Need a climbing plant that is chicken safe

[NorCal_Fluffers]

I would like to plant something on the run portion that is a climbing variety to provide shade in summer. I’m in Northern California, zone 9B, so there isn’t much I can’t grow here.

 

[mixedbreeds]

How about some climbing roses

 

[rosemarythyme]

Peas and nasturtium are both safe to eat. Downside is they're annuals.

 

[aart]

Shade cloth, and a solid roof, might be a better option...
.....climbing plants can tear up a structure especially with the mesh to grab onto.

 

[trumpeting_angel]

Shade cloth, and a solid roof, might be a better option...
.....climbing plants can tear up a structure especially with the mesh to grab onto.

I was thinking about vines for shade, too. Would a trellis a couple of inches outside/above the coop save the hardware cloth?

 

[SarahGfa]

Passionfruit vines grow fast in Zone 9. the chickens love the fruit too.

 

[DragonParadigm]

View attachment 1749834 I would like to plant something on the run portion that is a climbing variety to provide shade in summer. I’m in Northern California, zone 9B, so there isn’t much I can’t grow here.

What about some bean vines? Can chickens eat or nibble on beans?

 

[SurferchickinSB]

Shade cloth, and a solid roof, might be a better option...
.....climbing plants can tear up a structure especially with the mesh to grab onto.

I would definitely put a roof on that. They will need shade in the summer and in the winter you don’t want your run to get all muddy.You can buy those plastic panels from the hardware store and just screw on a roof really easily.

 

[aart]

I was thinking about vines for shade, too. Would a trellis a couple of inches outside/above the coop save the hardware cloth?

Depending on the plant, a couple of inches may not be enough.

 

[Harley Chick]

I had morning glories growing on one side but this year we are expanding the run so I found grape vines on clearance last year and will plant them somewhere in the run. Its comical as heck to watch them jump up to get the grapes and they can be pruned yearly to keep them from getting out of control. But i'm watching this thread as I too like to have natural shade for the girls.