Chickweed species safe for my flock?

[pecky33]

All good points! Of course I’m no expert, I just learn some here and there.

 

[chickenmomma1108]

as reminder, this thread started because the OP purchased "Cerastium biebersteinii" (Boreal Chickweed), an ornamental, not in the same family as the “stellaria media” (Common Chickweed) and had questions about its suitability.

This is a situation where being very precise with our language and "chickweed" experiences would benefit the conversation, since one of these things:

View attachment 4054516

is not like the other:
View attachment 4054518

Thank you for pointing this out.

I went off at the tangent of the stellaria media "chickweed" that is good for both human and chicken consumption. And yes, the original plant I have seeds for planting is cerastium biebersteinii "boreal chickweed" - glad to have folks on here keeping the topic on point & posting responses for clarity

It seems there wasn't a great deal known about the boreal chickweed if it was OK for chicken forage..and not a lot to say it was toxic either. I am glad to know the stellaria media "chickweed" is a healthy & favorite(?) snack for both humans and chickens.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

There is (somewhat) more info on common chickweed. Its not nutrient dense like soy or clover, but it has some nutritional value (mostly vitamins). Certainly not harmful in quantities chickens are likely to voluntarily consume. If you force fed LOTS and LOTS of the stuff, its saponin content and oxalic acid becomes a concern - but as long as your birds are simply grazing, I'd have no concerns w/ this stuff being in the pasture with other choices.

 

[pecky33]

I am glad to know the stellaria media "chickweed" is a healthy & favorite(?) snack for both humans and chickens.

definitely my favorite!