PVFS Omega-3 Chicken Forage Blend - Irrigated - Nitrocoated Seed (lb)

Omega-3 fatty acids are an important component of a healthy diet. One way to get this substance in our food is to eat eggs from chickens raised on a diet that promotes the formation of Omega-3s right in the egg.

This blend is planted for chicken forage to achieve this high Omega-3 result. University studies show significantly higher Omega-3s in eggs from hens who can forage in pasture instead of just eating an industrial diet. Our mix has the alfalfa, clover, and flax that increase Omega-3s in eggs.

PLANTING

Plant annually after danger of frost has passed. Caution: Flax can form prussic acid when exposed to frost so do not graze horses on this mix.

Plant at 2-3 pounds per 1,000 sq. ft. (or 50 pounds per acre). Keep moist until germination and then water regularly, depending on your soil type.

SOWING IN SOIL

Keep your birds away from the newly seeded area or they will eat the seed before it has a chance to germinate. When the mix is 2-5" tall turn the chickens loose on the planted area until they have eaten the grasses about half way down.

SOWING IN FLATS

For chickens that stay in runs, plant some Forage Blend in a 17" square flat. Add soil, sow thickly, follow the growing instructions above, then place the flat in the chicken run and let them eat it all up.

SEED MIX

Consists of:
Tetrelite intermediate ryegrass
Tetraploid perennial ryegrass
Common Flax
Buckwheat
Tetraploid annual ryegrass
Japanese millet
Red clover, OMRI listed coating
Strawberry clover, OMRI listed coating
Alfalfa, OMRI listed coating
Ladino clover OMRI listed coating
Broadleaf Trefoil OMRI listed coating

NOTE to Certified Organic Growers: The legume seed in this mix is coated with Nitro-Coat Organic, an OMRI listed organic coating. This coating uses all organic ingredients: the proper rhizobacteria, a Calcium Carbonate coating that is naturally water absorbing to speed seed germination, and an OMRI listed organic adhesive.

Chicken foraging photos courtesy of Jayme Jenkins, Nest In Style blog; and Bonnie Manion, Vintage Garden Gal blog. Thanks to the bloggers and their hens.