Planting a garden for my chickens

[E Buschjost]

Since my hens will be kept in the run I want to provide plenty of foraging plants for them. I have seen raised beds covered by wire mesh to protect the grass seeds and roots while allowing the chickens to peck the tips. Has anyone done this? If so, could you describe or upload pics for me to see designs please?
What do you plant?
Suggestions? Ideas?
Thanks in advance.

 

[black_cat]

Short of anything large, like a full grown bush, chickens will eat and/or dig up any plants that you add. If your run is big enough for an established bush, I say put one in. Just check to make sure it's not poisonous. But I really wouldn't plant anything small that needs to grow and take root, because it will be completely demolished.

 

[ChickensForEggs2500]

You can use wheat grass, normal grass, old seeds, and basically any leafy green that's good for them! I've seen the actual construction done many different ways, here are a few links/pictures. ->
https://www.fresheggsdaily.blog/2012/05/diy-chicken-salad-bar-giveaway-from-my.html

 

[aart]

Quick and sparse, but....
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/grazing-frames.73645/

 

[Alaskan]

I also knew a lady that planted stuff on the outside of the chicken fence. So, the edible plant was safe from destruction, but any leaves that grew up against or through the fence were eaten.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I have things in pots and rotate them out.

 

[3KillerBs]

I'll be growing extra vegetables to feed to the chickens and sunflowers as shade and a source of treats later on.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I'll be growing extra vegetables to feed to the chickens and sunflowers as shade and a source of treats later on.

Me, too, if I can find a good spot for them.

 

[Sally PB]

I have some things that I'll grow for the chickens in my regular garden. A neighbor gives me some of her over abundant zucchini.

One of the things that "grew" in my garden last year was Japanese Beetles. They are a pest, a bane, a pita! I went out and collected them for the chickens last summer, and will again. And grubs when I dig this spring too. If I get so many grubs that that the beetles die out around here, I will consider it mission accomplished! (It's not likely.)

 

[mcdze]

looks like alot of work .. theyed get more if you just grew several leafy greens that are hardy, thats what im fixin to do, nows the time to start them here .. several collard mustard and kale bushes spaced well apart so they can be cared for well will produce large leaves you can just snap off and toss to them for a couple of months at least .. 6 or so plants will probably feed you AND the chickens well if fertilized and kept up ...