Want to plant clover in run?? Opinions??

[bairo]

I will have a run big enough to divide in two or three parts. I want to rotate them because I can not free range very often. I was thinking of planting clover because it grows fast. I am concerned about two things though, The first is the bees it will attract and if they will be harmful or actually be a snack for the chickens. The second would be the nutritional value of clover to chickens (especially if that is all that is there)

Does anyone have an opinion on this? Or can you say what might be the best seed to sow for my situation? I live in zone 6B

 

[bambi]

My hens do not eat bees and we have had trouble in the past with the bees keeping the girls from their feed. I don't know what is in the layer feed but it really draws the bees

 

[Captain Carrot]

clover is great. It fixes nitrogen into the soil, so it's good for the soil and grass that grows in the soil. It's also nutritious for the chickens to eat.

Chickens will not eat a bee even if it's dead, not even drones that have no sting. To keep them away from the clover, mow the lawn as the clover begins to flower and you'll have no problems.

 

[perchie.girl]

Quote:
You might grow alfalfa mixed in too. It grows fast and also loaded with nitrogen.

 

[clairabean]

I have done this int he past, but with flax seeds. Worked great.

 

[bairo]

so it sounds like maybe a mix of alfalfa, flax, and clover might be a good choice. I had actually researched making feed as well and know the value of all of these. How easily/quickly does flax take hold??
To clarify the run....It will be about 600+ sq.ft. for a maximum of 13 hens and a roo. I figured I might divide that into two 300 sq.ft. foot runs and rotate them. I'm after good plant nutrition and getting the area they are not in to recover quickly.