Source of Seed to Plant for Chicken Pasture

Chickens benefit from feeding on pasture.

Pastured and free-range chicken products are a growing niche in sustainable farming. Adding green forage to poultry diets increases the flavor and nutrition of meat and eggs, and also cuts feed costs. Plant mixes are available, or you may formulate your own plantings.

Benefits of Pasture

Chickens on pasture consume insects, worms and fresh plant materials which provide vitamins and minerals in a natural state. The meat and eggs from pastured birds has better flavor and is more nutritious. In addition, poultry allowed to feed on quality pasture reduce their consumption of prepared rations by up to 30 percent -- significantly reducing feed costs.

Plant Species

Important forage plants include clovers, legumes, broadleaf grasses, oats, rye and millet. Keep plants short and young; chickens will not eat mature grasses and will trample them.

Finding Pasture Seed

Seed mixes can be purchased from companies such as Sand Hill Preservation Center, Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply and Seedland. You can also find pasture seed through farm retail stores and cooperatives. Contact your state or county extension service; they will be able to refer local seed sources.

References

• Mother Earth News: Meet Real Free Range Eggs
• Profitable Poultry: Raising Birds on Pasture
• The Poultry Site: Feeding Chickens for best health and performance
• Seedland: Pasture Grass Seed & Farm Seed
• Sand Hill Preservation Center: Seed and Root Catalog
• Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply: Pasture Seeds

Resources

• The American Pastured Poultry Producers Association
• Polyface, Inc