Pictures of my coop's grazing bed

[Bangarang64]

I thought I'd share a few pictures of the grazing bed I made in my main coop. I put it right next to the sides to discourage perching/pooping on it. Since it's always in the shade, wheat seems to be the best crop to grow in it right now. I probably made it too high, but I read somewhere the grass grows healthier the longer it gets before snipping it off.

 

[farmkids]

That's a really great idea!

 

[Going Quackers]

Clever idea! i could see one making portable versions.

 

[Bangarang64]

The first time, I tried growing it in a pan first and laying it down like sod. It didn't work very well. I used millet that time and I don't think it liked the shade. This time i just covered the little bit of earth in the box with a layer of wheat seed and then I hardly covered the seed with dirt, not even a half inch really. Watered it everyday and it worked!

 

[escape]

Wow! What a great idea!

 

[nab58]

Do you need to keep adding grain or do the chickens just take off the top and it keeps growing?

 

[milola]

Great idea! I will definitely be using this idea. I only let my chickens out to free range 3 or 4 hours a day and this will give the constant access to the good stuff even when they are confined to the pen. Thanks for the idea.

 

[Bangarang64]

Do you need to keep adding grain or do the chickens just take off the top and it keeps growing?

That's a great question!
You don't have to keep replanting the seed if you use the right crop.
I had planned to grow millet at first, which I know grows back just like a lawn after you mow it. I couldn't really get it going though. I had some Wheat seed laying around and just covered the ground in the box with a good layer of it and put a light covering of soil on top of that and it worked.

I have no idea how long the wheat will replenish itself after being trimmed off, but so far it's behaving just like mowed grass and continues to grow up through the wire.

Here's a better look at the top of the bed and the grass:

 

[nab58]

I'm going to try that once (if) spring gets here. Even if the wheat dies out and weeds take over, the girls will love it! Thanks for the idea.

 

[lorain's fids]

Great idea to make a little one inside the run! Maybe this spring I'll through some wheat seeds in it- was using grass seeds, but maybe the wheat will grow better.

I have 2 set up for them in different areas outside their run.