A chicken run is the confined outdoor space where a flock spends the majority of its day foraging, dust-bathing, and exercising. Introducing vegetation provides multiple benefits, enhancing both their environment and their diet. Planting enriches the chickens’ lives by offering natural cover, entertainment, and supplemental vitamins and nutrients. Thoughtful planting also addresses practical run management challenges, helping to stabilize the soil against erosion and control dust and mud.
Toxic Plants and Materials to Avoid
Before introducing any plant material, identify and remove common garden plants toxic to poultry. The nightshade family, Solanaceae, is a particular concern; members like potato and tomato contain the toxic alkaloid solanine in their green parts (leaves and stems). Rhubarb leaves are also hazardous due to their high concentration of oxalic acid, which can lead to kidney damage if ingested.
Certain ornamental plants and bulbs contain toxins that can cause severe illness. Daffodil bulbs, for example, contain crystalline alkaloids that can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Avocado pits and skins contain the fungicidal toxin persin, which has been linked to myocardial necrosis (heart muscle damage) in birds.
Beyond plants, ensure the run environment is free of treated seeds, which are often coated with neonicotinoid pesticides. These chemicals are highly toxic and can cause muscle spasms or death, even in small amounts. Chickens must also be prevented from accessing areas recently treated with herbicides or other garden chemicals, as ingesting contaminated insects or plants can lead to severe poisoning.
Forage Crops for Nutrition and Enrichment
Specific crops can be planted outside the run or in protected areas to provide nutritional supplements and enrichment. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is an excellent high-protein option, offering a crude protein content of 15% to 25% in its leaves. It is also rich in calcium, Vitamin K, and carotenoids, which contribute to vibrant yolk color.
Clover, particularly White Clover (Trifolium repens), offers a dense source of fiber and protein, and is safe for chickens to graze in moderation. High-protein legumes like garden peas can be grown on trellises outside the run and periodically tossed in as a healthy, low-fat treat. These forages should be offered alongside a complete feed to ensure a balanced diet.
Herbs can provide specific health benefits and enrichment when added to the run. Oregano is known for its antibacterial and antiparasitic properties, supporting the chickens’ immune and intestinal health. Thyme is beneficial for respiratory health and possesses natural antibiotic qualities. Fresh mint aids in digestion, and its strong scent acts as a natural insect and rodent repellent.
Durable Ground Covers and Run Stabilization
The intense scratching and compaction caused by chickens quickly destroys most conventional ground cover, leading to bare dirt, which turns into mud or dust. Planting hardy, deep-rooted species helps manage these environmental challenges. Perennial grasses with dense root systems, such as perennial rye grass, are highly recommended because their roots hold the soil tightly, reducing erosion and mud formation.
Establishing a durable ground cover requires allowing the root system to develop before the flock gains full access. Temporary fencing or caging around new plantings allows the roots to knit the soil together over several weeks. Once established, the grass can withstand heavy traffic and scratching, providing a self-repairing living surface.
White Clover is a good option for stabilization; its low-growing habit and ability to spread help it recover quickly from constant pecking and treading. Deep-rooted perennial weeds like dandelion and chicory are sometimes encouraged for their tough taproots, which break up compacted soil and bring nutrients closer to the surface. For areas that remain muddy, a deep litter method using wood chips or leaves often works better than vegetation, providing a dry, absorbent layer the chickens can scratch through.