High desert weeds!

[chickmamat]

My chicks are all 5-6 weeks old. They’re fully outside now in their coop and run. I always let them free range in the yard as much as possible.

I live in the high desert, so cal, anyone else here from the area? There is a corner of my yard with TONS of weeds and the chicks love it. They hang out there as long as possible.

Should I be hesitant or worried about any of the weeds? I don’t even know what they are. But do the chickens pretty much know what not to eat?

And I just want to say thanks to everyone! I post pretty frequently and you’re always very kind and helpful!

 

[rosemarythyme]

When it comes to weeds I just figure the chickens can sort through what they can and can't eat. Honestly they're probably mostly searching for bugs.

 

[Seaecho]

I also live in the S. Calif. high desert! I've wondered the same thing. We have dogs, so our chickens stay in a big run. I do throw weeds along with the roots and some dirt in their run, and they pick through it. Haven't had any problems. Grass too (what little we have here, lol) and I throw a flake of alfalfa hay with lots of leaves in it to them now and then. I am concerned about the heat we have in summer. What are your plans for that? A mister, maybe? I'm unsure how I'll deal with it.

 

[chickmamat]

I also live in the S. Calif. high desert! I've wondered the same thing. We have dogs, so our chickens stay in a big run. I do throw weeds along with the roots and some dirt in their run, and they pick through it. Haven't had any problems. Grass too (what little we have here, lol) and I throw a flake of alfalfa hay with lots of leaves in it to them now and then. I am concerned about the heat we have in summer. What are your plans for that? A mister, maybe? I'm unsure how I'll deal with it.

I’m worried about the heat too :/ they already avoid the sun all day and it’s not even that hot yet. We built a little “patio” over part of the run so they have shade. But not sure what else to do yet.

 

[Seaecho]

Same here--mine are starting to avoid the heat already too. We have shade too, but I don't know if it'll be enough. And you know how it is here--even in the shade it's REALLY hot when it gets over 100 like we often do. I keep reading that chickens tolerate the cold so much better than heat, and it worries me.

 

[nminusyplusm]

I'm in the high desert too and some of my chickens enjoy standing in a rubber tub filled with a couple of inches of water during 100+ heat. I also spray water on the deep litter in their run.

 

[Seaecho]

I'll consider doing both of these things if it'll make my babies more comfortable.

 

[Little Jerry Seinfeld]

I live in a different desert, we definitely have some poisonous weeds here, some with highly attractive looking berries (silver nightshade). I have done some research to find out what are the common poisonous plants in my area, so I don't accidentally feed them something bad. Mine aren't free range though because of coyotes, so I dont know If they would naturally avoid poisonous plants or not from experience. But I've heard and read that they know what's good or bad.
You can type into Google for a list of the most common poisonous weeds in your area so you can make sure to pull any you see.
I also agree with the other poster, they are probably most interested in bugs anyway.

Also, what pretty little birds, what kind is the bluish one?

 

[chickmamat]

Same here--mine are starting to avoid the heat already too. We have shade too, but I don't know if it'll be enough. And you know how it is here--even in the shade it's REALLY hot when it gets over 100 like we often do. I keep reading that chickens tolerate the cold so much better than heat, and it worries me.

Same I’ve seen some stuff about fruits and veggies frozen in ice to keep them cool

 

[chickmamat]

I live in a different desert, we definitely have some poisonous weeds here, some with highly attractive looking berries (silver nightshade). I have done some research to find out what are the common poisonous plants in my area, so I don't accidentally feed them something bad. Mine aren't free range though because of coyotes, so I dont know If they would naturally avoid poisonous plants or not from experience. But I've heard and read that they know what's good or bad.
You can type into Google for a list of the most common poisonous weeds in your area so you can make sure to pull any you see.
I also agree with the other poster, they are probably most interested in bugs anyway.

Also, what pretty little birds, what kind is the bluish one?

Thank you!! She’s a blue Australorp, and a sweetheart!