Does anyone feed their chickens Duckweed?

[nayeli]

I'm trying to find alternatives for my chickens to just the scratch. I'm experimenting with Fermenting foods and think I'll sprout again (forgot the name for that) but I ran across duckweed. It is supposed to be high protein and with winter coming it might help since most greens won't be prevalent for them.

 

[kacklinghen]

I'm trying to find alternatives for my chickens to just the scratch. I'm experimenting with Fermenting foods and think I'll sprout again (forgot the name for that) but I ran across duckweed. It is supposed to be high protein and with winter coming it might help since most greens won't be prevalent for them.

There is a guy on you tube and he swears by it. feeds it to his hens all the time and he has eggs with a good rich yolk

 

[nayeli]

I saw a video. I'd like to talk to another BYC member though, figure out their set up etc. Then decide if I want to try it!

 

[aart]

Silly Keeper...Duckweed's for Ducks!

Sorry, silly Trix cereal reference.

How will you grow it over winter? Not sure of your location.

 

[nayeli]

I would grow it inside probably.

 

[aart]

I think you'll need a full spectrum bulb.

I had overwintered 3 or 4 water plants once, duckweed was one of them...I can't remember exactly but none of them did real well, water lettuce and hyacinth did not make it.

 

[Quailsong]

I do. It's a treat for the growing season, but for sure if it didn't get so cold here (and our crazy electricity bill wasn't an issue) then I'd grow it year-round.

Edit: I should add I DO grow it year-round in small amounts in a natural-based aquarium inside the house. But nowhere near enough to be a full staple for my entire flock.