Overseeding a forage pasture - advice needed

[peskychicken]

Hi - My free range chickens have access to a 1 acre fenced in pasture. They share this pasture with two goats. Right now the pasture is just wild grasses and weeds. I would like to over seed with plants that chickens (and goats) would love to eat. I've search for seed mixtures for chicken pastures without success. Does anyone have any advice on the types of seeds I should overseed with?

Much appreciated!
peskychicken

 

[ziggywiggy]

I'm not sure what part of the country your in , but I planted Rye and Fecue mix for my chickens in September. I live in Southern AZ. It's starting to get a little late in most of the country to do any overseeding. Most grass seeds need a ground temp. of 85 degrees to germinate-even the cool weather grasses.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Does anyone have any advice on the types of seeds I should overseed with?

Most any grains will do well.
Wheat and Rye will grow in Winter
Millet is a good warm weather grain. Sunflowers produce a lot of feed also
I've planted "bird seed" with good results in Spring and Summer
Just try to find some without rice or cracked corn.​

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

I don't think rye is good for chickens.

 

[texasgal]

Why not?

 

[digitS']

Welcome to BYC,

!

Are you talking about a permanent pasture, peskychicken?

Probably any permanent pasture seed mix that is recommended by your local Cooperative Extension for your goats would be fine for your chickens.

Sand Hill Preservation sells "Brooder Yard Greens" for annual chicken forage.

Steve

 

[catdaddyfro]

Quote:
More data please.

I was gonna plant it till I just read that it is prolly to late in the year to sow it, but still interested in the reason it's for not good for chickens.

thanks, catdaddy

 

[peskychicken]

It is for a permanent pasture and I am not looking to overseed until early next spring.

Keep the suggestions coming.
Thanks.
peskychicken

 

[wombat]

Where are you located? Winter conditions as well as summer heat and precipitation are considerations.

Some pasture covers are better suited to hot/dry, others to surviving winter cold.

You'll probably want something that's mostly millet with some sunflower for birds. There are plenty of poultry mixes out there, but stay away from those with sorghum or sudangrass because of the goats, esp if you're in an area that has freezes.

 

[ziggywiggy]

Quote:
Never heard that before. The rye grass never gets tall enough to seed anyway. My chickens and turkeys love Rye grass and the good thing about it is it grows all winter when everything else has died off. Winter Wheat is another good crop.