welshgirl21 Posted May 30, 2019 Share Posted May 30, 2019 I want to plant something in my run that will provide shade for my girls but that they will be allowed to eat. Also some potted plants they can eat and enjoy. Any ideas? A fast growing hedge/shrub maybe? Something British native would be perfect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted May 30, 2019 Share Posted May 30, 2019 Depending on what your run is on (soil, paving slabs etc) plants make very little chance of surviving in a chicken run. Soil is often too dry and the chickens will scratch the roots. You have a better chance of planting a climber on the outside and let it climb on the run. A neighbour has a clematis growing on his run, which seems to do well. He also tried a hydrangea in the run, which is dying now and has a small pine tree type planted in. The latter being poisonous to chickens. I wouldn’t bother with any plants in the run, but rather give them some greens like cabbage once in a while. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted May 30, 2019 Share Posted May 30, 2019 Bindweed grows well I’ve discovered! They will eat it if you pick it for them but not enough to control its growth and after a while it looks awful over the run. They love Dandelions which I pick for them but as Cat Tails says nothing will thrive in the actual run. I have an outside area for them to roam around in, with Choysia surviving to give them shade. Also, a rambling rose and vines on the fence. But I keep them out of the actual garden as I found out the hard way, chicken and a nice garden do not mix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
