What can I use to kill weeds in my yard that is safe for my chickens?

[texaspolloloco]

I free range my chickens in my yard now. I used to only let them out in their fenced yard, but now they roam the whole yard. I used to kill unwanted weeds with Roundup but no longer do because I feel it would be unhealthy for my chickens.

So does anyone know what I can use instead of Roundup that would be safe for chickens to come into contact with?
Thanks for your help in advance.
Over Grown With Weeds

 

[AlienChick]

We use acetic acid (basically vinegar but 4 times stronger) diluted one part to 4 parts water. Buy it from DudaDiesel on line.

 

[texaspolloloco]

Sweet thanks! I will check that out.

 

[RonP]

Vinegar is a chemical, salt is a chemical, glyphosate (roundup) is a salt.
If used at reasonable rates, safe for chickens to eat.

I wouldn't worry a bit.

 

[aart]

Vinegar is a chemical, salt is a chemical, glyphosate (roundup) is a salt.
If used at reasonable rates, safe for chickens to eat.

I wouldn't worry a bit.

So Roundup is a chemical

I agree that judicious use of Roundup isn't a bad thing....
....it's bad news in the news lately because of the prolific use on GMO crops.

But why not just let the chicken eat the weeds...or mow them.

 

[RonP]

Personally, I rarely use weed killers (areas between patio pavers).

I would rather pull and feed to my birds (enclosed run).

Good exercise for me, good nutrition for them.

I actually don't mow areas for this very purpose, but that's me

.

 

[AlienChick]

Same here.
We let the chickens (and sheep) eat up the weeds.
BUT we also grow blueberries and the chickens (and sheep) are NOT allowed there.
So we have to use the vinegar to keep the grass/weeds away from our plants.

 

[aart]

I pull and feed to the chooks too....or mow with the bag and dump them in the run.

 

[texaspolloloco]

So I was going to let the chickens eat the weeds, but they do not eat them fast enough. They nibble on some of them, but do not wipe them out. I would rather let them stay for the chickens to eat but the wife is not happy with the way the flower beds look.
Also I cant mow them because they are in flower beds and decomposed granite areas.

 

[steny03]

Try pouring boiling water on the weed. I use this all the time and works well. They come back, but then I just do it again. Some people will boil a water/vinegar mixture.