What grass to plant in rotational run?

[Trish1974]

Towards the end of last summer I made two additions to my chicken run which I plan to use for rotational grazing. One was completed in July, which allowed enough time for them to scratch it down to dirt so it will definitely need to be seeded. The second run was completed Labor Day weekend, and though they didn't have enough time to scratch the ground bare but I would like to reseed that run also. What would be a good grass or legume to plant in my rotational runs that would have strong roots and rebound growth quickly? I am in zone 5 and have soft, silty soil.

 

[azygous]

Bunch grasses, also called tussock grasses. Here is why they are so good if you have chickens, and they are also drought resistant. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tussock_(grass) Most feed stores will carry these seeds. Or you can order over the internet.

Be aware that any newly seeded grass needs time and protection until it establishes its roots. Covering the seeded area with chicken wire will prevent the chickens from scratching up the seedlings.

 

[Folly's place]

A mixed planting of grasses and stuff, as in the Pheasants Forever mixes, or basically edible weeds, clovers, grasses, and whatever. Violets. purslane. Either plants that you reseed often, or very tough things that grow wherever.
The chickens will dig in it and work it over very well, looking for bugs and worms, so it's not going to be 'lawn'.
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

Shrubs with edible fruit; they will need to be protected when small. I have rocks around mine along the coop to prevent digging the roots.
Mary

 

[centrarchid]

Timothy would be top of my list for a grass you can get as seed. Any legume valued as livestock forage has potential for use as chicken forage although taller growing varities will provide no advantages. I suggest Ladino Clover for that. I am from Indiana so have familiarity with conditions there. Soil that has recently had a lot of chickens on it my be a little hot / nutrient rich for getting plants of interest up. Be prepared to lime soil.

 

[Trish1974]

Ah Timothy grass! Completely forgot about that as an option. Also didn't think of adding lime...thanks for that heads up. I think I'll try to find a mix of all the above mentioned. Will adding a little alfalfa be okay? I know there is a lot of nutritional value to alfalfa and it has deep roots, but I also know too much is not good for horses so I didn't know how it would be for chickens.

 

[Folly's place]

Variety is good! Mary