Native grasses?

[Eggcentric One]

Good for you! If you can, find out what's native to your area and plant that. Not only will your chickens have someplace to forage, but you will be providing natural plants that native pollinators need to feed on and/or lay eggs on. Whatever might escape the attentions of the chickens will probably be something native to your biome.

That was my thought as well. I also intend on doing two tree trunk hives to assist in the pollination. By doing hives in this manner gaining honey would be difficult, but I want them nearby for the pollination. I am not, bor do I intend to become a beekeeper. HA. I sincerely believe that we have placed natural order out of balance and desire to produce an environment as close to natural as possible. Now St.Augustine will be in my yard, to the chagrin of those that believe in the "year round golf course look". Oh and if I lived in the city they would have a cow that I intend to keep my "lawn" no shorter than 6". HA

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

People can and do make tea out of lemon grass, but I'm not experienced enough to know if it would hurt chickens. I'd *think* not, but as said - not an expert. Here's a site that might help you. https://www.chickenkeepingsecrets.com/chicken-health/plants-that-are-toxic-to-chickens/
Some folks say that chickens seem to know what's poisonous to them, but if you put a toxic plant in a run where they don't have much else to interact with/eat...that might tempt them.

I have done so much Google research and found nothing that says it's not. So I'm guessing it should be fine. Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[Eggcentric One]

This is exactly the post I needed. I am getting ready to make my run over and was going to add some Lemon Grass plants. Are these ok for my chickens? I read hosta's are ok?[/QUOTE

There are places that sell region specific native seeds that are perennial. That will be my route. I may also plant starters. I will be including lemon grass and mint in slightly raised beds around the coop and run to discourage rodents. Apparently they care for those varieties about as much as the mosquito. HA

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

Yes lemon grass is also called mosquito grass. One side of my run is sunny, no shade, treets just plain.

 

[Eggscaping]

I have done so much Google research and found nothing that says it's not. So I'm guessing it should be fine. Thanks for your thoughts.

Happy to help - do post to update us all on anything you plant...that they eat...that doesn't agree with them - so the rest of us can stay on top of things!

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

Happy to help - do post to update us all on anything you plant...that they eat...that doesn't agree with them - so the rest of us can stay on top of things!

I sure will. Hope they don't eat it soon I get them planted lol

 

[Eggcentric One]

I sure will. Hope they don't eat it soon I get them planted lol

I would put something up ( tomato assists or temp fencing ) until they are established.

 

[fldiver97]

I have a variety of native grasses, also ripped out a good portion of the lawn in back and planted native shrubs and flowers. Never had a chook get sick from eating whatever grows. Some of the prairie plants get nibbled on more than others but it’s only obvious in the spring. Once the prairie plants get taller than about 8-10” they grow fast (and some up to 6-8 feet tall. The chickens love spending time in the thick of prairie plants and other natives. I do try to protect my Dutchman’s Breeches, Trilliums and Woodland Anemone as they are low growing shade plants and the girls tend to damage them a bit while scratching for bugs. Now veggies and berries need protection otherwise I never get to eat any

 

[Eggcentric One]

I have a variety of native grasses, also ripped out a good portion of the lawn in back and planted native shrubs and flowers. Never had a chook get sick from eating whatever grows. Some of the prairie plants get nibbled on more than others but it’s only obvious in the spring. Once the prairie plants get taller than about 8-10” they grow fast (and some up to 6-8 feet tall. The chickens love spending time in the thick of prairie plants and other natives. I do try to protect my Dutchman’s Breeches, Trilliums and Woodland Anemone as they are low growing shade plants and the girls tend to damage them a bit while scratching for bugs. Now veggies and berries need protection otherwise I never get to eat any

I am chuckling reading your comment.
I would think that they would love the taller native grasses as it would offer some sense of protection from predator eyes. Since my priority isn't for a "golf course lawn" and geared more towards a more natural environment for me and my charges I could care less about a little thinness that will fill in if cordoned off for a few weeks.
As I understand, my breed selections won't be big on flying, so blocking access should be a lot easier. ( Basque - Bielefelders and Light Sussex )
I will be planting some berry bushes in their run and in the yard. I am also considering planting a separate chickens garden, specifically to offer them.
Thoughts?

 

[Folly's place]

Your birds will demolish hostas in record time! Only plant them in shade and fenced away from the flock! Mixed pasture, or 'Pheasants Forever' type plantings, benefit everyone. Leave out really toxic plants, most especially in a run type area. In fact usually runs work best with deep bedding/ mulch, unless they are huge compared to flock size.
Mary