Hay for the run, for seed scratching ??

[Mrs. K]

I use hay that is often waste hay of the ranch. I run it through the chickens, and they clean up any weed seed (the theory) and then use it in the garden as mulch. I do keep a pitch fork in the run, and rake it up into piles, mini hay stacks, before snow, then flip it on top of the snow. It also allows the ground to dry out in places. The girls and I stir up pretty frequently, makes a better garden.

 

[lomine]

There is little in this old world that is better for or more eagerly eaten by chickens than the poop of bovines, equines, and ovines. Manure is in fact the breakfast of champions for chickens.

Well, they can get as much as they want from the compost pile. I won't stop them.

 

[tigger19687]

Ohh good idea for putting in garden after.

 

[tigger19687]

I bought a bale for $15, not bad for pesticide free and put 2 leaves out for them to walk on in the snow beginning of the month.
Just lucked out that there was a guy next town over that was giving away free hay. I took 1 LONG bale and about 5 loose leaves someone left.
I SOOO NEEDED IT with all the mud ! 60's today and tomorrow after getting 6+inches of snow on Sunday.

Hens like it to scratch through and it keeps it a bit less muddy. But I may have to rake and reapply by the end of the week till it all drys more.

 

[Chickassan]

Just be careful, once the hay soaks up as much moisture as possible it all turns a little bit slippery and its very easy to fall. Speaking from hay ice skating experience.

 

[tigger19687]

Good point ! I plan on scooping it out by next Monday when the weather gets a bit more drier. Then put a bit more down.

 

[Peeps61]

There is little in this old world that is better for or more eagerly eaten by chickens than the poop of bovines, equines, and ovines. Manure is in fact the breakfast of champions for chickens.

Kinda gross, but so true! My chickens hang around my horses when they are eating, waiting for their inevitable "treat"!