Peaceful Valley Omega-3 Chicken Forage Blend for Irrigated Land - 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.

• Application Rate: 2–3 lb per 1,000 sq ft or 50 lb per acre
• Inoculant: None needed; seed is nitrocoated
• Plant Height: 2–3'
• Uses: Forage for chickens and other fowl
• Facts to Note: Contains intermediate ryegrass, tetraploid perennial ryegrass, common flax, buckwheat, tetraploid annual ryegrass, rye grain, Japanese millet, red clover (specialized coating), strawberry clover (specialized coating), alfalfa (specialized coating), ladino clover (specialized coating), broadleaf trefoil (specialized coating)

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. Keep moist until germination (5–10 days) 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 halfway 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.

Omega-3 Chicken Forage Blend — A Nutrient-Rich Feed Option

Introduction

The Omega-3 Chicken Forage Blend is a specially formulated seed mixture designed to provide a natural and nutritious diet for chickens. With a mix of seeds and plants, it offers multiple health benefits for your poultry, including enhanced omega-3 levels in eggs and improved soil health. The blend contains ingredients like flax, alfalfa, clover, and ryegrass, all of which support healthy chickens and richer, more nutritious eggs.

Ingredients

1. Intermediate ryegrass: High in fiber, moderate protein, and vitamins; good for grazing and balanced poultry diets.
2. Tetraploid perennial ryegrass: Nutrient-dense with higher sugar and protein content, offering energy and improved digestibility for chickens.
3. Tetraploid annual ryegrass: Rich in digestible proteins and carbohydrates, providing energy and fiber for poultry.
4. Rye grain: High in fiber, moderate protein, and some essential vitamins.
5. Buckwheat: High in protein, vitamins, and antioxidants; a good energy source that boosts overall health in poultry diets.
6. Red clover: Rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals; enhances egg production and overall health.
7. Flax: Excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and moderate protein, promoting healthy feathers and egg quality.
8. Strawberry clover: High in protein and fiber; a nitrogen-fixing legume that supports poultry health.
9. Alfalfa: High in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, improving digestion, egg quality, and overall health.
10. Japanese millet: Rich in carbohydrates and moderate protein, providing energy for poultry growth and maintenance.
11. Ladino clover: High-protein legume with vitamins and minerals; enhances poultry health, egg production, and growth.
12. Birdsfoot broadleaf trefoil: High in protein, fiber, and tannins; aids digestion and provides sustained energy for chickens.

Benefits of Omega-3 Chicken Forage Blend

1. Enhanced omega-3 levels in eggs: The high flax content in this blend can lead to an increase in omega-3 fatty acids in chicken eggs.

2. Improved soil health: Clover and buckwheat are known for their soil-improving properties.

3. Balanced nutrition: A mix of seeds and plants provides essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins for optimal health and egg production.

4. Natural foraging: Encourages natural scratching and pecking behavior, keeping birds engaged and active.

5. Better egg yolk color: Greens in the mix can result in richer, more vibrant yolks.

How to Use Omega-3 Chicken Forage Blend

1. Planting: Scatter the seeds across your chicken run or designated foraging area. Ensure even distribution to encourage uniform growth.
2. Watering: Regular watering supports germination and plant growth. Keep the area moist until the plants are well established.
3. Maintenance: Prevent overgrazing; allow regrowth as needed to maintain a sustainable foraging environment.
4. Harvest: Allow free foraging or harvest and feed periodically, depending on flock size and growth.

Chicken foraging photos courtesy of Jayme Jenkins, Nest In Style blog (growing in a flat tray); and Bonnie Manion, Vintage Garden Gal blog (growing in a round shape inside a removable wire cylinder). Thanks to the bloggers and their hens.

Note to Certified Organic Growers: All our cover crop seed is untreated and non-GMO. Although this is conventional seed, it is coated with Nitro-Coat, a specialized coating made with rhizobacteria, naturally water-absorbing calcium carbonate to speed germination, and an organic adhesive.