The hidden benefits of sunflowers

[tonini3059]

I wasn't sure where to post this so if it is better suited somewhere else feel free to move it. Anyway I planted a small "food plot" for my chickens this spring comprising of millet and sunflowers. I figured that the chickens would enjoy both and left it at that. However as the sunflowers matured and the seeds ripened it seems as though the chickens are not the only ones enjoying the sunflowers. I have noticed a bunch of Blue Jays enjoying them as well. I am rather pleased by this fact since they should at the very least alert my chickens to the presence of a hawk, if not confront it outright and chase it away. This is the time of the year that the Cooper's Hawks migrate through here and I usually loose a few bantams. Hopefully the Blue Jays will help me out.

 

[mmtillman]

Great idea...and since we too, are experiencing more hawks here...I am goin to put out more sunflower seeds in my feeder to attract the jays....they are a good alert system for hawks and cats, too!! Thanks for the tip...and I loved your pictures of your coop!!!!! And your ducks!!

 

[deanna&rich]

Ooooh, that's excellent. Our sunflowers have bloomed but we don't think they're going to make it all the way to seed, but we are planning to plant them earlier next year. So, some will get planted next to the coop!!! thanks!

 

[Luna_Chick66]

Quote:
Ditto.

Would it be ok to put a bird feeder with sunflower seeds near the chicken run/coop? Or would that invite different problems?

 

[tonini3059]

I am not really sure, this is the first year I have planted anything near the coop for the chickens to eat. My only concern with putting a bird feeder near the coop would be the possible disease transmission between wild birds and your chickens. However this may not be much of a concern since the chickens, if they free range, would encounter wild birds all the time.