Seeding pen with some sort of grain

[lhousesoccer]

My chickens have worn down their 25x25 pen to just bare dirt and mud (and alot of manure). This spring, I'd like to seed it with something that will sprout and grow. I'll keep them out of it, of course, until it's done growing and ready for more trampling. What sort of grain/grass would people recommend that they would like to eat? I think I should just be able to scratch up the dirt real good, sprinkle in the seed, and water well. Any tips?

 

[dadtochickenfan]

Great minds think alike! I am planning on doing the same thing. I'm curious to see what the replies are.

 

[Angelight]

I was debating using my wild flower packets this way! HA!

 

[bj taylor]

maybe something like a cover crop that grows fast. buckwheat, field peas, oats, sunflower are a few that come to mind - of course it depends on your climate, sun exposure, etc.

 

[schmism]

what mag was i just reeding about growing rhy? with covered hardware cloth frames. The frames were based on 2x4 sides so girls couldnt eat the grass down to nothing. as the rhy grew up through the screen they nibbled it off. it allows you to re-seed areas inside a working run. frames were roughly 4x4 although could be made larger ....

 

[aart]

Chicken will tear up anything growing pretty fast.

Here's a grazing frame idea

http://www.thegardencoop.com/blog/2012/02/07/grazing-frames-backyard-chickens/

 

[Angelight]

Oh, that looks great! Thanks for sharing that!

 

[TattooedKeeper3]

I was just looking at my chicken yard today wondering if I could plant rye grass there. I bookmarked the page about grazing frames. I love that idea. I already have things here to make them with. Thank you so much for this thread. This website is awesome!

 

[CluckAcres]

Chicken will tear up anything growing pretty fast.

Here's a grazing frame idea

http://www.thegardencoop.com/blog/2012/02/07/grazing-frames-backyard-chickens/

Love it. This will be on my list to build this summer.