will my chickens be happy?

[agnes_day]

hi!
last summer, i would let my chickens roam the back yard, but due to several things that happened as a result, this batch is living in a fenced in area by our house..its got a big maple tree over it, which makes it shady, but there is no grass..its all dirt..can they be happy? i feel so guilty because i know they love the grass and all, but this is for their own safety. anything i can do to make them feel better?

 

[ranchhand]

I have seen folks make a frame of 2 x 4s and cover the top with hardware cloth. Lay it on the ground and plant with grass seed. The chickens can eat from the sprouts but can't scratch and kill the plants.

Mine live on dirt except for the occasional free range when I'm out there. And that is in the woods, not on grass.

Hi!

 

[tasymo]

I've got a compost heap within my Chicken's run. They LOVE it. Grass Clippings, weeds and garden debris, and kitchen scraps all go onto the heap. They eat what they want and turn the rest by scrtatching for bugs underneath, while they contribute thier own fertilizer to the mix.

 

[dedicateddourly]

Quote:
Ooh, I like this idea

 

[agnes_day]

ha, i forgot that i had my name changed and i was wondering who i was