Maintains greens with winter coming ...

[DizneyCrazy]

Live in New Hampshire and first year chicken owners. Our 9 girls love, actually go bonkers over, grass and clover- they are not free range, but we do pick and feed to them daily. With our first winter right around the corner, any suggestions on how to get them some greens daily until spring? Thanks in advance for any guidance.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

We make hay, a grass clover mix for our goats and donkeys, my poultry loves digging and scratching in it, I put some out a couple times a week, so maybe you can find some to purchase, otherwise I know you can dry out grass clippings well, than bag them for winter feeding. And of course you can always buy lettuce for your chickens.

 

[shortgrass]

NH, what zone is that? 4?...

Winter rye or Austian winter peas. If you have 50 sq ft or a garden, you can grow a winter crops for them to forage, then till it under in spring forvgreen compost/ cover crop.

But depending on your zone, better be quick lol... We are zone 5, and Millet went down 2 weeks ago, and winter rye is getting planted tomorrow

Otherwise, fodder systems work great; all you need is a sunny spot tgat doesn't freeze, or some grow lights, and trays for seeding. Grow fodder, give them a chunk each day

 

[gene22222222]

Hi my Chickens Love greens. I feed then oats that I grow in Flower Boxes. The Oats grow very fast . I will do this inside for winter also

 

[DizneyCrazy]

Thank you for the great suggestions ... I think we are region 4 or 5 for planting. Typically garden, but most is planted in spring for summer harvesting. Never even thought of growing something to store over winter! Lots to think of now and plan ahead for next round! Thanks so much!!

 

[Cacique500]

You could also go with wheat grass or sprouting. We normally do mung beans (which are bean sprouts) and they only take about 3 or 4 days before they're ready. Girls gobble 'em up.