Broccoli

[utefan_42]

I have been pulling up my broccoli plants now that I have harvested the broccoli off of them, and I put the entire plant, roots and all in my run and let the girls go at it. They make really quick work of it, in fact I think that broccoli leaves are there favorite thing in the entire world. I have read in some places that you should only feed them in moderation, but I can't find anywhere that tells you why. Do any of you know? and will I hurt them if I keep feeding them the broccoli plants?

 

[utefan_42]

bump

 

[felidaet]

You should not be in a hurry to pull up the plants. Many varieties will grow additional broccoli if you leave some of the leaves on. I learned that trick last year. The variety I grow is Packman. It is the best tasting broccoli I have every eaten. I wish I had planted more this year. I intended to buy more after the first plants had been in the ground 2 - 3 weeks. Unfortunately the nursery had sold out of the starts (plants) by then. I need to find seed for it next year.

I don't know if broccoli is harmful to chickens. I have not seen anyone mention it. I am planning on feeding some to my chickens unless some can show me it is bad.

I was letting my chickens have a couple of hours of free range time recently. They found the broccoli plants quickly. I was surprised because they are behind a bunch of other plants. Maybe they could smell them (can chickens smell?). I had to keep chasing them away.

 

[Eggs4Sale]

My chickens smell. But I tell ya', the pigs smell way worse.

 

[bethandjoeync]

a lot of times "treats" such as this are suggested in moderation because it may take up valuable space for protein intake. (or so I gather from reading so many threads here) I personally haven't had the joy of growing my own broccoli, so I wouldn't know the effects on the birds. I wouldn't think it would hurt them, as long as they have access to some sort of grit, whether it is a gravel drive way or plate full of store bought. they will need it to break down all of that lucious green foliage from the plant.

how old are the girls? what type of feed are they getting? are they laying yet?

maybe answering these will help others to figuring out more answers for you

 

[Autumn Mama]

Mine enjoy broccoli, and also cabbage! Anything in the brassica family seems to be a hit, especially the rapini that grows in a semi-wild patch near their coop! I grab handfuls and snack on it as I treat them too!

Nutritious greens like broccoli are higher in protein than other greens, so I would think intuitively it should be fine! They would find similar greens (dandelions, etc ) while free ranging, no?