The Best Plants To Grow In A Chicken Run

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When I first tried adding plants to my chicken run, I was super proud of how it turned out. But within a few days pretty much all of my plants were destroyed, courtesy of my enthusiastic flock. After a fair bit of experimenting, I finally discovered the plants that could actually hold their own against the pecking frenzy. And honestly, it was so worth it.

Bringing some greenery into the chicken run isn’t just about making it look nicer (though that’s a bonus!). It can seriously improve your chickens’ lives – think natural shade in the heat, interesting things for them to forage on, and even a little help with that constant dust cloud.

So, if you’re ready to ditch the dirt and create something better, I’m here to help. I’m going to walk you through the best, toughest, and safest plants to grow in your chicken run – the ones that can handle the chicken chaos and even thrive. Let’s get started and make that run a little slice of paradise for your girls (and maybe keep a few leaves intact!).

Table of Contents

Why You Should Grow Plants in a Chicken Run

Now, before you say, “My chickens eat everything!”, let’s talk about why adding plants is actually a brilliant idea. Here’s the lowdown on the unexpected benefits:

Natural Shade For Your Flock

Think of those plants as tiny umbrellas. They provide crucial shade when the sun’s blazing, preventing heat stress – which is a big deal for our feathered pals.

Natural Foraging Opportunities

Forget just chicken feed! Many plants offer tasty leaves, seeds, and even attract yummy bugs. It’s like a natural foraging buffet that keeps them entertained and well-fed.

Dust Reduction

Seriously, who likes a dusty chicken run? Plants help trap those pesky particles, making the air cleaner for everyone (including you!).

Aesthetic Improvements

Let’s be real, a green chicken run just looks better. It adds a touch of nature and makes your backyard feel more vibrant.

Natural Pest Repellents

Some plants are like natural bodyguards, helping to keep annoying pests like flies and mites away (definitely one of my favourite benefits!).

What to Look for in Plants For Your Chicken Run

Okay, so we’re on board with the idea of adding some greenery. But not just any plant will survive in a chicken run! Here’s what we need to keep in mind when choosing your plants:

Safety First, Always!

This is the golden rule. You must make sure every plant you introduce is 100% non-toxic to chickens. Eating the wrong thing can make them seriously sick. Double-check and then check again!

Resilience

These plants need to be able to take a bit of a beating – some pecking, some scratching, maybe even a little trampling. Fast growers and self-seeders are often good contenders.

Growth Habits

Are you aiming for ground cover, shady bushes, or vines climbing up the fence? Consider how the plant grows and how much space it needs.

Climate and Soil

Just like us, plants thrive where they feel at home. Choose varieties that are happy in your specific climate and soil.

Establishment Time

Some plants need a little time to get their roots down. Be prepared to give them some extra TLC in the beginning.

Maintenance Levels

Be honest with yourself about how much time you have for upkeep. Choose plants that fit your lifestyle.

Top Plant Picks for a Chicken Run

Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! Here are some of my absolute favorite plants for a chicken run, broken down by what they do best:

Ground Cover Plants

These low-lying champions can handle some foot traffic and help create a living carpet, which means less dust and less soil erosion. Win-win!

Clover: This plant is a trooper! Chickens love to munch on it, it bounces back from grazing, and it even helps your soil by adding nitrogen. Talk about a multi-tasker!
Creeping Thyme: Not only does it smell amazing when you step on it, but it can also handle being pecked at. Plus, it’s pretty low-maintenance.
Oregano: Another fragrant herb that can take a bit of a beating. It even has health benefits for your flock. Bonus!
Plantain: Yep, that common “weed” is actually pretty resilient and a surprisingly popular snack for many chickens. Don’t underestimate it!
Dandelions: I know what you’re thinking, but hear me out! Dandelions are super nutritious for chickens, incredibly tough, and they practically plant themselves. Free food and happy hens!
Alfalfa: This powerhouse is packed with all the good stuff for your flock. You can even let it grow right in the run for them to nibble on. Once it gets going, it’s pretty tough too!
Chickweed: Yep, another one of those “weeds” that turns out to be beneficial! Chickens often go crazy for it, and it can handle a bit of their foot traffic too.

Quick tip: Start these ground covers in smaller sections and use some temporary fencing to give them a chance to get established before the chickens get to them!

Shade Plants

These taller shrubs and bushes are perfect for giving your chickens a much-needed break from the sun.

