gonetoearth Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 I'm wondering if anyone can help me with this question. We've been really lucky to be able to buy a bit of field just behind our garden, which would make a brilliant area for my girls. It is agricultural land and until three years ago the farmer grew barley on it. The last three years it has just stood and been left to it's own devices. When we acquired it in the autumn last year it was full of weeds (dock, thistles, nettles) and barley re-growth. It's been mown down a few times now and it looks like grass but I've a strong suspicion that it's barley growing.... so what I want to know is ... would it be ok for my girls to go out on that? Will it upset them in anyway? The other alternative is to have this piece, ploughed and re-sown with meadow grass but that means my girls won't get the benefit of a bigger outside until later in the year..... Any ideas anyone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 Barley won't hurt them,, but I'd restrict their access to it at first while they become acclimatised to their new diet. It's always a good idea to restrict free ranging in these situations anyway to make sure that they eat enough of their layers feed to keep up the egg supply. You may also find that they start laying in the field as opposed to their nest boxes. One other thing - strim down any long stringy growth as this will block their crops and cause digestive problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griffin Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 I mix my own food for my chooks and it's made up of two parts rolled barley so it'll be fine, they'll love it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 They will be ok - If you keep it mown down it should sort itself out eventually Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gonetoearth Posted March 15, 2011 Author Share Posted March 15, 2011 Thank you for all your replies - it's really appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
