I've just ordered a small flock of chickens (4 hens and a rooster) and I'm curious about what I can grow to supplement their diet. They'll primarily be free-ranging and have access to store-bought feed, but I'd like to know if there are specific plants or vegetables that are easy to grow and might save me some money on feed costs. Any tips or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
8 Answers
Consider dedicating a cabbage bed just for your chickens. They love the grubs found in the soil and the cabbage itself. Many chicken owners also feed their birds anything that’s gone to seed, so keep that in mind!
I've read that squash seeds can have a deworming effect on chickens. So if you grow butternut squash, it might be a double win!
My chickens enjoy all sorts of scraps, from veggies to leftover cooked food. And just a heads up: if you're thinking of keeping a rooster, it can be a bit noisy and aggressive, especially with a small flock. You might not really need one unless you plan to breed. Just a thought!
You can definitely toss your veggie scraps to your chickens—they'll gobble them up! It's an easy way to keep them happy and healthy without buying extra feed.
Grow whatever crops mature quickly, like beans and squash! My chickens get all my kitchen scraps, and they don’t waste a thing. Anything they don't eat goes into the compost pile. You might even consider starting a compost heap near their coop so they can forage for what they like.
I like the compost idea! It could attract bugs for them to snack on as well.
Growing Tromboncino squash worked wonders for people I know with chickens. It's super productive and requires minimal effort. My chickens liked it way more than my family did!
That's good to know! I have a bunch of zucchini plants this year, so maybe my chickens will enjoy those too once we have a surplus!
Radishes are easy to cultivate, and chickens love the entire plant, especially the flowers! You can also feed them extra lettuce, squash, and even the occasional big tomato. Just remember to check which plants are chicken-safe before planting!
Chickens love kale! It's good for them and easy to grow. You might want to add that to your list.
I thought having a rooster would provide better protection for the hens, but I see your point about potential aggression.