Mulberry trees: These can get pretty big and create some fantastic shade. Plus, the chickens love those sweet, juicy berries that drop.
Currant & Gooseberry Bushes: Those little thorns? They actually offer some protection from over-enthusiastic scratching, while still providing tasty berries that your chickens (and you!) might enjoy.
Rosemary: This tough, evergreen shrub smells fantastic and chickens generally leave it alone. Plus, it provides year-round shelter.
Lavender: Similar to rosemary, that lovely scent usually keeps chickens away. And it attracts beautiful pollinators to your yard!
Bamboo (The Non-Invasive Kind!): Some clumping bamboo varieties grow quickly and create dense screens for shade and shelter. Just promise me you’ll choose the non-invasive kind.
Sunflowers: They shoot up super fast and give your chickens some serious shade. Plus, once the flowers are done, your flock will have a blast munching on the seeds!
Siberian Pea Shrub: This tough plant is perfect if your soil isn’t the greatest. It’s super resilient and can even grow into a small tree, giving your chickens some nice shade.

Quick tip: Give young shrubs a little extra protection with some sturdy wire cages until they’re big enough to handle your flock.

Vines & Climbers

Vines are a fantastic way to maximize space and create overhead shade by training them up fences or trellises.

Grape Vines: Fallen grapes are a tasty treat for chickens, and the dense leaves create wonderful shade. Just pick varieties that do well in your area.
Hardy Kiwi: These vigorous vines offer lots of shade and produce those cute little kiwi fruits.
Passionflower: Some hardy varieties have the most beautiful flowers and even produce edible fruit.
Nasturtiums: These fast-growing vines have edible leaves and flowers that your chickens might nibble on. They also attract beneficial bugs!
Blackberries/Raspberries: Train them along a fence, and they’ll give you some lovely vertical greenery and shade.

Quick tip: Make sure you have strong supports like fences or trellises for these climbers. And give the young vines a little protection at first!

Herbs

Many herbs aren’t just for your kitchen – they can also be great for your chickens’ health and even help keep pests away.

Mint: Can help deter those pesky rodents and insects. Just plant it in containers because it can spread like crazy!
Lemon Balm: Known for its calming properties and might also repel some insects. It can also be a bit enthusiastic about spreading, so containers are your friend here too.
Sage: Believed to have some antibacterial properties.
Thyme: We already talked about creeping thyme as ground cover, but taller varieties are also great to have around.
Comfrey: Chickens don’t usually eat this directly, but the leaves are fantastic for adding to your compost or making a nutrient-rich liquid feed for your other plants.
Calendula: These bright flowers actually edible and even contain antioxidants. Plus, they’re super easy to grow!

Quick tip: Plant these in slightly more protected spots or in containers. Let them flower to attract beneficial insects too!

Chickens pecking at plants in their chicken run.

Tips for a Thriving Green Chicken Run

Ready to get your hands dirty? Here are some tips to help you create your green chicken haven:

Start Small

Don’t feel like you have to plant everything at once. Begin with a few hardy choices and see how they do. You can always add more later!

Protection is Your Secret Weapon

Seriously, those little wire cages or some netting are lifesavers for young plants. Give them a chance to get established before the chickens have full access.

Plant in Zones

Plant taller things around the edges for shade. Maybe create some raised beds or use containers for more delicate plants or herbs.

Embrace the Sacrifice Zone

Let’s be real, chickens love to scratch. Designate a specific area where they can do their thing without destroying all your hard work. Think loose soil or sand.

Watering and Mulch

Keep those plants watered, especially when it’s dry. And mulch around them to help keep the moisture in and the weeds out.

Watch and Learn

Pay attention to how your chickens interact with different plants. What do they love? What do they ignore? Adjust your strategy as you go.

Introduce Plants Slowly

When you add new plants, let your chickens get used to them gradually. This will also help you spot any potential problems early on.

Plants to Keep Far, Far Away From Your Chickens

This is super important! There are some plants that are definitely not chicken-friendly. Steer clear of these and any others you know to be toxic:

Nightshade Family (Tomatoes, Potatoes, Eggplant – especially the leaves and unripe fruit)
Rhododendrons and Azaleas
Oleander
Foxglove
Lily of the Valley
Castor Bean
Avocado (leaves and pit)
Cherry Laurel

Brown young chicken in the garden walks on the grass.

Conclusion

So, can you really grow plants in a chicken run? Absolutely. Will your chickens try to destroy them? Also yes. But with the right strategy, a bit of patience, and some tough-but-lovable plant picks, you can create a space that’s functional and beautiful.

Not only will your flock enjoy shade, snacks, and a more natural environment, but you’ll get the joy of watching your run come to life. It might take a little experimenting (and a few sacrificial seedlings), but trust me, seeing your chickens scratch around in their own little garden is so worth it.