What kind of grass to grow?

[15WildTurkey]

I dream about a mulberry tree. There was one in a neighbors yard when I lived in the city. We were cursed by its berries dropping. It ruined our patio and the cars on the block were plastered in purple poo. But now that I have chickens !!! I would love that tree. Constant food, lovely shade.

 

[Madhouse Pullet]

But you might be able to grow plants outside the run, that will stick in through the wire and the chickens can eat just those parts. I'm not sure what does well in shade, though.

You could try peas-- any of the kinds that people grow in a garden for people to eat. They grow nice vines, and the leaves/stems are safe to eat too. So they can climb up the outside of the fence, the chickens can pick bits off through the wire, but the chickens cannot scratch the roots up. Or beans, the climbing/vine kind. Those leaves/stems are edible too. I'm not sure how well either one does in shade, but it only costs 1 packet of seed to find out (unless you have seed leftover from planting a garden--then it's free.)

The shade is my biggest issue with growing stuff for them. Currently my first time growing lettuce and khale in the sun in pots. Thought once they're big enough would be perfect.

 

[rosemarythyme]

But you might be able to grow plants outside the run, that will stick in through the wire and the chickens can eat just those parts. I'm not sure what does well in shade, though.

You could try peas-- any of the kinds that people grow in a garden for people to eat. They grow nice vines, and the leaves/stems are safe to eat too. So they can climb up the outside of the fence, the chickens can pick bits off through the wire, but the chickens cannot scratch the roots up.

Peas are pretty much done for the year at this point, unless you can really micromanage them. I've already torn mine down (I trellis them on the run).

Easier to bring greenery to them, such as weed clumps and garden trimmings that they can pick through at their leisure.

 

[Madhouse Pullet]

Peas are pretty much done for the year at this point, unless you can really micromanage them. I've already torn mine down (I trellis them on the run).

Easier to bring greenery to them, such as weed clumps and garden trimmings that they can pick through at their leisure.

I think delivery will be my best option. I am a newbie at growing so I'm learning as I go but khale really took off don't know what I'm doing though.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I think delivery will be my best option. I am a newbie at growing so I'm learning as I go but khale really took off

Kale is good. I start them in spring, let them go dormant in winter, and by spring I have these 3-4' tall plants! I break off a few leaves, wad 'em up, and stuff them into a suet cage or treat cage, and let the birds tear at them.

 

[Madhouse Pullet]

Kale is good. I start them in spring, let them go dormant in winter, and by spring I have these 3-4' tall plants! I break off a few leaves, wad 'em up, and stuff them into a suet cage or treat cage, and let the birds tear at them.

I shall keep that noted! So exciting

 

[SoilMatesofGA]

I’m curious about the same grass question. I have my hens in a chicken tractor I move around my backyard. I’m on my first loop, but think I can space out the daily moves to make it take 3 weeks before I repeat a section. I had a mix of Bermuda, fescue, and weeds and now have a lot less of each.
i was thinking of throwing a handful of seed down after every move. Is that not even worth it? Hancock seeds has a poultry forage mix I thought of trying too, but know rye germinates quickly if that would be OK for the girls instead? - Alex