The Secret to Healthier Eggs: How Cover Crops Can Revolutionize Your Chicken’s Foraging

June 23, 2025

- By Tiffany Jenkins, Founder of Honey & Hatch

Have you ever wondered how to make your chickens happier and healthier? The answer might be in your very own backyard! Using cover crops, like the clovers in our Cluck and Clover seed mix product, can change the way your chickens eat and play, leading to healthier eggs and higher egg production. Let’s explore how these plants can bring big benefits to your homestead.

What Are Cover Crops?

Cover crops are plants that are grown not for harvest, but to help the soil. They stop erosion, add nutrients, and keep weeds away. But guess what? They can also be a yummy snack for your chickens! When you plant cover crops like clover, you give your chickens a natural, healthy food source. It’s a great way to improve their diet and save you money on feed cost!

Why Your Chickens Love Clover

Chickens in the wild love to peck around for food. Here’s why clover is a great choice:

Nutritious Greens: Clover is full of vitamins and minerals that support your chickens' overall health.
Bug Buffet: Many clover plants attract insects, which add extra protein to your chickens’ diet.
Natural Behavior: Allowing your chickens to forage on clover makes them active and happy. When chickens peck at clover, they get exercise and enjoy natural behaviors that reduce stress.

How Cover Crops Improve Your Homestead

Using cover crops doesn’t just benefit your chickens. It helps your whole farm! Here are a few ways:

Stronger Soil: Clover fixes nitrogen, which makes the soil richer. Healthier soil grows better plants for you and more food for your chickens.
Weed Control: Clover spreads fast and helps stop weeds from taking over.
Fewer Chemicals: With cover crops doing the work, you can cut down on using herbicides and fertilizers.

How Cover Crops Boost Egg Health and Production

When your chickens enjoy a balanced, natural diet from cover crops, it shows in their eggs. Here’s how:

Stronger Birds, Better Eggs: A nutritious diet helps chickens build stronger bodies, which means they lay eggs with richer yolks and better shell quality.
More Egg Production: Healthy, happy chickens tend to produce more eggs. When they forage on natural greens like clover, they get the nutrients needed to support daily egg laying.
Improved Overall Health: With cover crops boosting the soil’s fertility, the plants grow better. This creates a cycle of nourishment for both your land and your flock, making your chickens more resilient and productive.

Our Favorite Clover Varieties in Cluck and Clover Seed Mix

In our Cluck and Clover seed mix product, we include two special types of clover that are perfect for your chicken run:

Domino White Clover: This low-growing clover spreads out to provide a steady source of greens. It boosts soil health and gives chickens the nutrients they need for strong egg production.
Aberlasting White x Kura Clover: This clover is tough and drought-resistant. It keeps growing even in challenging weather and gives your chickens a steady food supply, needed to help them lay more eggs.

How to Plant Cover Crops for Your Chickens

Here’s a simple plan to get started:

Pick a Spot: Choose a part of your chicken run where you can plant the cover crops.
Plant in the Off-Season: The best time to plant is in the early spring or late fall. This gives the clover time to grow before the chickens begin foraging.
Rotate Your Flock: Use a movable pen to let your chickens graze in different areas. This way, the cover crops have time to grow back. This keeps the clover fresh and ensures your chickens always have access to nutritious greens.

Ready for a Healthier Flock?

Cover crops like clover are a game-changer for chicken keepers. By adding cover crops like clover to your homestead, you’re not just feeding your chickens—you’re creating a natural, enriching environment that leads to healthier birds and better egg production. Plus, your soil and garden will be healthier too!

Try our Cluck and Clover seed mix today and watch your chickens enjoy a tasty, natural treat every day. Get ready to see happier chickens and healthier eggs—your homestead will thank you!