Are you looking to give your chickens a natural, nutritious diet like plants? Growing your own chicken feed like planting seeds is the answer!
But what seeds to plant for chickens? This article explores 15 top seeds to plant for your chickens. You can go for sunflower, pumpkin, millet, wheat, corn, and many more. I prefer flax seeds the most to feed my flock! We’ll cover everything from protein-packed options to those rich in essential nutrients.
This article also included simple growing guides for each seed type. By the end of this article, you’ll know how to start your own chicken feed garden. So, get ready to boost your chickens’ health and save on feed costs!
Table of Contents
List of 15 Seeds to Plant for Your Chickens
Looking to boost your chickens’ diet while adding a bit of green to your garden? Planting the right seeds is a game changer. We’re going to explore 15 fantastic seeds you can plant right in your backyard.
1. Sunflower Seeds: The Cheerful Giants
Who doesn’t love sunflowers? These towering beauties aren’t just pretty faces – they’re also a chicken’s best friend. Sunflower seeds are packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamins that’ll make your chickens’ feathers shine.
Growing guide: Plant sunflower seeds in spring after the last frost. They love full sun and well-draining soil. Space them about 6 inches apart and watch them reach for the sky! Come fall, you’ll have a forest of chicken treats.
2. Pumpkin Seeds: The Autumn Delight
Pumpkin seeds are like nature’s multivitamins for chickens. They’re rich in antioxidants and have natural deworming properties. Plus, chickens go crazy for them!
Growing guide: Plant pumpkin seeds in late spring in mounds of rich, well-draining soil. Give them plenty of space – these vines like to spread out. Come autumn, you’ll have a pumpkin patch that’ll be the talk of the coop.
3. Millet: The Tiny Powerhouse
Don’t let its small size fool you – millet is a nutrient-dense grain that chickens absolutely adore. It’s like chicken candy, only healthier!
Growing guide: Sow millet seeds directly in the garden after the last frost. They’re not fussy – just make sure the soil is warm and give them full sun. In about 60-70 days, you’ll have a crop of golden goodness.
4. Wheat: The Classic Staple
Wheat is the bread and butter of chicken feed (pun intended). It’s an excellent source of carbohydrates and provides a good balance of nutrients.
Growing guide: Plant wheat in fall for a summer harvest or in spring for a fall harvest. It’s pretty low-maintenance – just make sure it gets enough water and watch it grow!
5. Corn: The Chicken’s Favorite
Chickens and corn go together like… well, chickens and corn! It’s a great source of energy and chickens love scratching for kernels. You can even offer frozen corn to your chickens!
Growing guide: Plant corn seeds after the last frost in blocks rather than long rows for better pollination. Keep the soil moist and watch those stalks shoot up. In about 60-100 days, you’ll be the proud owner of your own cornfield.
6. Oats: The Breakfast Champion
Oats aren’t just for your morning bowl of porridge – chickens love them too! They’re high in protein and fiber, making them a fantastic addition to any chicken’s diet.
Growing guide: Sow oats in early spring or fall. They prefer cooler weather and can tolerate light frosts. In about 4 months, you’ll have a crop of oats that’ll make your chickens ooh and aah (or at least cluck happily).
7. Barley: The Ancient Grain
Barley is another fantastic grain for chickens. It’s high in fiber and helps promote good digestive health in your feathered friends.
Growing guide: Plant barley in spring for a summer harvest or in fall for a spring harvest. It’s pretty hardy and can tolerate various soil types. In about 60-70 days, you’ll be harvesting your own barley.
8. Flax Seeds: The Omega-3 Boost
Want to give your chickens’ eggs a nutritional boost? Flax seeds are the way to go for chickens! They’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can improve egg quality.
Growing guide: Sow flax seeds in spring in well-draining soil. They prefer cooler climates, so provide some shade if you live in a hot area. In about 90-100 days, you’ll have beautiful blue flowers and nutrient-rich seeds.
9. Amaranth: The Colorful Superfood
Amaranth isn’t just a pretty plant – it’s also a nutritional powerhouse for chickens. The seeds are high in protein and the leaves are packed with vitamins.
