Ornamental Feed

[HausOfEggwards]

Hey everyone!

I'm planning to use some front yard space to grow some of my chicken's feed, and I'm looking for ideas that look pretty and preferably can store through the winter. Definitely want to do a row of sunflowers and a row of amaranth. Does anyone have any more ideas for plants that would look "normal" in a suburban (zone 5b) front yard?

Has anyone fed purple majesty millet to their birds. It's described as "ornamental" not "edible" so I'm not sure, but it's so pretty I gotta ask.

Thanks all!

 

[FrappcinoObsession]

Hey everyone!

I'm planning to use some front yard space to grow some of my chicken's feed, and I'm looking for ideas that look pretty and preferably can store through the winter. Definitely want to do a row of sunflowers and a row of amaranth. Does anyone have any more ideas for plants that would look "normal" in a suburban (zone 5b) front yard?

Has anyone fed purple majesty millet to their birds. It's described as "ornamental" not "edible" so I'm not sure, but it's so pretty I gotta ask. View attachment 2674272
Thanks all!

You could try all though I have no knowldge and none of my chickens have ever tried so.

 

[TheAlrightyGina]

If it's millet it's probably fine. There are some nice looking buckwheats that you can use as a ground cover. Lettuce actually makes a good ornamental, especially the reds/reddish cut and come again ones. There is also at least one ornamental corn that I know of...I think it's called Striped Japonica?

 

[HausOfEggwards]

This corn is gorgeous (things I didn't think I'd ever say lol) I'll definitely try this

 

[TheAlrightyGina]

This corn is gorgeous (things I didn't think I'd ever say lol) I'll definitely try thisView attachment 2676425

Yep, that's it! Good luck with your food plot!

 

[JacinLarkwell]

This corn is gorgeous (things I didn't think I'd ever say lol) I'll definitely try thisView attachment 2676425

What species is that?

 

[TheAlrightyGina]

What species is that?

As far as I know it's Zea mays just like all corn. It's just a varietal bred in Japan.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Its very low growing, but give mint some consideration - and it comes back year after year.

Any of the millets, or sorghum, which looks just like it.

Flax has tiny blue flowers and does well.

Amaranth

Peas (winter / Austrian)

Nasturtiums (not good for storage, i admit - but quick growing nice splash of color). Marigolds, too. Creeping Thyme. Vinca Minor (Periwinckle)

 

[TheAlrightyGina]

Its very low growing, but give mint some consideration - and it comes back year after year.

Any of the millets, or sorghum, which looks just like it.
View attachment 2676540

Flax has tiny blue flowers and does well.
View attachment 2676539

Amaranth
View attachment 2676541

Peas (winter / Austrian)
View attachment 2676545

Nasturtiums (not good for storage, i admit - but quick growing nice splash of color). Marigolds, too. Creeping Thyme. Vinca Minor (Periwinckle)


View attachment 2676547

Nasturtiums are an excellent suggestion. Balsam (a type of Impatiens) might also work. I know the latter can be a little rough on the human palate but I can't find anything saying it's bad for chickens.

 

[Brooks_]

Calendula would be a nice addition.