What can I plant that my girls won’t eat

[Mjwilcox]

I have a very nice run for my flock. I have chickens and ducks. I love to spoil them but, I would like to plant something they can enjoy but that will come back. I let them free range done but when I do I always lose one to a preditor no matter how much I try to keep an eye on them. I do the hay and grass clippings also. I would just like more options

 

[wyoDreamer]

Maybe make what I call a "garden box" for the chickens.
I took 4 pieces of 2x4 and made a frame that I topped with 1/2" welded wire mesh. I planted some alfalfa in the corner of the run and placed the frame over it, with the mesh on top. I attached the wooden frame to the wire fencing of the run to keep it in place. With the mesh about 3" above the ground, the chickens can eat the alfalfa as it grows but are not able to scratch the roots out of the ground.
I used alfalfa because it was some seeds that I had on hand and they love alfalfa sprouts, so I figured they would like to "graze" fresh alfalfa. I got the idea from a BYC'er who has a number of these in her run.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

Maybe make what I call a "garden box" for the chickens.
I took 4 pieces of 2x4 and made a frame that I topped with 1/2" welded wire mesh. I planted some alfalfa in the corner of the run and placed the frame over it, with the mesh on top. I attached the wooden frame to the wire fencing of the run to keep it in place. With the mesh about 3" above the ground, the chickens can eat the alfalfa as it grows but are not able to scratch the roots out of the ground.
I used alfalfa because it was some seeds that I had on hand and they love alfalfa sprouts, so I figured they would like to "graze" fresh alfalfa. I got the idea from a BYC'er who has a number of these in her run.

This is a really good idea!

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

You could plant some box woods or an small arborvitae in the run. Just make sure to put rocks around the plant for a season or two so that the roots can get established without the chickens digging them up.

 

[ellenscoop]

Here is a good infographic with some enrichment ideas - http://www.poultrydvm.com/featured-infographic/environmental-enrichment-for-poultry

 

[aart]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/grazing-frames.73645/

 

[jthornton]

I have 8 sprout boxes that are made from 2x6's and are 1' x 2' with 1/2" HC on top. I put 1 cup of wheat that has soaked over night into the sprout box. By day 8 the box is full of wheat sprouts and I start rotating the last one to a new spot and let them have at it.

JT