Chicken Friendly Vine?

[chickengoober]

Here is my (almost) brand new dog kennel I got for one heck of a deal. (500$ kennel for 130$ on craigslist, just in case you're wondering). I have stratigically placed it where it will get as much shade, as my backyard will allow. There are just a few hours late in the morning where it is not shaded at all (pictured). I was looking for a chicken friendly vine to plant along the outside of the kennel to eventually eliminate those few hours of shade-less-ness. I live in central Texas, where it is very hot and very humid, if that helps at all. Thanks

 

[AquaEyes]

The problem might be that there isn't enough sunlight for a vine to grow, but you do have some options. You can find seeds for old-fashioned climbing nasturtiums, but you'd have to replant each year. If you get enough light, you can consider grapes. If you get a few hours of sun there, you could try a climbing rose, but you'd have to attach it to the wire, as they don't attach themselves. Honeysuckle could work, too.

 

[gunnarmcc]

http://www.bhg.com/gardening/trees-shrubs-vines/vines/best-perennial-vines/#page=1 here are some good perennial vines you can plant, i really like the passion flower vine, perennial sweet pea, or the variegated kiwi

 

[VelvettFog]

Grapes.

 

[starina]

Honeysuckle!

 

[breezy]

I planted mine with a vine called Inglemans Ivy. Ive also seen it referred to as Virginia Creeper. My dog run/chicken space is under a huge ash tree and only gets brief morning sun. The chickens ignore it completely. It has covered the run completely. It turns scarlet red when hit by frost and is very pretty. It dies back completely in our Colorado winters which leaves the run open for winter sun and provides shade as well as rain protection in the spring and summer. I have no idea if it would survive in your area but if it does might want to try it on at least one side. You could also try silver lace vine or trumpet vine depending on the light and climate for your area. No reason why you couldnt plant 2 or 3 kinds on your run.

 

[jcatblum]

Someone on the okie boards does gourds. Think they did snake gourds this year They said you have to replant them every year. But works well since they die back in winter to let warmth in but grow well in summer for shade

Someone else does grapes & roses. Good luck finding something that will work well for you.

 

[chickengoober]

Thanks for the replies everyone, it seems honeysuckle is the favorite, but I will definitly have to try that Ingleman's Ivy too

 

[mulewagon]

We clip vines that grow on the fence - my thinking is that they're a good ladder for predators.

You might try a row of bushes a few feet away from the fence...

 

[Bleenie]

Just about any kind of Hops, they climb up the side of my brooding shed and it's only wooden slats, they'd have a hay day with wire! You do have to clean them up at the end of the year though, after they bloom, dry and die off. I also have to keep the roots under control every few years by cutting them off at a certain 'perimeter'.