Grass Clippings for Young Chickens

[Eggcellent9]

Hi,

I am wondering if I should be concerned about my chickens eating the grass clippings left out on the lawn from mowing today? I’ve read a lot about long grass being a risk for crop impaction.

Today is the first day we’ve mowed since letting them range and the grass clippings left laying out on the lawn are probably between 4-6 inches long. I’m not planning to bag or pile clippings up and give it to them directly. The clippings are just all over the yard where we mowed. I’m not sure if I should be worried about them eating too much of it while they’re out in the yard free ranging?

We’re in a drought right now and don’t have rain in the forecast for atleast a week. They are 21 week old pullets and we started ranging them in our main fenced yard (about 2 acres) about 3 weeks ago right when they first started laying. They have free access to feed, water, grit, and oyster shell at all times. They’re finishing off their 20% starter feed we had leftover from scratch and peck.

Any help or advice you have to offer is appreciated. Should I go out with the mower and try to mulch up all the clippings?

Thanks!

 

[nuthatched]

Do they have access to grit?

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Assuming they have access to grit, they should be ok.

As you are free ranging and providing feed ad libitum, I would be comfortable trusting them to balance their own diet.