is this something my chickens can eat?

[Aban]

i went on a nature walk to gather up a nice natural salad for my chickens today. They were so excited to have all of the yummies. I saw this and was wondering if they can eat it? Do any of you know what kind of flower this is and if my chickens can eat it? We have loads in our area and would love to add it in if it is good for them.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

I would think you could try it. Check out the link below. If the chickens don't eat it, it means they probably shouldn't.

ttp://www.fresh-eggs-daily.com/2012/05/top-ten-flowers-your-chickens-will-love.html

 

[Aban]

I would think you could try it. Check out the link below. If the chickens don't eat it, it means they probably shouldn't.

ttp://www.fresh-eggs-daily.com/2012/05/top-ten-flowers-your-chickens-will-love.html

I have this link, and I just loved finding out about the dandilions and clovers because those are EVERYWHERE around here. I just didnt know what this specific flower was but we sure have alot of these too. This blog also warns about certian plants so I was trying to verify this one before offering it to my chickens. They eat almost anything that i put in with them...they are having to stay in a temp coop for now and are not able to run around. It really sucks so I am trying to offer as much things that they would normally get while free ranging.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

When you cut plants for them make sure they are short in length- for chicks I give 1 inch long bits of grass.

For adult chickens I give 2-3 inches long, whatever I find for them (dandelion leaves, grass clippings, etc.) to prevent impacted crop.

So you don't want it balling up in the crop and getting stuck. Make sure they have grit or are free ranging for grit.

They will LOVE grass clippings if you have them.

I don't know about the flower in question.

 

[Aban]

When you cut plants for them make sure they are short in length- for chicks I give 1 inch long bits of grass.

For adult chickens I give 2-3 inches long, whatever I find for them (dandelion leaves, grass clippings, etc.) to prevent impacted crop.

So you don't want it balling up in the crop and getting stuck. Make sure they have grit or are free ranging for grit.

They will LOVE grass clippings if you have them.

I don't know about the flower in question.

oh no, i didnt know i needed to cut them down so small...should I be worried!!???? adn what should i do to try to prevent them from having any trouble (other than not doing it again)??? they have been getting lil bits of stuff for the past few days, but today I gave them a bunch.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Quote: Chances are they should be OK as I have seen mine eat scary long pieces of grass that I didn't know they were going to eat- they were OK.

Hopefully they have some grit in their gizzards to grind it all up. It will go from the crop to the gizzard and then move on down hopefully.

 

[Aban]

Chances are they should be OK as I have seen mine eat scary long pieces of grass that I didn't know they were going to eat- they were OK.

Hopefully they have some grit in their gizzards to grind it all up. It will go from the crop to the gizzard and then move on down hopefully.

thank you

 

[Mountain Peeps]

oh no, i didnt know i needed to cut them down so small...should I be worried!!???? adn what should i do to try to prevent them from having any trouble (other than not doing it again)??? they have been getting lil bits of stuff for the past few days, but today I gave them a bunch.

Yes, chickens shouldn't eat grass clippings or handfuls for that matter as they are very long. Chickens on will eat the tops off of grass blades. To many long clippings can result in crop binding and other crop issues. They should be ok for now but don't do it in the future. You can give them apple cider vinegar (unpasteurized and organic) in their water to help their immunity. Also make sure they have plenty of grit.

 

[Triple Willow]

Sometimes when I mow my yard I hook up the grass sweeper and gather the grass clippings then dump the whole thing in the chicken pen. They eat it and haven't ever had a problem. Grass that has been mowed should be cut up small enough not to cause any problems.

You might check out "sprouting" for a great greens source for your birds. I've never tried it but I know several who have and them/their birds love it.

 

[Triple Willow]

You might also want to look up "grazing frames" for another greens source. Also, chickens LOVE white clover - not the flowers, just the leaves. Mine eat it like they are goats.