Chickens are jungle birds and are at their best under an edible canopy. This collection is specially curated to create a dynamic ecosystem where chickens thrive alongside a variety of tree crops, each contributing to a holistic, productive environment. All of these plants are cold hardy and can work in a zone 3 climate with proper siting and management.
Hazelnut: A delightful source of nutrition, hazelnuts offer protein-rich nuts that are a favorite among chickens. Their dense foliage provides excellent shelter, creating a safe haven for your feathered friends.
Cornelian Cherry: These resilient trees produce nutrient-packed berries, high in vitamins and antioxidants, making them a healthy snack for both humans and chickens. Their early bloom attracts beneficial pollinators to your food forest.
Chokecherry: An excellent forage plant, chokecherry trees bear fruits that are loved by chickens. Their dense branching pattern provides shelter and their blossoms are important for pollinators.
Bur Oak: Majestic in stature, the bur oak produces acorns, a natural and nutritious food source for chickens. Its robust canopy offers shade, creating a cool retreat during warmer days.
Haskaps: Known for their hardiness, haskaps yield tangy, nutrient-rich berries early in the season. They are perfect for free-range chickens to forage, enriching their diet.
Trazel: A tree form hazel for layering your chicken run with a taller canopy plant that can still rain down nuts and help pollinate the other hazelnuts found lower in the canopy.
Benefits of Tree Crops with Livestock
Enhanced Soil Fertility: Chickens naturally fertilize the soil, providing essential nutrients for tree crops.
Pest Control: Chickens help control pests by foraging for insects, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
Increased Biodiversity: Integrating livestock with tree crops promotes a diverse ecosystem, beneficial for both plant health and animal welfare.
Sustainable Food Source: Trees provide a perennial food source for chickens, reducing feed costs and increasing self-sufficiency.
