Dandelions

[nab58]

Sorry, but I disagree that you need to do extensive research before owning chickens. I wasn't sure what my chickens would eat at what stage of their development but I was sure I would find out as i went along...that's been part of the fun I've had so far! Being able to distinguish between vegetarianism and omnivore is not necessary prior to ownership.
With that said....

What I'm learning is my chickens LOVE greens and especially like when I include the roots...dirt intact. They surprisingly do not like strawberries or bananas.
Grape tomatoes were a hit if I broke them open first.

I find it fascinating to watch them discover bugs and worms. I uncovered a slug under their water dish the othe day and they had no interest in it!

 

[redrstr29]

broad leaf plantains are common they have them in Italy also, they go by many different names, lol yes we have many differences thats why I love traveling

 

[LDev]

broad leaf plantains are common they have them in Italy also, they go by many different names, lol yes we have many differences thats why I love traveling

Yep me too, and being on here is pretty cool too with people from all over chatting about their chooks...although it keeps me up too late....thankfully no work tomorrow....1:30am here! Must get to bed lol!

 

[redrstr29]

lol I know what you mean i was nodding out in front of the computer while on byc with a cig the other night lol hhahah, I know I should quit

 

[Hayduke27]

Sorry, but I disagree that you need to do extensive research before owning chickens. I wasn't sure what my chickens would eat at what stage of their development but I was sure I would find out as i went along...that's been part of the fun I've had so far! Being able to distinguish between vegetarianism and omnivore is not necessary prior to ownership.
With that said....

What I'm learning is my chickens LOVE greens and especially like when I include the roots...dirt intact. They surprisingly do not like strawberries or bananas.
Grape tomatoes were a hit if I broke them open first.

I find it fascinating to watch them discover bugs and worms. I uncovered a slug under their water dish the othe day and they had no interest in it!

Agreed! And although I do find myself researching things to death as I participate, I love learning as I go along. I was surprised to find that my chickens hated grapes, and then when they picked the dandelions out from under the grapes, I had to smile. Go figure, I had to buy the grapes!

I have a leafy bush that is sprouting up all over my yard, and I pick the new shoots for the chicks. They love those. However, there are several greens I have found growing in my yard that they aren't really interested in, not sure exactly what they are, but leafy green weeds.

I picked a bunch of clover for them today, gave it a try. They aren't into it. Keep the dandelions coming!!!!

 

[crzy chkn ldy]

My chickens are absolutely nuts for dandelions.  Each day I go around and pick a bunch to throw in the run, and they devour them ravenously!  I have tried feeding them grapes, and they don't even pay any attention to them.  However, one dandelion on the ground will get devoured like a cow in a piranha tank.  It's amazing.
My ladies absolutely love honeysuckle, clover and bread. They get so excited when they realize its snack time!

Does anyone else have chickens with a serious taste for weeds?  :cd

 

[redrstr29]

try chick weed or henbit, theyll lovvvve it atleast the hens will

 

[LDev]

Oooh we have chickweed here! And no I am still not in bed lol! ( well it is Friday night!)

 

[LDev]

...

Agreed!  And although I do find myself researching things to death as I participate, I love learning as I go along.  I was surprised to find that my chickens hated grapes, and then when they picked the dandelions out from under the grapes, I had to smile.  Go figure, I had to buy the grapes! 

I have a leafy bush that is sprouting up all over my yard, and I pick the new shoots for the chicks.  They love those.  However, there are several greens I have found growing in my yard that they aren't really interested in, not sure exactly what they are, but leafy green weeds.

I picked a bunch of clover for them today, gave it a try.  They aren't into it.  Keep the dandelions coming!!!!  :cd
[/quote

Think i had to do some research first as mine were potentially arriving with health problems and I am a born worrier, so felt I needed some prior knowledge.....especially of illnesses....has come in handy already! Suspected impacted crop, sorted with lots of live maggots lol!

 

[crzy chkn ldy]

My ladies love clover, honeysuckle and bread. So funny to watch them get excited.