Feeding chickens veggies

[rosemarythyme]

I buy fruits/veggies for them once in a blue moon if there's good stuff on the "seconds" table at the farmer's market (organic produce that's slightly imperfect) but when my garden is in full swing I don't see a need to do so. Like blackberries are coming up in a few weeks... they'll definitely get their fill of those.

Mine have gotten very used to having greens or berries thrown at them, and will stand under where I'm aiming like folks at Mardi Gras begging for beads.

 

[Huntmaster]

Always plant a big garden here half for me and half for turkeys. they love the fresh veggies and it saves on a little bit of feed. Just don't get to overboard as they get there nutrition and vitamins they need from there feed. About twice a week I raid the garden for them. Also have mulberry trees and wild grapes all around there pens and pasture they always seem to have something to free range on. May only cut large zucchinis or melon's in half just throw rest in pens and let them have at it, it gives them things to do .

 

[Huntmaster]

Wild grape vines can be a pain though they are always climbing up onto roof netting so always cutting them back. But it is hilarious watching them jumping up higher than they can reach where they grow along pens fences trying to get those grapes. Mulberries are all over the ground right now so i know they are getting more than they should.

 

[3KillerBs]

Mulberries are all over the ground right now so i know they are getting more than they should.

That must make for some interesting poop!

 

[Huntmaster]

That must make for some interesting poop!

Right now yes runny purple

 

[Callender Girl]

I am surrounded by mulberry trees, and I much prefer having poultry poop purple on the ground to the purple poop that lands on my car, thanks to the native bird population.

 

[MadamContrary]

Anything overripe or split from the garden ( or the neighbor's who shares) trimmings from cooking, and things neglected in the refrigerator go to the chickens and quail. I don't cut things up generally, sometimes if it's something they've never had before, just because it scares them otherwise Eggplant is thier new favorite, the quail love the seeds from overripe eggplant. Honestly I only have chickens for the work they do in the yard and to speed composting. Eggs (and a bit of occasional meat) are a bonus.

 

[Red-Stars-in-RI]

Feeding fruits and veggies? Sure, but never more than a truck-full at a time.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Now I'm worried - I have mulberry in the pasture (volunteers, I didn't plant them). They aren't in berry yet, but I can see evidence it will be soon. I'd let them grow because all my birds like to shade from our heat under them.

Purple poops is going to be concerning. TY for the warning.

 

[Phaedra Geiermann]

I will buy some veggies and berries for them in winter, but from spring, there are tons of weeds and homegrown goodies for them.

For tough stems and carrots, I will use food processor to quickly prepare. Most of the time they will get these and they can keep them busy for a good while.