Cowpeas for hens?

[GardenWeasel]

I am getting ready to harvest a few rows of cowpeas which I would like to dehyrate and add to winter scratch. Lately I have been reading about some type of inhibitors and heat treating before use but can't really get a good answer. Do I have to boil or roast them first?

 

[GardenWeasel]

Anybody out there feed dry peas?

 

[Organics North]

20% of my mix is field peas. Peas are nutritionally great, and really compliment grains.

I do not know cow peas? My field peas are bitter tasting. I thought I was going to feed them whole or sprouted. The chickens picked around them. I know grind them and the chickens eat them..

ON

 

[GardenWeasel]

Maybe I can clarify. Just moved south and lots of people grow black-eyed peas and purple hull peas. I grew them last year and they did so well with no pests I wanted to try them for the hens. I cooked them for us and gave leftovers to the chickens but they have an abundant amount of treats in the summer so I was hoping I could dry them for when treats bacome more expensive.

 

[Organics North]

Sounds great.. Dry them for later use...
Maybe some one from your neck of the woods can chime in on those specific peas.
ON

 

[mickistoy]

when i first read title i thought it said "COWpies" for hens!

 

[Boo-Boo's Mama]

Picked black-eyed peas yesterday and fed then to the chickens...they loved them.

I'm always looking for cheap feed for them plus growing the legumes adds nitrogen to my soil. I have some White Whipperwill (cowpeas) coming along and some Navy Peas as well as Scarlet Runner Beans...now sure about this one.