Freeze or Dry Weeds and Greens?

[SunnyAlberta]

I have oodles of dandelions, beet tops and other greens that the girls are loving fresh. Can these things be dried or frozen for feeding as treats in wintertime? It won't be long before we have our first freeze.

 

[mnferalkitty]

I would freeze them, when they thaw they will be a bit wilted and mushy but they will still eat them, I have even given mine frozen treats like that on hot days

 

[chfite]

It never dawned on me until now that someone might not have winter weeds to feed the chickens. lol

Chris

 

[mickey328]

i would also recommend freezing...you keep more of the "green" that way

Mickey

 

[SunnyAlberta]

Thanks for the tips. I will freeze young weeds for the winter. Wow. I never thought I'd be happy to have weeds. By the end of October they will be but a memory.

 

[AnotherSusan]

I am going to freeze some too. I had hoped to freeze a bunch of stuff, but am just now getting a little mobile from breaking my leg. Still have to use a walker.

I got my mealworms from ebay and am going to freeze the excess for winter once they multiply more.

I am also going to try growing azolla and duckweed in a kiddie pool on the sun porch over winter. I hope these chickens will eat it. The ones I used to have loved it.

Anything to cut the feed cost and still keep them healthy!

 

[mickey328]

Susan, have you thought about starting a mealworm farm? There's a LOT of info here about it. I plan on getting one (or two started shortly. growing 'em sure beats buying 'em!

I had planted a few patches of oats and clover this spring for use as herbs, but have discovered the chickens LOVE it! I'm actually going to store most all of it for them and will plant even more next year. It's really rather pretty growing and a great way to supplement their feed. I'm also going to scout around and find other things they like in this regard and be planting that come spring.

Mickey