Seeding/Reseeding ground cover for chicken yard ?

[zekii]

We are going to rotate our chickens between 3 different enclosed yards. Between rotations is there any reccomendations for seeding a ground crop for chickens, probably something that will grow quickly, and be beneficial for them ?
Also I'm sure this would be based on our growing zone, which is zone 5.

 

[Mak]

This is what I am using:

http://www.groworganic.com/omega-3-chicken-forage-blend-irrigated.html

I just got it at the end of the season last year, and didn't get a good cover grown before the cold hit. I am looking forward to seeing how it does once the weather warms up.

 

[Cargo]

 

[RIBill]

I am planning the same thing. You will need to plant at least 2 or 3 seasons of crops. Peas, mangel (beets), mustard, and any cole crops or greens make good forage for spring and fall. Buckwheat would make a good summer forage. Depending on your site and the weather, you could get a cold crop, a warm crop and a cold crop for them to graze on. If you have 3 yards, you might want to do a spring cover in one really early, middle and late. Then, you can graze them on whichever plot looks best. If one fails, you just plant it with your warm crop. In mid/late July, you can switch over to planting your cold season crops again. If you want to store some seed for winter feeding, plant one of the plots with feed corn and sunflowers. That's about the best you can do in zone 5. At least, you would give the best chance for successful forage crops. If you have a long summer, you might be able to overseed with rye or clover to give a little extra green to control erosion.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
I wish they sold the seed and not the plants. I'll probably buy what is available locally, annual rye and clover, and see what else they have.

Also

 

[jenhippiechic]

Just wanted to say to Mak Thank You SO SO much!! I have spent so much time trying to find what I could plant for my chickens and this is perfect! Thanks for sharing!