mobius
Songster
Absolutely correct... short grass clippings and make sure they are well mixed in...the other problem of course in certain climates with grass clippings is if used exclusively they can mat and mold if not kept dry and aerated....some use hay just fine but there can be concern about crop impaction. I would still use some grass (if I had any but it is forest here) yet there is some controversy around this use. Your choice.I highly advise against throwing the grass clippings in there. You have to be very careful with clippings. If it is small short pieces, a little bit will be ok (make sure you provide them chick grit), but for chicks or even juveniles longer pieces can be deadly. I never put chicks on hay because of losing them to crop blockages. Grass can do the same. It winds up in a ball in their crop and wont move and they are basically blocked from nutrition and will starve to death. Blockages in growing birds can happen anywhere along their digestive system, but usually ends up in the crop. So, don't be generous with the grass clippings and make sure it is short enough to not wind up in them. And provide grit.
I have so many materials (that is why a mix is so good) that potential for harm is greatly reduced. The mix needs aeration. Occasionally I will throw a treat or some scratch and let the chickens mix it for me.