7 Best Plants to Grow in Your Chicken Run for Healthier Hens
Creating a thriving environment within a chicken run can greatly enhance the health and well-being of your flock. By carefully selecting plants that offer shade, nutrition, and enrichment, chicken owners can cultivate a more balanced and productive space for their birds.
Growing the right plants in your chicken run can provide both shade and forage, benefiting the chickens and their habitat. Not only do certain plants improve the aesthetic appeal, but they also support the dietary needs and natural behaviors of the chickens, leading to a happier and healthier flock.
1) Calendula
Calendula is a favored addition to any chicken run due to its numerous benefits. This edible flower is not only beautiful but highly nutritious for chickens. It adds a splash of color to your garden while also serving as a practical source of food for your flock.
Chickens can eat calendula's petals and leaves, which are rich in antioxidants. These nutrients contribute to the overall health and vitality of the birds. Additionally, calendula has anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial to the chickens' well-being.
Growing calendula is straightforward. This plant is hardy and can thrive in various soil types and climates. It requires minimal maintenance, making it perfect for busy chicken keepers.
Calendula can repel certain pests, which helps to keep the chicken run environment healthy. Including this plant in your chicken run can enhance the overall ecosystem, promoting a more sustainable and pleasant space for your birds.
2) Nasturtium
Nasturtium is a versatile plant that can enhance the environment of a chicken run. It is known for its vibrant flowers and unique, rounded leaves, adding both beauty and utility.
This plant is edible and safe for chickens. Chickens can munch on both the leaves and flowers, benefiting from its nutrients. Additionally, nasturtium can act as a natural insect repellent, protecting the coop from pests.
Nasturtium is relatively low-maintenance. It grows well in various soil types, though it prefers well-drained soil. With moderate watering and sunlight, this plant can flourish and quickly cover areas of the run.
The climbing nature of nasturtium makes it ideal for vertical growth. It can be trained to grow along the fence or walls of the run, providing shade and additional forage for the chickens.
Incorporating nasturtium not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also improves the overall health and happiness of the flock. It serves a dual purpose by being both visually pleasing and functional, making it a top choice for chicken runs.
3) Thyme
Thyme is an excellent choice for planting in a chicken run.
This hardy herb offers a variety of benefits that extend beyond its pleasant aroma. Chickens are naturally attracted to thyme, and its scent helps to mask undesirable odors in the run.
Thyme has natural antibacterial properties. Incorporating thyme into the chicken run can aid in maintaining better respiratory health for the chickens.
Thyme can also repel pests and insects. Planting it around nesting boxes can provide an added layer of protection against common pests.
Since thyme is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, it is a practical choice for many environments. Its resilient nature allows it to thrive in various conditions, making it a reliable addition to any chicken run.
Using thyme can enhance both the aesthetic appeal and overall health of the chicken habitat.
4) Lavender
Lavender is an excellent plant to grow in your chicken run. It is known for its aromatic qualities and attractive purple flowers, which can add a pleasant aesthetic to the area. Beyond its beauty, lavender also contains natural oils that can help repel insects, providing a more comfortable environment for your chickens.
This plant is relatively low-maintenance and can withstand various weather conditions, making it a practical choice for many climates. Lavender thrives in well-drained soil and requires minimal watering once established, which makes it easy to care for.
Chickens generally avoid eating lavender, so the plants are likely to remain intact despite their presence. Lavender also offers potential health benefits for chickens, including its calming effects which can contribute to a more peaceful flock.
In addition to planting lavender directly in the chicken run, some owners choose to scatter dried lavender within the coop. This not only helps with pest control but also adds a fresh scent. With these combined benefits, lavender stands out as a top choice for any chicken run.
5) Comfrey
Comfrey is an excellent addition to any chicken run. This perennial plant is known for its rapid growth and dense foliage, providing both shade and a natural forage source for chickens.
Comfrey can be propagated through root cuttings, making it relatively easy to plant. It's best to space the plants about 2-3 feet apart to allow for optimum growth.
The plant thrives in well-draining soil and prefers a slightly acidic environment. If the soil is too alkaline, adding sulfur can help lower the pH.
Comfrey doesn't usually grow from seeds, particularly in regions like Australia, where sterile varieties are common. Instead, root cuttings are often used to cultivate the plant.
In addition to being a resilient plant, comfrey has deep roots that can help improve soil structure. This makes it a practical choice for maintaining healthy soil in the chicken run.
6) Mint
Mint is a versatile plant with several benefits for a chicken run. It grows quickly and easily, requiring minimal maintenance.
This herb helps repel insects, which can reduce the number of pests that bother chickens. It can be tossed fresh into the coop or dried and used throughout the year.
Mint also has a pleasant aroma, adding a fresh scent to the chicken area. It thrives in a variety of conditions, making it a resilient choice for planting near the run. Additionally, chickens can nibble on the leaves without any harm.
The plant's rapid growth can provide a continuous supply, ensuring that there is always some available to use in the chicken environment. Mint can also be hung inside the coop or run for added pest deterrence.
