Supplementing run with bugs?

[rguerra75]

We have a 10x20 run for our girls--and we live in NC and he ground is pretty much red clay. We live surrounded by trees so we add a wheel barrel full of leaves just about every week but have been thinking if there is anyway to amend the soil with bugs or critters. I know plants or grass of any kind won't work as they will eat it faster than they can grow. But I was wondering if there were any bugs we could use in the area?

We try to let them range in the free yard as much as we can but it isn't every day--we have lots of hawks and other predators.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

You could try your hand at mealworm farming and toss them in with the leaf litter to be dug up.

 

[LakeMomNY]

I am planning on moving my compost bins into the run and seeding with red wrigglers.

I am also planning to lay down a few pieces of wood and a few big flat stones in the run...then every day or so I can turn one over and let them have a field day with the bugs underneath.

 

[Kazfam]

Rain (or a garden hose) and then added leaf litter will moisten the ground and draw critters.
They love ticks...I know NC has ticks because here in SC we have lots of them. We pick them off the cats and feed them to the chickens.

My son put cut logs all around the coop to keep out 'coons and opossums. The ground under the logs is an ideal place for worms and other critters to live. He periodically lifts the logs and lets the girls peck at the moist ground - they have a feast.

He is also raising meal-worms for winter. He started that when he had a bearded dragon and White's tree frog (still has that) so he doubled his efforts and has quite a meal-worm farm established.

Here is a pic of the logs against the fence:

 

[rguerra75]

Love the log idea--thanks!

 

[Kazfam]

You are welcome...its serves at least two purposes, food and protection.

The wood is cedar...smells great.