How to Create a Chicken Garden

Posted by Chickens for Backyards

Many chicken owners are concerned with keeping their flock out of their gardens, but what about a garden specifically for your flock? Chicken gardens are becoming a popular way of feeding a flock and keeping that flock healthy. Not only will it help keep your chickens fed, but it’ll also help you save money on feed.

If you’re interested in creating your own chicken garden, here are some ways to get started:

Location, location, locationHow to Create a Chicken Garden

Your chicken garden will only be successful if you put it in the right place. It should be in an area that is easily accessible to your chickens, but also has access to plenty of sunlight throughout the day. Most plants and veggies need at least seven hours of sunlight to grow. If you don’t have an area that gets this amount of sunlight, then try planting seeds that grow better in shade, such as lettuce.

Decide on your crops

Don’t just drop some seeds into the ground and expect your garden to flourish. Instead, you need to pick a select group of crops and plants that you know will grow and feed your chickens well. Here are a few factors for you to consider:

  • They’re healthy for your chickens: Many plants and veggies are healthy for chickens, but you should do some initial research just to make sure. Check this list of toxic foods before you buy any seed packets.
  • They grow in your climate zone: Different crops grow better in different environments. Find out what climate zone you’re in and then find a list of crops or plants that can grow in that zone.
  • They grow in your specific conditions: The specific sunlight, temperature, wind, and weather conditions that you receive in your backyard can all impact how well your crops will grow. Find plants that are well-suited to the conditions in your backyard.

Make it the right size

The size of your garden will depend on how many chickens you have. If your garden is too small, then it will be stripped bare by your flock. While you don’t want to make it too big, it’s better to round up than round down when planning the size of your chicken garden. Knowing a chicken’s appetite, the food won’t go to waste. Plus, you can even save some for yourself!

To learn more about how to care for your backyard flock, read through our blog or contact Chickens for Backyards today.