sawilliams
Songster
I know this isn't specifically coop related, but my chickens free range most of the day and thier coop and run is located under an oak tree on a hill side. I'm not worried about the run area but the hill just outside the coop. Becuase of the oak there isn't much grass so the chickens are digging holes into the hill, that paired with the voles moles and ground squirrels makes for some pretty big holes. My parents gave me a pretty big clump of sage and i know its one that should be pot planted becuase it spreads. But I'm wondering if sage is safe for chickens? Like if I planted it on the hill side and let it take over that area is out ok if they eat it? Should i find a different ground cover plant? I would do mint but I know they will eat and dig that up so far they haven't touched the sage. I just need something to stabilze the hill so they aren't digging there. My only other options would be moving the coop (but that's the only shade tree not on the lawn) artificial grass, or lining the hill with rocks or terraced planters all which would be more expensive then establishing a good ground cover. Of course as the plant took over they would potentially have access to it on the inside from at least the 1 side of the run and anytime they are out. So the plant had to be chicken safe as well as strong.