Plants for Avery type run.

[joer77]

I am wanting to plant up 16by16 enclosure Avery off my chicken runs. I am wanting it to look like natural bird exhibit. There will only be a few birds in it at a time. It is sort of a play area not their main runs. There is a large Hackberry tree already in the middle of this area, which I know my birds eat. I was wanting to know it there are any types of bushes or grasses that will grow in enrich chicken poop soil. I know of Grass/clover boxes and vegetables but not much about more landscape type plants. Ant suggestion or picture's of Avery type runs?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Chickens will quickly dig up plants. Shrubs would need to be well established, but even than chickens will dig up the roots dust bathing. I have seen where people grow grass or other fodder with a fence over the top to keep the chickens from digging.

Another option is starting pots with things like lettuce, but that a lot of labor, for little payoff.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Chickens will quickly dig up plants. Shrubs would need to be well established, but even than chickens will dig up the roots dust bathing. I have seen where people grow grass or other fodder with a fence over the top to keep the chickens from digging.

Another option is starting pots with things like lettuce, but that a lot of labor, for little payoff.

Maybe planting shrubs in large pots will stop the chickens from digging the roots up.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Maybe planting shrubs in large pots will stop the chickens from digging the roots up.

As long as they can't squeeze in the pots.

 

[SomeChickinTN]

As long as they can't squeeze in the pots.

Maybe could you hang them at beak level? (If meant to be edible?)

 

[imnukensc]

I think it would be darn near impossible to have an aviary type setting with lush green trees, bushes, foliage etc. with chickens.

 

[Melodychick]

I’ve planted shrubs and flowers in my outdoor run with success. I put large concrete blocks around the base so the chickens can’t scratch up the roots. So far I’ve grown Beautyberry, butterfly bush, monarda, blueberries and oregano. Some things I’ve tried have been eaten though, so be sure to check if plants are safe.

 

[Brahmachicken240]

My chickens coop is in my cottage garden, they’re free range.
In spring the chickens will peck at a few of the new coming buds but that’s about it.
The garden consists of over 40 roses, lavender, leyandii, buddleia, rudbeckia, Nippon daisy, petunia, Japanese maple, Cytisus broom, fox glove, sedum autumn joy, giant and dwarf sunflowers, laurel, rhododendron, Delphinium, strawberries, monkey flower, ligularia, Montbretia

 

[Shadrach]

My chickens coop is in my cottage garden, they’re free range.
In spring the chickens will peck at a few of the new coming buds but that’s about it.
The garden consists of over 40 roses, lavender, leyandii, buddleia, rudbeckia, Nippon daisy, petunia, Japanese maple, Cytisus broom, fox glove, sedum autumn joy, giant and dwarf sunflowers, laurel, rhododendron, Delphinium, strawberries, monkey flower, ligularia, Montbretia
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Looks absolutely lovely.

 

[Shadrach]

I am wanting to plant up 16by16 enclosure Avery off my chicken runs. I am wanting it to look like natural bird exhibit. There will only be a few birds in it at a time. It is sort of a play area not their main runs. There is a large Hackberry tree already in the middle of this area, which I know my birds eat. I was wanting to know it there are any types of bushes or grasses that will grow in enrich chicken poop soil. I know of Grass/clover boxes and vegetables but not much about more landscape type plants. Ant suggestion or picture's of Avery type runs?

Of course it can be done and if done right the chickens won't destroy it.
Established and transplanted shrubs rather than plants is a good starting point. Much depends on your location. Here Rosemary bushes, Thyme bushes, Lavender, Dwarf Pines, Laural Bushes and many others can all survive chicken gardening skills provided there is enough space relative to the number of chickens. Flowers and more delicate plants can be added as each season permits. You'll lose some.
You will probably find that the chickens will 'adopt' particular plants as preferred shelter spots. The ground under such plants takes a bit of a hammering but the plants usually survive.