Need ideas for what to plant around run

[Amyboogamer]

I will be building some raised beds around our chicken run (about 16’ long x 16” deep). I’d like something that's not hazardous to the chickens and that also can provide somewhat of a dust block since our bedroom window is not far from the coop. I’ve thought of veggies but also star jasmine or some other kind of vine that would also provide a nice smell. Also, suggestions on what to put on the run floor? Currently it’s just dirt.

 

[NatJ]

suggestions on what to put on the run floor? Currently it’s just dirt.

Compost pile. Or deep litter. Any combination of wood chips, shavings, pulled-up weeds, table scraps, dead leaves in the fall, grass clippings, shredded paper (only a small percent of the total--otherwise it packs down into a mess), hay, straw, what you clean out of the chicken coop, etc.

I will be building some raised beds around our chicken run (about 16’ long x 16” deep). I’d like something that's not hazardous to the chickens and that also can provide somewhat of a dust block since our bedroom window is not far from the coop. I’ve thought of veggies but also star jasmine or some other kind of vine that would also provide a nice smell.

If you're worried about chickens taking bites of it, then skip tomatoes and potatoes (toxic leaves.)

It should be safe for chickens to eat any leaves that people eat. So herbs, lettuce/cabbage, etc. I know pea and bean plants are safe, broccoli/cabbage/brussels sprouts/kohlrabi/turnip are safe, corn plants are safe. I think carrot tops, radish leaves, pumpkin/squash/cucumber plants are safe. Asparagus should be safe. Pansies, violets, roses are safe. I think sunflowers are safe (and they can grow quite big!) I've read that lilies and their leaves are edible.

In general, it's easy to find lists of plants that are toxic to dogs, cats, children: probably safest to avoid anything on those lists.

Plants advertised as "deer resistant" are usually toxic (that's why the deer avoid them!)

 

[rosemarythyme]

Carrot tops are definitely safe, mine enjoy them. Anything from the brassica family as well (broccoli, kale, cabbage, etc). Peas don't last once it gets hot but during early spring/early summer you can trellis those up the run wall, and they're not so heavy as to cause structural issues.

 

[5.3acredream]

I just planted obedient plant against my chicken run. The bees love it, it grows about 4' tall and I know the chickens will take care of any runaway rhizomes.