Why a Native Prairie Pasture is the Ultimate Choice for Your Chickens

NOTE TO READER: (This blog answers WHY you should use native prairie as pasture for chickens. If you want to know exactly what prairie species we recommend, check out this blog.)

Wondering what is the best way to pasture your chickens? A native prairie and wildflower approach benefits your birds, your land, and the local ecosystem.

The question isn't just what can your chickens graze on, but what system will provide them with the most nutritious diet, the safest environment, and contribute to a healthier farm overall. The answer, supported by both practical observation and scientific research, is clear. A diverse native prairie is the perfect pasture for your poultry.

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Forget the sparse offerings of a typical lawn. A native prairie in Iowa bursts with a variety of forbs and grasses, creating a true “salad bar” for your flock (particularly the seeds). Chickens are instinctive foragers, and this diversity allows them to select plants that provide a balanced array of vitamins, minerals, and crucial antioxidants often lacking in commercial feeds (Anderson et al., 2017). This varied diet translates to demonstrably healthier birds and eggs that are richer in essential nutrients. If the diversity is high enough, there should be plant nutrition for most of the growing season.

It Attracts the Most Insects

Perhaps the most compelling reason to embrace a native pasture is the extensive insect life it supports. It’s almost absurd how many insect can live in a small prairie. Research has consistently shown that biodiverse native plantings harbor significantly higher populations and a greater variety of insects compared to monoculture lawns or non-native pastures (Altieri, 1999). For chickens, this translates to an “all-you-can-eat” buffet of high-quality, natural protein. So not only are the chickens getting nutrition from the plants, they’re able to eat insects as well. Studies have documented that insect consumption can significantly reduce the need for supplemental feed in pastured poultry systems (Fanatico et al., 2011). This natural protein boost is critical for growth, poultry health, egg production, and overall flock vitality.

Nature's Pharmacy: Self-Medication in Action

Prairie is the best from of poultry healthcare. The concept of zoopharmacognosy (crazy word, I know…) highlights how animals instinctively seek out plants with medicinal properties. Many native forbs contain compounds that can act as natural dewormers and support overall health. For instance, some flowers in the sunflower family and certain legumes contain tannins known to have anthelmintic (worm killing) effects (Githiori et al., 2006). By providing a rich tapestry of native plants, you empower your flock to naturally manage their parasite loads and potentially reduce the reliance on chemical interventions.

Enrichment Beyond Compare: Happy Chickens, Healthy Flock

The behavioral health of your chickens is directly tied to their environment. A monotonous pasture of traditional cool season grasses leads to boredom and stress, often manifesting as destructive pecking behaviors. A native prairie, however, is a constantly changing landscape offering endless opportunities for natural behaviors. Chickens will spend their days scratching through leaf litter for insects, dust bathing in bare patches between grass clumps, and exploring the diverse textures and scents of different plants. This enriched environment reduces stress, promotes natural social dynamics, and ultimately leads to a happier and healthier flock (Dawkins, 2004). You know what they say about a bored chicken…

Resilience in the Face of Iowa's Climate

Anyone in the Midwest who has any kind of pasture knows the challenges of summers. Once upon a time the Midwestern prairies were dominated by warm season grasses and forbs. These are species that are designed to last throughout the hottest part of the summer. While non-native grasses often wither and go dormant during hot, dry spells, the deep root systems of native prairie plants provide remarkable drought resilience. Species like Switchgrass and Indiangrass can send roots down almost 10 feet, accessing moisture far beyond the reach of a typical lawn. This ensures a consistent source of green forage for your chickens throughout the entire growing season, even when other pastures are parched.

The Taste of the Wild: Superior Egg and Meat Quality

The diverse diet your chickens enjoy in a native prairie directly impacts the quality of their eggs and meat. Research has shown that pastured poultry products often boast higher levels of beneficial nutrients, including Omega-3 fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins (Karreman & Noordhuizen, 2006). Furthermore, the vibrant yellow-orange yolks of pastured eggs are a visual testament to the rich carotenoid content from fresh greens. The flavor profile of both eggs and meat from chickens raised on a diverse native diet is often described as richer and more complex.

Wholistic Ecosystem

Choosing a native prairie for your chicken pasture is an act of ecological stewardship. This system creates a multi-layered habitat that supports a wealth of biodiversity. The wildflowers provide nectar for our struggling native bees and butterflies. The increased insect life becomes a food source for songbirds and other wildlife. The grasses offer nesting habitat for ground-nesting birds. By integrating your chicken operation with a native prairie, you are actively contributing to the health and resilience of our ecosystem.

A native prairie and wildflower mix offers a superior nutritional base, unparalleled insect protein, natural parasite control, enhanced predator protection, a more stimulating environment, exceptional drought resilience, higher quality end products, and significant ecological benefits. It’s a regenerative system that works with nature, creating a healthier and more sustainable future for your flock, your land, and your dinner plate.

Curious what the best native prairie and wildflower mix is best for your chickens. Check out our recommendation here.

References:

• Altieri, M. A. (1999). Agroecology: The science of sustainable agriculture. Westview Press.

• Anderson, J. V., et al. (2017). Pasture composition and nutritive value for grazing poultry: A review. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems, 32(3), 215-225.

• Dawkins, M. S. (2004). Using behaviour to assess animal welfare. Animal Welfare, 13(Suppl 1), S3-S7.

• Fanatico, A. C., et al. (2011). Pastured poultry: Foraging behaviour and feed intake. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, 35(7), 701-721.

• Githiori, J. B., et al. (2006). Anthelmintic activity of extracts from some plants traditionally used against gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep and goats in East Africa. Veterinary Parasitology, 137(3-4), 214-222.

• Karreman, H. J., & Noordhuizen, J. P. T. M. (2006). Organic poultry production systems in Europe: A review. Livestock Production Science, 101(1-3), 1-15.