Alfalfa

[max13077]

When I let my chickens out to free range in the field about the house there is a good amount of alfalfa. They eat mostly dandelion greens and grass, but I have seen them pick at the alfalfa. Is it safe for them?

 

[blue fire]

the grass yes, as long as they eat short blades , but not the hay

 

[digitS']

Alfalfa is not an uncommon ingredient in poultry feed. There are a few special reasons that I've come across for including alfalfa in the formulas - one is that it enhances the color of egg yolks; another is that alfalfa is a source of vitamins necessary for the health of the birds; also, alfalfa is a fairly high-protein food and the protein can even be concentrated thru processing.

Steve

 

[Beer4myhorses]

Having horses and feeding hay and alfalfa...I do have a supply of alfalfa leaves that fall to the ground. I pick them up in and bucket and feed as a treat...THE LOVE IT!!!! I've even thought about tossing in a whole flake now and then.

I have thrown in some hay and they don't care for it. They'll pick thru it and scatter it, but that's about it.

 

[digitS']

I have read that a century ago, farmers would collect alfalfa leaves after moving hay. They then "scalded" these dry leaves and fed them to their chickens.

I assume that scalded meant just what it does now: to heat with boiling water.

I'll sometimes collect a handful of alfalfa stems and feed them fresh to the chickens. They certainly seem to enjoy them.

Steve

 

[shaylee]

I give mine a forkfull of alfalfa here and there during the winter. Doesnt hurt them. I also give mine ratite pellets in the winter. (found at co-ops) I have had no problems with mine consuming this.

 

[Penske]

I had a fellow long-time keeper of chickens tell me to put an entire bale of alfalfa in the run. Do not cut the ties--keep it baled. This gives them something to peck at and will keep them busy. He says this will distract a feather-picker and said that the behavior will stop. I have one hen that is picking another even though they have TONS of space inside and out.

I'll let you know how it works! So far, so good!

 

[LynneP]

I do that, they love their bales and it's a safe plce for jumping down from the platforms. Just put it where it won;t get wet (my run is roofed) to avoid mold. Every now and then a hen will scratch aside the alfalfa in a nest box to eat the seeds at the bottom. Now I understand some hens are prone to impaction from long hay strands...so I checked with a local guy who breeds comets, like mine. So far, no problems whatever...but be aware.

 

[txchickie]

I throw in a flake of alfalfa once a week or so, they love the stuff.......then they scratch it all over and make nests and sleep in it

 

[chickenzoo]

For my caged chickens I give them the alfalfa cubes to pick at, sometimes soaked in water or broken apart.