Winter Pasture for Poultry

[chickencowranch]

We use a broadcaster, but you can hand spread the seed. You would need to contact your local TSC or farms tore to see what varieties of winter pasture seed they carry. each store carries a bit different product.

That is what I will do. Thank you.

 

[colburg]

Time for us to plant our winter pasture. Have you planted yours yet?

Planting this weekend. Trying 1.5 acres of alfalfa, 3.5 acres white clover, and 3 acres yellow clover. I have a spring planted mix of annual and perinnial rye, orchardgrass, bromegrass on 1.5 acres as well.

This is all being planted in a pecan orchard and has high nitrogen values to return to the trees. I can't turn them out until after harvest. Hopefully it'll all be established by January.

I had debated hairy vetch, local extension agent said it was great for bugs, but everything I found on hairy vetch said it was toxic to chickens. I guess you've never had any problems though???

 

[HallFamilyFarm]

First I have ever heard of it being toxic to anything.

Its the seeds that are toxic. We always mowed it down or tilled it in at about 1/2 bloom. Long before any seeds were formed.

Per http://www.caf.wvu.edu/~forage/library/poisonous/page27.htm


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[HallFamilyFarm]

Folks, winter is over, but consider planting for your poultry this spring! Lots of stuff can be planted in the garden. They love tomatoes, cucumbers and squashes. Also plant pumpkins for feeding this fall. The pumpkins store well long into the winter.

P. Allen Smith suggests "mobile yard ornaments" in your yard and gardens. AKA live chickens, ducks, geese etc.

This photo is from Google but gets the right idea.

 

[hidekumo]

I know this is an old thread.... and my question might be too stupid... is it too late to sow winter cover crops? I live in Northern California. The temperature drops down to 35-40s, but during the day, it can go up to 60s. We don’t have snow. My 7 chickens are not caged in and they run free during the day.

 

[rjohns39]

I know this is an old thread.... and my question might be too stupid... is it too late to sow winter cover crops? I live in Northern California. The temperature drops down to 35-40s, but during the day, it can go up to 60s. We don’t have snow. My 7 chickens are not caged in and they run free during the day.

winter rye and wheat will germinate between 55* and 65* So you're probably still good. Check with your local extension agent or your forestry rep for suggestions and temps.