USED to have grass before chickens-HELP!!

[IdyllwildAcres]

I had a big section of my property that I had subfenced for the chickens when I first started out. It got to the point where I could not go in that area without getting poop on my shoes, I could not allow the dog in there or he would eat the poop. I made them a large, 400 SF run and now I can enjoy them even more without the poop.
Chickens and kids, they need boundaries.

 

[K0k0shka]

Clover gets horrible little white flowers on it though.

Horrible?? I love clover flowers! They look like little heads, like a bunch of little kids playing in the grass. They are great for bees, too. I'm not one to insist on a uniform perfect carpet grass though, I like a more natural look and flowers of all kinds are welcome.

 

[MissE]

I like the clover flowers too. But not in the grass where I want to walk with bare feet in the summer. Too dangerous to get a bee sting.

No way am I walking barefoot in an area chickens have access to. Have you seen what comes out of them? I'd rather get stung by a bee than clean chicken poo from between my toes.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

From Nature's Way, you'd be looking at this. Clovers, more clovers, even more clovers, some flax, and buckwheat for a bit of height.

If you'd prefer something more "grassy", look for fescues, orchard grasses, plus chickory, clovers (of course), bird-foot trefoil, vetch, etc.

 

[NCLady52]

My chickens DESTROYED our yard. Literally. No grass left. It's all dirt, mud, and leaves now.

Bless you. I have tiny patches here and there widely scattered. Despite them doing the grass major damage, I wouldn't trade them for the world. They are even more entertaining than my dog or cat and that's saying a lot! Spring is a'comin so you might find some grass left too.

 

[Pullet Press]

I have to agree, clover is good ground cover (plus, it adds nutrients to the soil). Lasts through freezes very well.

 

[Appalachickens]

Clover gets horrible little white flowers on it though. I must admit it is extremely hardy if you want greenery all year round including when hens are feeding on it.

Those “horrible little white flowers” are much beloved by honeybees. I encourage them in my yard.

 

[Pullet Press]

No one ever told my Brahmas that.

They can dig a hole deep enough to bring their backs level with the ground in a single afternoon.

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Probably just depends on the chicken. (Lovely Brahmas, BTW)

 

[CHlCKEN]

I think you will just have to keep them from roaming on the area your reseeding. Chickens are really hard on the ground

X2. Putting down grass seed that chickens have access to is a waste of money. I speak from experience. Just close off all access.

Chickens are really hard on the ground, though, so in reality putting down more grass won’t do any good because they’ll dig it right back up.

 

[NCLady52]

I think you will just have to keep them from roaming on the area your reseeding. Chickens are really hard on the ground

Tell me about it! lol I love them, but they are hell on grass! Wouldn't trade them for the world though. Any suggestions for the type of grass I should use to cut down on them decimating it again?