Chickens are a great addition to any household, but when their run is in the same location yearly, it can soon turn into a barren wasteland. Luckily, we can provide some much-needed relief and green vegetation by adding Grazing Frames. Grazing Frames are a simple structure covered in galvanized hardware cloth or welded wire mesh. The covering keeps the chickens from destroying the root structure of the plants and overgrazing.

Building

The Grazing Frames can be any size that fits your space. It is recommended to have the frames at 2 feet on center, as a group of chickens can be quite heavy. You can use scrap pieces of wood you have on hand or pallets. Other materials needed:

• ½” Galvanized Hardware Cloth
• Galvanized Poultry Staples
• Exterior Screws 

Site Preparation

Once the frames are built, you can take a garden rake to scratch the surface you plan to cover. Sprinkle the seeds and cover with a light layer of compost. Set the Grazing Frames over the area and wait for the magic to happen.

Maintenance

To keep a fresh supply of greens, start a rotation of frames. As the flock works on one section, have another frame seeded. As time goes on, you will need to hose off the poop build-up on the frames. Let it dry out a bit before hosing or brushing off. This poop is just added fertilizer to the greens growing.

Some Suggestions for Planting

• Grass 
• Herbs
• Lettuce
• Oats
• Wheat

The nutrients from fresh greens will enhance the quality of eggs and meat. Grazing frames are a simple project to build with low-cost materials to keep your flock entertained and well-fed!