Clover and other bad plants

[MendonMan]

I see clover on the list as bad for chickens. I, as do most people, have clover in my yard. Are the chickens smart enough to avoid? It says it can also cause contact dermatitis. Will they not walk on it?

My lawn is chemical-free but it seems if I section off a part for them to roam during the day, they'll all be dead at the end of the day! The list of bad plants is daunting.

Will they avoid plants that are toxic to them?

Charles

 

[Yay Chicks!]

As with many plants on the toxicity list, it is only a part of the plant that might be harmful. With clover, the leaves are perfectly fine, it is, apparently, the seeds that could be harmful.

 

[scratch'n'peck]

When i saw your post I had to do a search, because of course I have clover in my lawn. This thread addressed the question well:https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/626927/what-chickens-cant-eat-clover/10

 

[duckinnut]

I have 17 that have been eating clover since they were young and still walking,squawking and laying. Like most things moderation is probably key.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I feed my chickens clover and it is their favorite above and beyond regular grass. I plant it in the runs.



http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livestock/poultry/bba01s12.html
This is from 1945 and if you look at chick starter recipe #2 it mentions clover.