Dandelions

[Hayduke27]

I love to hold a grape firmly in my fingers, and in front of them. Usually it takes 4 chickens about 2 seconds to rip it to shreds. It leads to sticky fingers, but is fun.

I also have to report that it is possible to stain your chickens. I dropped a couple of half eaten cherries on my light brahma, and she's now a speckled brahma

I have entered into the world of free ranging chickens around my gardens. It's not easy. Defend the garden from the chickens, defend the chickens from the predators. I'm like the department of defense over here!

 

[redrstr29]

Just a side note.....My pregnant rabbit now craves dandelions, its her new fetish ...shes so cute
Shes a Flemish GIANT

 

[johnmclaren]

The most convenient way of feeding chickens is with a balanced pelleted ration, whether the birds are confined indoors or allowed to range outdoors. Most diets contain corn for energy, soybean meal for protein, and vitamin and mineral supplements. Chickens are nibblers and make frequent trips to the feed trough for small meals, which requires energy. Pelleting reduces the amount of energy required for a bird to feed. However, many producers of pasture-based, "natural" poultry believe that the meat is better when the bird receives more exercise.

 

[Sandstorm495]

I enjoy holding up a single grape in the air for all the chickens to attack...It's gone in the blink of an eye!

 

[Hayduke27]

redstr29- That is one big bunny!

johnmclaren- I could understand how the pelletized food is probably full of all the nutrients they need for optimal growth and whatnot, but I also just like the chickens to be happy. Whether that means throwing greens in the run for them, or letting them free range, I know they like to peck through all varieties of things to eat. And actually, you bring to mind a question. I wouldn't be surprised if a varied diet changes the flavor of the meat, but what about the eggs?

Sandstorm495- I like making them jump for treats. My rooster can jump quite high and still snag a grape!

 

[Liberty Nursery]

Mine will eat dandelion greens but its not high on their favorites. Clover and chickweed are their favorites. I am spreading clover seed all over my lawn so my grass clippings are mainly clover. I would do the same with dandelions if they ever develop a taste for them.

 

[redrstr29]

I wanna plant a clover bed also...on purpose, I do have alot of clover mixed in in a big 20 by 20 area, but I want all clover!!

 

[nab58]

I had to google a picture of chickweed to see what it was....yes, we have it and yes, my chickens like to eat it.

We also have some other type of weed they LOVE even more. It's sort of a vine but doesn't have tendrils. It has leaves that are about 1/2 " x 1/4". It has a scratchy almost Velcro feel to it and develops tiny white flowers. I'll have to take a picture to see if anyone can identify it. So far, it's my girls favorite.

 

[nab58]

I found it....it's called bedstraw.

http://njaes.rutgers.edu/weeds/full.asp?bedstraw-inflower

 

[redrstr29]

Nice , We have that too lol, I never new the names of these weeds until I had chickens ya know, also look up Henbit, they like that too, and false dandelion