7) Marigold
Marigolds are excellent additions to a chicken run. The bright, vibrant flowers not only add aesthetic value but also serve practical purposes.
Marigolds contain xanthophyll, a pigment that enhances the yellow color of egg yolks. This can lead to more visually appealing eggs.
These flowers are hardy and easy to grow. They help deter pests, making the environment healthier for the chickens.
Marigolds thrive in zones 4 to 10. They can be planted around the perimeter or within the run, offering chickens shade and a snack.
Planting marigolds a few weeks after other crops can keep the soil healthier. The roots can help prevent the buildup of diseases that affect crops like tomatoes and potatoes.
Overall, marigolds are a valuable, multifunctional plant for any chicken run.
Benefits of Plants in Chicken Runs
Plants in chicken runs offer environmental enrichment and improve the health of the flock. They provide shade, forage, and natural supplements, fostering a better living environment for chickens.
Environmental Enrichment
Plants introduce variety and interest into a chicken run, enhancing the chickens' living space. Shade from plants like comfrey and sunflowers helps chickens stay cool in hot weather.
Forage options such as clover and peas offer nutritious snacks, keeping chickens engaged and reducing the risk of pecking or boredom-related behaviors. This active environment encourages natural pecking and scratching behaviors.
Vines and climbing plants like grapes and nasturtiums add vertical interest, creating different layers for interaction. These plants serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, beautifying the run while offering chickens physical and mental stimulation.
Improved Chicken Health
Growing the right plants supports chicken health by offering natural supplements. Nutritious plants like kale and lentils add vitamins and minerals, enhancing overall health. Certain plants, such as nasturtiums, serve as natural dewormers, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
Herbs like calendula can boost chickens’ immune systems, while others offer insect-repelling properties, helping lessen pests in the coop.
By encouraging natural foraging behaviors, these plants can help chickens maintain a healthy weight and stay active. Additionally, plants like blackberries and mulberries provide antioxidants and other health benefits, contributing to a more robust and resilient flock.
Choosing the Right Plants
Selecting plants for your chicken run involves considering climate compatibility, ensuring the plants are non-toxic, and opting for low-maintenance varieties to make care easier.
Climate Compatibility
It's essential to choose plants that thrive in your region's climate. Hardy plants like comfrey and kale can withstand varied temperatures. Perennial vines such as grapes and kiwi are excellent for warmer climates, offering both shade and forage.
Researching local native plants can ensure they adapt well to your environment, requiring fewer resources. Also, consider the specific microclimate of the chicken run, like sunny versus shady areas, before planting.
Non-Toxic Varieties
Safety for chickens is paramount. Select non-toxic plants that chickens can peck at without the risk of poisoning. Nasturtiums and calendula are good choices as they are both edible and safe for poultry.
Avoid plants like nightshade or foxglove, which are harmful if ingested. Always cross-check plant toxicity with reliable sources to ensure the safety of your flock. Introducing a variety of safe plants can also offer nutritional diversity.
Low Maintenance Options
Opting for low-maintenance plants can save time and effort. Clover and kale are resilient and don't demand constant care. Berry-producing plants like blackberries and blueberries are hardy and require minimal upkeep once established.
Using mulch around these plants can help retain moisture and reduce weed growth, further lowering maintenance needs. Choosing durable plant varieties ensures that the chicken run remains lush and productive with minimal intervention.
Plant Care and Maintenance Tips
Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure that plants in your chicken run thrive. Focus on watering, soil management, and protecting the plants from chickens to get the best results.
Watering Guidelines
Regular and consistent watering keeps plants healthy and productive. Morning watering is best to minimize evaporation. Frequency depends on the plant type and weather conditions. Use a drip irrigation system or soak the ground thoroughly to avoid wetting the foliage, thus preventing mold and mildew.
For plants requiring more water, such as comfrey and kale, ensure deep soakings every few days. Plants like nasturtium and calendula prefer less frequent watering but still need moist soil. Be vigilant about over-watering as it can lead to root rot.
Soil Management
Rich, well-draining soil is crucial. Start with a quality organic compost to improve soil structure and fertility. Adding a layer of mulch around the plants helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Perform regular soil tests to monitor nutrient levels. Adjust the pH as necessary with lime or sulfur based on the plant's needs. Rotate plant locations yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases and nutrient depletion. Implementing raised beds or planters can improve drainage and control over soil quality.
Protecting Plants from Chickens
Chickens can be enthusiastic foragers, posing a threat to tender plants. Use physical barriers like chicken wire or garden mesh to create plant shields. Installing these barriers around the plant bases can prevent chickens from uprooting them.
Train climbing plants such as grapes or blackberries to grow vertically along fences or trellises, keeping them out of chickens' reach. Another option is to plant robust, hardy plants that can tolerate some pecking. Employ chicken-friendly plants like clover and hardy perennials that provide forage without getting damaged easily.
