What to Plant in Field for Chickens

[Ellie]

What would you suggest that I plant in a field I let the chickens graze on? It is now weeds as it has been since time began I suppose.

Anyway, I would like something that I can mow (I hate snakes) like grass, but grass is finicky and chickens like other things... something that would look nice and yet feed them.

What do y'all think? I planted some "chicken forage" mix in places but that would be far too expensive for this area.

Thanks,
Ellie

 

[soctippy]

you could try to get a pasture mix from the local feed store, this is a good mix for most pasture animals, and you can mow it. The chickens will pick and choose what they want to eat, they also love all the bugs that live in the grasses. And by the way, i have seen large chickens catch and eat snakes.

 

[hcammack]

chickens like clover

 

[dangerouschicken]

Mine love dandelion and there are always plenty of those free to seed around

 

[hooligan]

Millet, amaranth, clover, wheat, oats...even if you decided not to mow they would self seed and you'd have them for years

 

[Lobzi]

I have a lot of Nasturtium that grows naturally where I live. Chickie seems to enjoy pecking at the big leaves.

 

[hooligan]

Nasturtium are edible in human food too

 

[Ellie]

I will check on the pasture mix. Great idea, it should grow in my area which is great. (think hot and dry)

Hooligan, do these things, Millet, amaranth, clover, wheat, oats come in a mix.. or did you mean pick one?

Sorry for the ignorance, I had no idea I would become a "farmer" with these chickens.

Ellie

 

[Lobzi]

Quote:
Yes, so I feel quite comfortable letting her peck at them. Does anyone know of plants we should keep chickens away from because they can harm them?

 

[greyfields]

Oats, field peas and rye grain. It will keep them entertained all year hunting for seeds and gleanings.