Native grasses?

[kubotafoot]

If you use hosta plants, I predict they will last about 2 days, tops. They just mow them to the ground. We dig out some huge clumps we need to be rid of or split and they do it for us, pecking the roots, also. I plant a seed feed in a fenced out area and then when it is 2-3 inches tall, I let them at it. 2 days, tops, and it is gone. They just love it.

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

I just layer down a mix of grass seeds in my chickens run. Hope it works!

 

[Vicker]

I agree that they won't let grass grow in a run where they area confined, so I'd focus on areas where they have more room to run around and forage. I offer layer feed all year long but they hardly touch it until the winter, because they prefer to eat grass, bugs and the occasional four-legged morsel. In winter, I offer more food scraps than at other times of the year. Promoting winter grasses and "weeds" is a great idea.

 

[BreanneRN]

Hmmmm... Just IMO, but if you are going to have bees, you will be a "beekeeper" or they will "keep" you...

 

[BreanneRN]

I would plant an Elderberry... It is a perennial native here in California that you usually see along seasonal streambeds... It will grow 10 ft tall and have a million berries that the chickens will love. They will eet all the low growing fruits then jump to reach the higher ones. It is easy to grow in temperate climates and would probably do well in Georgia. Haven't ever been there, but maybe they are native there too.

 

[Irish1951]

Thank you for the tidbit. I will most definitely be conscientious in my seed selection. And can I plant the herbs you listed in or near their covered run area?

I think near but not in. That way you can control how much they get. I use them as a trea, so they will eat their regular feed first.

 

[gray hen48]

I think lemon grass is to tough of a leaf for them to eat. But I'm not an expert either. It has been a loooonnnng time since I had chickens. Started last year again and lost 2 dog,5 coons out of the 15 to start. GOOD LUCK

 

[Elfer]

I think lemon grass is to tough of a leaf for them to eat. But I'm not an expert either. It has been a loooonnnng time since I had chickens. Started last year again and lost 2 dog,5 coons out of the 15 to start. GOOD LUCK

That's what I was thinking. I bought some dried, and it seemed to be like yucca.