Is planting buckwheat beneficial to raising chickens? - Ask Extension
I'm raising chickens in southern Ohio.I want to know if it would be beneficial to grow a crop of buckwheat?
For feed and for nesting.
Knowledgebase
Is planting buckwheat beneficial to raising chickens? #891682
Asked January 17, 2025, 3:15 PM EST
I'm raising chickens in southern Ohio.I want to know if it would be beneficial to grow a crop of buckwheat?
For feed and for nesting.
Belmont County Ohio
Expert Response
Donald,
Buckwheat can be a good feed source for poultry: 5-9% Crude Protein. Check other sources of feed and see what is the most economical in your area. As far as bedding goes, what you want is bedding that can absorb and has plenty of airflow for insulation and warmth. We recommend wood shavings, straw, and hay. Buckwheat hulls should work as long as it is not getting too compacted since they are a smaller. Check on it periodically and make sure that it is absorbing moisture and working as bedding should. Here is a nice link to a fact sheet on the topic; https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/anr-66#:~:text=Bedding%20materials%20may%20include%20wood,critical%20in%20the%20winter%20months.
Sincerely, Dan Lima- Belmont Co. Extension
Buckwheat can be a good feed source for poultry: 5-9% Crude Protein. Check other sources of feed and see what is the most economical in your area. As far as bedding goes, what you want is bedding that can absorb and has plenty of airflow for insulation and warmth. We recommend wood shavings, straw, and hay. Buckwheat hulls should work as long as it is not getting too compacted since they are a smaller. Check on it periodically and make sure that it is absorbing moisture and working as bedding should. Here is a nice link to a fact sheet on the topic; https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/anr-66#:~:text=Bedding%20materials%20may%20include%20wood,critical%20in%20the%20winter%20months.
Sincerely, Dan Lima- Belmont Co. Extension
