Planting the Ground for Tractor Chickens

[frostychicken]

I have the opportunity to plant some seeds in the area where I will use a chicken tractor. Has anyone planted a specific type of plant or variety of seed that the birds love to eat?

I don't have bare ground, but I'd like some denser plant life before putting chickens in that area...

 

[digitS']

Sand Hill Preservation Center sells seed mixes they call "Tasty Chicken Treats."

Brooder Yard Greens - Spring Pack: A mixture of Essex Rape, Millet, and Mustard.

Brooder Yard Greens - Fall Pack: A mixture of Essex Rape, Millet, Mustard, Turnips, and Winter Radishes.

Pastured poultry are usually placed on mixed forage of clover or alfalfa and perennial grasses. It usually takes a year without grazing before pastures can become established. The Sand Hill seed mixes are for annual plants.

Steve

 

[tvtaber]

How great that there is a company making such a mix! And also how amazing that you know about it!

Someone else asked about growing chickweed awhile back; here is the link provided for the seed:
http://www.wildgardenseed.com/index.php?cPath=55

Be aware they will eat this stuff up in about a day in a chicken tractor. We call them chickens, but really they are pigs!

Vicki

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
Newly seeded things (like, in their first 6 months to a year after seeding) will get destroyed even faster by the chickens than established vegetation will - and in a tractor the established vegetation will buy it quite quickly as it is!

So, make sure you think thru the time scale and longer-term issues before going to all the trouble of planting.

Pat

 

[kstaven]

Clover is one of your best bets for growing quick and being tough enough to stand up to chickens.