I'm in Zone 9 and I'm looking to enhance my chickens' diet with some homegrown goodies! I've thought about starting with zucchini and kale, but I'm eager to hear about other fast-growing and easy-to-maintain options that anyone here has successfully grown specifically for chickens. Any suggestions?
3 Answers
A lot of folks have success growing microgreens or wheat grass for their chickens! You can set up a little fence with chicken wire about 1-2 inches above the plants. As the greens grow through, the chickens can munch on the tips while the plants keep growing! It’s a low-maintenance way to keep a fresh supply for them. Or if you prefer, just let them free-range and eat whatever they want!
If you can find a local gardener, consider trading some of your eggs for their vegetable scraps. I often have extras like sun-scorched peppers or oddly-shaped squash that I’d rather give to chickens than throw away. It’s a win-win!
That's such a clever idea! I usually give my garden waste to the chickens, but I never thought about asking my neighbors for extras!
I’ve got a recipe from my grandmother that always worked for my chickens! Steam some potatoes, chop nettles, and mix in grated beets with your chicken feed. They absolutely love it! And don't forget, leftover table scraps are a hit too, they can’t resist ham!
I love that idea! Plus, growing wheat means you'll have natural fertilizer to help them grow strong!