Most of us can agree that a weed is any plant growing where we decide it doesnt belong. Millions are spent every year in America on spraying and killing these plant pests. What if i told you most of those “weeds” in your backyard could supplement your chickens for free! Here are a list of the most common edible weeds for chickens.
Although most commercial feeds can provide good nutrition for your flock, supplementing fresh greens really gives them a boost. Most all the weeds I am going to list all contain huge amounts of vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, and omega 3 fatty acids, whcih give yolks their rich orange color. Simply collect weeds by pulling them up by the root and tossing them right into the chicken pen. After a day, they will have eaten all the greenery and youll just have stalks left to remove. When collecting weeds, be sure not to give them any sprayed weeds.
- Dandelion
Dandelion greens and flowers make yummy treats for your chickens. Originally from Europe, dandelions have spread all over the continent. The toothed leaves are high in vitamins A, C, E, and K, folate, iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
- Purslane
This spreading succulent likes to crawl along the ground along walls or sidewalks. The leaves are small, green, round succulent leaves on a reddish stalk. They will grown yellow or pink flowers and produce seeds every 24 hours, making them an easilyreplentishable food for your chicmens.
- Plantain
No, not the banana,this plantgrows in most backyards and is considered a weed. With oval leaves, amd tall flower stalks, this perennial is easy to find and chickens love the leaves.
- Chickweed
As the name implies, this weed has been on the menu for chickens for a long time. The greens from chickweed are higher in vitamins than spinach. In warm climates, it cam grow almost year round. Lookfor tiny white, star shaped flowers.
- Henbit
Another weed known by its namesake as a chicken’s snack, henbit is a member of the mint family. It has small purple, trumpet like flowers with scalloped leaves. It is a winter annual that is super high in antioxidants.
- Field Sow Thistle
The leaves of this plant arehigh in phosphorus, thiamine, niacin, and calcium.It appearsvery similiar to dandelions, but has very tall flower stalks, with multiple yellow flowes on each stalk.
- Clover
Found just about anywhere, clover is plant to be fed in moderation. All types of clover are edible for chickens, with white clover being their favorite. Clover is a legume, or in the bean family, making it high in protein.
- Duckweed
Found on ponds, this water plant is super high in protein. Ducks love it, but so do chickens. It can easily be harvested from ponds or even grown at home in water barrels. The leaves float on the water’s surface.
9. Nettles
Beware the sting, but this weed makes a great addition to your chickens’ diets. When collecting, it is best to wear gloves and then put allthe nettles in a bag towilt for the day. After wilting, they are ready to be fed.
These are just a few healthy weeds for chickens. There are many more out there. I highly recommend downloading a free plant identification app for your phone. The technology is super accurate and all you have to do is take a clear photo of the plant in question. I was amazed to discover all these plants within a foot from my sidewalk. (see photo)
That being said, here are a few weeds and plants the are POISONOUS to chickens:
– Foxglove
– Dried beans
-Vinca vines
-Hydrangeas
-Azaleas
– Rhubarb
– Lantana
– Green potato skins
-Avocado
– Hemlock
– Nightshades (includes leaves of tomato plants)
Most chickens are able to identify plants that are inedible, but you should avoid offering these plants in particular. I hope this has inspired you to go out and explore! Find some treats for your chickens and learn at the same time.