need to re-seed the run

[ctjim]

i need to rseed my run and was wondering what would work best. my flock mostly free ranges but lately we've had some bobcat issues around town, as well as our new puppy(bird dog mix) getting the hens. so i plan to build another run off my current run so i will be able to rotate pastures so to speak. the new run won't need to be seeded right away. but the current run needs some work after this past winter. i was thinking of some perennial rye grass mixed w/ some sunflowers or oats maybe some milo. then let is just grow til it reaches about a foot or better then let them in for a week then rotate out to the next pasture, then free range a bit. was wondering if anyone has done any seeding and if so what did you use, thanks jim

 

[s6bee]

It's really kind of pointless to reseed. It will be gone in nothing flat. Mine just get the occasional free range the last hour before the sun goes down.

 

[Motel Chix]

I Have 2 runs and till and plant a cheap contractors mix with bird seed also mixed, it gives a mixed amount of growth. I let it get about 6 inches and let them in and till the other and plant. If you have good weather you can do this a few times a summer. I also let out in evenings to free range.

 

[bills]

Rotating the pastures as you intend, should allow the seed to grow, although it may take awhile to get a foot high. Rye actually grows pretty fast, and is probably a good choice. If you planted it now, it should reach a foot by the end of July. If you let it go to seed before letting the birds in, they will have a lot of seeds to feed on, which could help with the feed bill. The stalks are quite course, and when dry are a lot like straw, and doesn't break down (compost) all that fast. You could plant a winter rye in the other pasture, so it will be in shape for late winter or spring, to be able to rotate the birds out again.