Run... Grass.... Dirt.... Can't free range.... Advice!

[A1momof3]

This is my run we just finished and I need some ideas on what to do. There is no grass or any thing green in the pen/run. I can't free range due to wild life. So what should I do? Does anyone else have this issue and what did you do?

 

[heartsizedfarm]

That's a nice big run and I'm sure they'll enjoy it. I don't notice my chickens eat much grass when there are scraps from the compost or thrown lettuce leaves available.

You could always put some planters in there and try to grow some herbs or fast growing veg like radish or parsley?

 

[Tegan]

How about growing some fodder? It's simple, and I bet they would LOVE it. I grow wheat fodder (because it's all I can readily get) but I'm told barley grows a lot better. Honestly I think the wheat grows just fine!

 

[yyz0yyz0]

How about some grazing frames for in there? Think of a homemade sifter turned upside down.

build a couple frames out of 2x4s stood on edge, maybe 2'x2' square or whatever size/shape you feel will work for your setup. then cover one side of this frame in 1/2" hw cloth, lay the frame on the ground inside with the hw cloth side up. Throw in a handful of grass/wheat/oat seeds, the seeds will sprout and grow up through the hw cloth. The hens can eat what comes up through but can't dig up the roots. As growth gets old, you can simply move the frame to a new location start some new seeds and let them have at the old location with it's roots till they kill it.

Just keep relocating these around and they'll have lots to eat/pick/scratch at.

 

[A1momof3]

That's a nice big run and I'm sure they'll enjoy it. I don't notice my chickens eat much grass when there are scraps from the compost or thrown lettuce leaves available.

You could always put some planters in there and try to grow some herbs or fast growing veg like radish or parsley?

Radishes do grow fast. I had some in my garden n gave them the tops they loved them. I'll try that.

How about growing some fodder?  It's simple, and I bet they would LOVE it.  I grow wheat fodder (because it's all I can readily get) but I'm told barley grows a lot better.  Honestly I think the wheat grows just fine!

I have been doing sprouts and the love them. Just wish they has that out in the run all the time. Lol

How about some grazing frames for in there?   Think of a homemade sifter turned upside down.

build a couple frames out of 2x4s stood on edge, maybe 2'x2' square or whatever size/shape you feel will work for your setup.  then cover one side of this frame in 1/2" hw cloth, lay the frame on the ground inside with the hw cloth side up.  Throw in a handful of grass/wheat/oat seeds, the seeds will sprout and grow up through the hw cloth.  The hens can eat what comes up through but can't dig up the roots.  As growth gets old, you can simply move the frame to a new location start some new seeds and let them have at the old location with it's roots till they kill it.

Just keep relocating these around and they'll have lots to eat/pick/scratch at.

I have been thinking about this and I may try it. What do you think is a fast growing grass. I have wheat that I use for sprouts. Will that grown in the ground it said it was wheat sprouts. Is there a difference?

 

[Gayleyy]

Wow that is a nice run!!! I bet they love all that room!!! I can not keep anything living in my run, the chickens destroy it! We just either fill little wire baskets with grass and little plants for them to eat, or toss a bunch in the run and let them scratch it around and eat it. They love both! I am going to put planters around the outside of the run this year, with extra seedlings from the garden, like carrots, romaine, kale and collard greens. I figure they can pull leaves in through the chicken wire to eat, but can not destroy the plants entirely. After they strip one side, the planter can be turned. IDK if it will work, but can not hurt to try it!