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Chickens and rye seed

18 years ago

I am about to throw down my annual winter rye seed for my garden. Do you think the chickens will feast on this seed? I let my hens free range and they usually head right to the garden, especially after I have just prepared it for the last time. If they will eat the seed, I am afraid the ladies will just have to stay cooped up until the rye establishes itself. Any thoughts?

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Comments (2)

Dibbit
18 years ago
Short answer is, probably. It is a seed, after all. I would keep them out of the garden until the rye is pretty well up and has a decent root system - their scratching could uproot rye shoots pretty easily, IMO, and until the rye is grown, it could be a recipe for disaster.
msmitoagain
18 years ago
I second that. I think your rye is going to get enough help being eaten by the wild birds, mice, ground rats without letting your hens have a buffet on it too.

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