We really don't have a pasture, but we do have a HUGE former dog pen, apx. 40' x 25' and right now it's mostly dirt and a few old wood chips.
I want to replant it since our chicks are just arriving tomorrow that will give the new forage 6 weeks to get a start on the 12 chicks. I know I might be over confident that even this much space will hold up under 12 hens (3 each of Golden Buffs, Delaware, Speckled Sussex and Black Australorps), but I want to give it a fighting chance and plant what ever will hold up best AND be nutritious for the birds.
I've found a couple of things that might work. First is a perennial forage mix of clover with c hickory made for deer and wild turkey pasture.
The second item I thought might have potential is grass seed for "high traffic areas" (like play grounds etc.). I planted some of the latter 30 years ago and it stood up to drought, traffic etc. I'm sure it was a blend of tall fescues.
When you've planted new pastures, what have you found that the chickens like and stands up well to the scratching?
I'm thinking about mixing the two products, or maybe planing the pen 1/2 and 1/2. My husband and I have also talked about splitting the pen and alternating the hens between the two sides daily or ever several days. Thoughts on this?
My husband grew up on a working farm in the 50s and 60s, but his families chickens were free ranged on the lawn and garden and cooped at night, so DH hasn't got a clue either
These are going to be our first laying hens of our 35 years together and we're very excited! Kathy
I want to replant it since our chicks are just arriving tomorrow that will give the new forage 6 weeks to get a start on the 12 chicks. I know I might be over confident that even this much space will hold up under 12 hens (3 each of Golden Buffs, Delaware, Speckled Sussex and Black Australorps), but I want to give it a fighting chance and plant what ever will hold up best AND be nutritious for the birds.
I've found a couple of things that might work. First is a perennial forage mix of clover with c hickory made for deer and wild turkey pasture.
The second item I thought might have potential is grass seed for "high traffic areas" (like play grounds etc.). I planted some of the latter 30 years ago and it stood up to drought, traffic etc. I'm sure it was a blend of tall fescues.
When you've planted new pastures, what have you found that the chickens like and stands up well to the scratching?
I'm thinking about mixing the two products, or maybe planing the pen 1/2 and 1/2. My husband and I have also talked about splitting the pen and alternating the hens between the two sides daily or ever several days. Thoughts on this?
My husband grew up on a working farm in the 50s and 60s, but his families chickens were free ranged on the lawn and garden and cooped at night, so DH hasn't got a clue either
These are going to be our first laying hens of our 35 years together and we're very excited! Kathy
