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Are Weeds Poisonous?

Discussion in 'Feeding & Watering Your Flock' started by DestinysChicken, Aug 9, 2011.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Aug 9, 2011 #1
    DestinysChicken

    DestinysChicken Out Of The Brooder

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    We just moved our 6 wk old trio out to their coop a couple days ago and they seem to love it. Although its a dirt run, the fence is surrounded by a bunch of different weeds. I threw some stems in and the chicks went crazy they loved them! couldnt get enough.(but since they were young i only gave them a few)
    I read before the chickens eat weeds and are good at clearing overgrown areas...but did some research this morning and found this site... http://www.poultryhelp.com/toxicplants.html
    They list a few HUNDRED "toxic" plants for chickens... is this true? should i be worried? and stop feeding them weeds? also..their coop is next to a tiny cherry tree (Also on the list!)
    Thanks in advance for any advice/feedback
     
  3. Aug 9, 2011 #2
    LarryPQ

    LarryPQ Easter Hatch!!

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    Most weeds are not toxic to the chickens, and if it tastes bad to them, they won't eat it.

    You need to identify which plants are present in your yard, and cross-check them to the list.
     
  5. Aug 9, 2011 #3
    A.T. Hagan

    A.T. Hagan Don't Panic

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    I can think of at least six species of plants on my property that I know to be toxic. To people anyway. Chances are there are several more that I am not aware of. My birds do not seem to pay them the least mind. In fact if it weren't ground up into their feed and they were not starving I've never known a bird to eat a plant that was poisonous. To them anyway. Mine do seem to eat a lot of poison ivy, but then it's not toxic for them. Just me.
     
  7. Aug 9, 2011 #4
    Stacykins

    Stacykins Overrun With Chickens

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    Depends on the weed. Dandelions are considered weeds but are edible in their entirety. Their greens go great on salads, and the flower heads can be used to make a most delicious wine.
     

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