Plant ID. Is it safe?

[butterfliesdoku]

It's a 6+ foot tall leafy green plant with purple at the base of it's branches. My chickens really enjoy this plant so I'd like to make sure it can be enjoyed safely.
Thank you

 

[Wyorp Rock]

It looks like Lambs Quarters.

It is edible for us and the chickens.

As with ALL things, moderation is key.

Lambs Quarters contains , oxalic acid (like spinach), which can interfere with the body’s absorption of iron and calcium, but will break down in cooking.

If the chickens are picking at it free range, then let them at it, I don't think they will overdo because they will eat a large variety.

I have lots of it on my property and pull/pick some most days to go in the weed bucket. A good mix of plant material is what you want, so if you are picking/pulling weeds, include some Lambs Quarters to go along with what everthing you give and it should be fine.

Of course you may want to research it.

Here's some reading for you:
http://www.ediblewildfood.com/lambs-quarters.aspx
http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/...eat-em-or-what-to-do-with-lambs-quarters.html
http://www.mofga.org/Publications/M...mer2011/Lambsquarters/tabid/1929/Default.aspx

 

[butterfliesdoku]

Thank you so much for all the info! Yes our girls get to it during their free range hours. They'll happy eat away and then dust bathe and forage.