Chicken Run Grazing boxes

DIY Chicken run grazing boxes

Nothing is better than natural.  For those of us who keep multiple pure breeds, we must keep some of our beloved birds in covered separated runs.  Even though our birds are very happy, they have no grass to eat.  It takes no time for chickens to scratch out any sign of green from inside a pen.  So this is where the grazing box comes in.  They provide green grass, herbs, and also help with boredom.  


Materials you will need for 1 box:
(1) 2"x4"x8'
24" x 24" Hardware cloth
Nails and staples.




Step 1:
Cut 2x4 to following lengths.
(2) 24" 
(2) 21" 
(1) 6"  -This should be left over as scrap








Step 2:
Place the 21" pieces inside the 24s to create a perfect square.  Nail together.









Step 3: 

Paint if you desire.  .......We desire.  Color makes everything better!

Step 4:
Lay the hardware cloth over your square and staple tight.





Step 5:
Place the 6" scrap piece  on the inside of the square.  Staple block to the hardware cloth in the center. This helps support the screen when chickens walk across it.  



Easy Peezy.



Step 6:
Plant your crop.  Place the grazing box inside your run and plant your mini garden under or through it.
We use a mixture of grass and herb seed.
This project is meant to be simple.  You should not have to spend much time gardening in these boxes.  It should be a toss the seed and let it grow system.  The chickens will have to wait until the plants get 4 inches high before they can clip a snack from the top.  This system allows the roots to be protected from scratching and never cuts the plants too short to survive.  You can run any type of seed you wish.  You can even grow Rye grass in the winter to keep your chickens green year round.  These little plants will receive plenty of fertilizer for a healthy growth.

We will have photos of a growing crop soon to add.