Growing guide: Plant amaranth seeds after the last frost in full sun. They’re not too picky about soil and are drought-tolerant. In about 50-60 days, you’ll have edible leaves, and seeds will follow in a few more weeks.
10. Quinoa: The Complete Protein
Quinoa isn’t just a trendy health food for humans – chickens love it too! It’s a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids.
Growing guide: Sow quinoa seeds in spring in well-draining soil. They prefer cooler temperatures, so provide some afternoon shade in hot climates. In about 90-120 days, you’ll have a harvest of this super seed.
11. Chia Seeds: The Tiny Nutrient Bombs
Chia seeds might be small, but they’re nutritional giants. They’re high in omega-3s, protein, and antioxidants – a true superfood for your chickens.
Growing guide: Plant chia seeds in spring in well-draining soil. They prefer warm climates but can tolerate some shade. In about 120 days, you’ll have a crop of these nutrient-dense seeds.
12. Buckwheat: The Quick Crop
Buckwheat is a fast-growing crop that’s perfect for chicken feed. It’s high in protein and minerals, and chickens love scratching for the seeds.
Growing guide: Sow buckwheat seeds anytime during the growing season – it only takes about 10-12 weeks to mature! It’s not fussy about soil and can even improve poor soil conditions.
13. Sorghum: The Drought-Tolerant Wonder
Sorghum is a great option if you live in a dry area. It’s drought-tolerant and provides excellent nutrition for chickens.
Growing guide: Plant sorghum seeds when soil temperatures reach about 60°F (15°C). It loves heat and full sun. In about 90-120 days, you’ll have tall plants with seed heads ready for your chickens.
14. Hemp Seeds: The Protein Powerhouse
Hemp seeds are incredibly nutritious, high in protein and healthy fats. They can contribute to healthier eggs and happier chickens.
Growing guide: Sow hemp seeds in spring after the last frost. They prefer well-draining soil and full sun. In about 120 days, you’ll have a crop of these super seeds.
15. Sesame Seeds: The Calcium Boost
Last but not least, sesame seeds are a great source of calcium, which is crucial for egg-laying hens.
Growing guide: Plant sesame seeds in late spring when soil temperatures are warm. They prefer well-draining soil and full sun. In about 100-130 days, you’ll have sesame seeds ready for your chickens.
Anyway, enjoy the video of some crops you can offer to your chickens!
FAQs
Further questions to ask about plants for chickens? This Q&A section can be helpful enough!
Q: Why should I plant seeds for my chickens?
A: Planting seeds for your chickens offers several benefits. It can significantly reduce your feed costs, provide a natural and healthy diet, and enrich your chickens’ lives by giving them opportunities to forage.
Q: How much space do I need to grow enough food for my chickens?
A: The amount of space required depends on the number of chickens you have and the types of seeds you plant. A small flock can be adequately supplemented with a relatively small garden. However, for larger flocks or to completely replace commercial feed, you might need a more extensive area.
Q: Can I plant these seeds in pots or containers?
A: Yes, many seeds can be successfully grown in pots or containers. This is a great option for those with limited garden space or those who want to create a dedicated chicken feed area.
Q: Will planting these seeds attract other animals to my yard?
A: Yes, planting seeds can attract birds, rodents, and other animals. Consider using fencing or other protective measures to deter unwanted visitors.
Q: How can I prevent my chickens from overeating certain seeds?
A: To prevent overeating, offer a variety of seeds and monitor your chickens’ consumption. You can also mix seeds with other feed to create a balanced diet.
Final Word
Keeping a variety of seeds for your chickens is a great way to provide nutritious food and save some money. It’s also a rewarding experience that enriches their environment. With 15 options to choose from, you can create a diverse diet to suit your flock’s needs.
It’s important to note that each seed has unique growing requirements. Start with a small selection, try out different types, and find what works best for you and your chickens. With a bit of effort, you’ll soon have happy, healthy chickens enjoying their homegrown treats!
