Official BYC Poll: Do You Grow Fodder For Your Chickens?

[Fowldad]

I set up a Quack-a-phonics system last fall, had it in operation for about a month and then the guineas found out were the goodies were coming from!! As I have 5 ducks that supply more than enough poo I pump the water out of their 'pond' into the 'system' which consist of 6 half totes (The water line is at 12"). While I used only 3 of the 6 I'll bring the others online in the spring. So far it looks as though it will be a good supplement to their free ranging. With 30 birds total I'm anxious to see how many less pellets they eat. Before that can happen I'll need to cover the sprouts, I'm thinking using some old storm windows I have on site, build a frame, everyone knows the drill.

 

[Perris]

I don't grow fodder because there is always grass for them here.

 

[SueT]

Instead of growing fodder, I collect wild plants for my chickens. Chickweed grows year round here in profusion, and can be pulled up by the handful. They love chickweed!

Ditto on all the above for henbit, but they don't like it as much. If it's all I offer, they'll eat it.

 

[TimberLine Homestead]

Mine free range over 5 acres. They don't need any more greens.

SAME

 

[Sally PB]

Jealous of your year round greens.

 

[CatSeg57]

I don't have the space for fodder. Maybe when we start meat chickens I will.

 

[Kenzelton the 3rd]

I live in Texas, they have 8 acres of grass, clover, wild dewberries, leftover grain from the horse’s feed, grasshoppers, June beetles, and cicadas to enjoy. Along with daily treats from the garden. So I don’t feel the need to grow special. Yet.

 

[Orpingtons Mom]

I want to try it, but my chickens are so incredibly picky with food, especially anything green, that I don’t want to waste a bunch of time and effort only to have them laugh in my face and walk away.

Tell me about it. My chickens refuse to eat meal worms. Even the live ones...

 

[RubelliteRose]

I don't grow fodder. Previously, I cursed our lack of winter and having to weed all year round. This year, now that I have chickens, I can say Hazzah! my chickens can continue to free range and do the weeding for me

 

[3KillerBs]

I don't grow fodder. Previously, I cursed our lack of winter and having to weed all year round. This year, now that I have chickens, I can say Hazzah! my chickens can continue to free range and do the weeding for me

I just tossed some false dandelion into the pen 10 minutes ago.