Providing fresh, homegrown food for your chickens can ensure they receive a nutritious diet, promote their health, and reduce feeding costs. Here’s a detailed guide on how to create a fresh food square using a plastic box and what to plant to keep your chickens happy and well-fed.

Materials Needed:

• A large plastic box (storage container or plastic tote,or as big a box as you want)
• Drill or knife (for drainage holes)
• Potting soil or compost
• Seeds or starter plants

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Plastic Box:
   • Choose a plastic box that is at least 12 inches deep to allow ample room for root growth.
   • Use a drill or knife to create drainage holes in the bottom of the box. This will prevent water from pooling and roots from rotting.
2. Add Soil:
   • Fill the box with potting soil or compost, leaving about 2 inches of space from the top. Ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in nutrients.
3. Select Plants:
   • Choose plants that are beneficial and loved by chickens. Here are five types of food you can plant:

How to Create a Fresh Food Square from a Wooden Box for Chickens

Providing fresh, home-grown food for your chickens can ensure they receive a nutritious diet, promote their health, and reduce feeding costs. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a fresh food square using a wooden box and what to plant to keep your chickens happy and well-fed.

Materials Needed:

• A wooden box (1×1 meter)(or as big a box as you want)
• Drill (for drainage holes)
• Potting soil or compost
• Seeds or starter plants

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare the Wooden Box:
   • Drill drainage holes in the bottom of the box to prevent water pooling.
   • Ensure the box is sturdy and placed in an area that receives adequate sunlight.
2. Add Soil:
   • Fill the box with potting soil or compost, leaving about 2 inches of space from the top.
3. Select and Plant Seeds:
   • Leafy Greens: Kale, spinach, Swiss chard
   • Herbs: Basil, parsley, oregano
   • Root Vegetables: Carrots, beets, radishes
   • Legumes: Peas, beans
   • Edible Flowers: Nasturtiums, marigolds
4. Plant Care:
   • Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
   • Add organic fertilizer as needed.
5. Harvesting:
   • Once plants are established, cut greens and herbs regularly.
   • Harvest root vegetables when they reach a suitable size.
   • Pick peas and beans frequently.
6. Feeding the Chickens:
   • Place the wooden box inside the chicken run or near their feeding area.
   • Let the chickens forage from the box.

By following these simple steps, you can create a fresh food square that provides your chickens with a variety of nutritious foods, ensuring their health and well-being.

1. Leafy Greens

Types:

• Kale
• Spinach
• Swiss Chard

Benefits:

• Leafy greens are packed with vitamins and minerals, promoting overall health and egg production in chickens.

Planting Tips:

• Sow seeds directly into the soil, following the spacing instructions on the seed packet.
• Water regularly and thin seedlings as needed to prevent overcrowding.

2. Herbs

Types:

• Basil
• Parsley
• Oregano

Benefits:

• Herbs have medicinal properties and can help boost the immune system of chickens.
• They also improve the flavor of eggs and meat.

Planting Tips:

• Plant herbs from seeds or starter plants.
• Herbs can be planted alongside other crops, as they often deter pests.

3. Root Vegetables

Types:

• Carrots
• Beets
• Radishes

Benefits:

• Root vegetables provide essential nutrients and can be an excellent source of natural sugars for energy.

Planting Tips:

• Sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep and thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding.
• Ensure the soil is loose and well-drained to allow proper root development.

4. Legumes

Types:

• Peas
• Beans

Benefits:

• Legumes are high in protein, which is essential for growth and egg production.

Planting Tips:

• Plant seeds in rows and provide support for climbing varieties.
• Harvest peas and beans regularly to encourage more production.

5. Edible Flowers

Types:

• Nasturtiums
• Marigolds

Benefits:

• Edible flowers attract beneficial insects and provide vitamins and antioxidants.

Planting Tips:

• Plant seeds or starter plants in between other crops.
• Flowers can also deter pests and add variety to the chickens’ diet.

1. Plant Care:
   • Water the plants regularly, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.
   • Place the box in an area that receives adequate sunlight, at least 6 hours a day.
   • Add organic fertilizer as needed to promote healthy growth.
2. Harvesting:
   • Once the plants are established, you can begin harvesting. Cut greens and herbs regularly to encourage new growth.
   • Harvest root vegetables when they reach a suitable size.
   • Pick peas and beans frequently to keep the plants productive.
   • Allow chickens access to the edible flowers for them to peck at their leisure.
3. Feeding the Chickens:
   • Place the plastic box inside the chicken run or near their feeding area.
   • Let the chickens forage from the box, which provides them with fresh, nutritious food and encourages natural pecking behavior.

Conclusion

Creating a fresh food square using a plastic box is an easy and effective way to ensure your chickens have access to a variety of healthy foods. By planting leafy greens, herbs, root vegetables, legumes, and edible flowers, you can provide a balanced diet that promotes the well-being and productivity of your flock. This method not only benefits your chickens but also contributes to a more sustainable and cost-effective feeding strategy. Happy gardening and happy chickens!