. Lucky for me it is spring and the C-A-L Ranch store has chicks. I bought two, a little chicken coop on Amazon and some organic feed.
My Question today is what kind of greens can I give my birds? I recently made a commitment to myself to only eat organic unless there is nothing else available. That goes for meat, dairy, vegetables, and even hygiene products. As I mentioned, I am cheap. I don't like spending the money if I don't have to. I think I would really have a hard time buying organic vegetables just to feed them to the chickens. Does anyone know of a fast growing green that grows well in the desert? If I was back in Minnesota I would consider growing a fast growing annual grass. Once it was grown I could turn the chickens out into the field all day, letting them eat and fertilize.

 

[Granny Hatchet]

i have no idea what would grow , i stick anything that looks like food in my mouth but WELCOME TO BYC and congrats on changing your diet and that of the chicks for a healthier life style i too started in chickens for the poop. hahha i have a solid clay yard

 

[jkkelly]

Thanks for the welcome!

 

[punk-a-doodle]

Welcome, you will find lots of great info here! Using the search bar, you can locate threads and posts about "chicken salad bars" and "fodder systems". Both may be good options for you.