What to plant in chicken area

[lindzkg]

We have four ladies and we have a coop with a run but let them out into a little larger enclosure when we can't be in the back yard with them and I was trying to think of what to plant there that might make it more appealing. I've tried some things that have been destroyed within minutes, which I knew would happen, but was still hoping it wouldn't haha. Everyday they get to go into either the front or back yard for quite sometime to eat grass and see what there is to see, but I'm just hoping this area could look less sad.

(Look past that yuckie bag, I just cleaned their coop

)

 

[IceAngel]

Have you tried planting something in pots? Get the plants well established and then move the pots into the area. You could also cover an area with raised chicken wire so that they can't scratch out the seeds.

 

[lynnehd]

We have four ladies and we have a coop with a run but let them out into a little larger enclosure when we can't be in the back yard with them and I was trying to think of what to plant there that might make it more appealing. I've tried some things that have been destroyed within minutes, which I knew would happen, but was still hoping it wouldn't haha. Everyday they get to go into either the front or back yard for quite sometime to eat grass and see what there is to see, but I'm just hoping this area could look less sad.
(Look past that yuckie bag, I just cleaned their coop

)

You could build some 'grazing frames'. They can be any size, to fit any area. Basically use 2x4's for the frame, cross pieces of 1x2's every 2 feet. Cover with 1/2" hardware mesh. Plant chicken healthy seeds underneath, leave in place, and let grow.
The chickens will nibble greenery that reaches the mesh, but can't destroy the roots.
I have 4 of them in my larger daytime area, and they work very well.

Grazing frames:
http://www.thegardencoop.com/blog/2012/02/07/grazing-frames-backyard-chickens/

Seeds I use, because I'm not covering a large area, this is the perfect amount for me.
https://hancockseed.com/hancocks-happy-hen-forage-seed-mix-5-lb-bag-976.html

 

[Mini Meat]

X2 Grazing frames.

 

[beginnergirl]

Have you tried planting something in pots?  Get the plants well established and then move the pots into the area.  You could also cover an area with raised chicken wire so that they can't scratch out the seeds.

I gave my 3 chickens pots of kale. They were gone in one day. Love the grazing frame idea but I have a roof on the run so not sure it would grow. Anyone use a grazing frame with a small amount of direct sunlight?

 

[lynnehd]

I gave my 3 chickens pots of kale. They were gone in one day. Love the grazing frame idea but I have a roof on the run so not sure it would grow. Anyone use a grazing frame with a small amount of direct sunlight?

They might. They don't need light to sprout, but you don't want them to get too leggy as they grow a few inches.
Maybe make a small, narrow frame and give it a try.

 

[Folly's place]

Wood chips or shavings, shrubs, and maybe catmint. Mary