Fava bean plant safe?

[mldayton]

I have a garden bed full of fava bean cover crop. I’m going to cut it down and wondering if the chickens can eat some of the plants. Most will stay in the bed as biomass but the girlies like their green treats I’ve read conflicting info. It would only be maybe 8ish plants for 6 chickens at the most.

 

[Debbie292d]

Are the plants ripe with beans on them or just the plants?

If they have beans on them, the chickens really shouldn't have them unless you boil, ferment, or sprout them. They can get crop and digestive issues and some contain toxins otherwise.

 

[mldayton]

They have some immature pods on them. I’ll err on the side caution and just chop and drop all of them. Thanks!