Notes on how to build a salad bar for Chickens:
Why Salad Bars Usually Fail
Chickens destroy plants by scratching, digging, and overgrazing.
Their manure is “hot” (nitrogen-heavy) and burns plants.
Flat ground-level frames quickly get buried and fouled with poop…(poop is a big problem)
A Common Mistake
Flat top wire frames.
Chickens perch on them and contaminating the soil.
The Fix: Angled “Unperchable” Sprouting Frames
Frames with a smooth slanted top so chickens can’t perch.
They slide off, keeping the growing surface clean and usable….and unburied.
You are Building a Garden FIRST!
Protected garden bed:
I recommend surrounding the garden with a concrete border.
Border prevents chickens from digging in and keeps manure runoff out.
Filled with quality compost/soil.
Seven frames:
One frame for each day of the week, rotated daily.
NOTE: Each frame is enclosed on the sides so neighboring sections aren’t exposed when removing one.
Fodder choices:
I've tested mung beans, barley, corn, and mixed forage.
All sprout well; variety keeps chickens interested.
Daily routine:
Soak fodder overnight.
In the morning, seed the previously eaten section, cover it with a frame, and uncover the day’s fresh frame.
Repeat daily; only real task is remembering to soak new fodder each night.
How It Fits In
Supplement, not replacement: Chickens still get normal feed. The salad bar boosts protein, vitamins, minerals, and digestibility.
Seasonal use: Best in warm weather, but cold frames extend into spring/fall.
If you need more details here is a video:
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