Prickly weeds/How do you safely get rid of them?

[Angiebubs]

Hi!
I am just finishing up my enclosed outside run and have a ton of those prickly weeds in one corner. I've mowed them down several times and they keep coming back. My babies were out and kept stepping on them then trying to pull the sticklers out of their feet.
Any suggestions on how to get rid of them? And can this cause any serious issues with the chikens feet? I remember reading someone saying vinegar kills weeds-any expereince with this? Would bleach or soap work?

 

[Angiebubs]

I beleive they are a type of thistle-Anyone?

 

[cluckinthecity]

I dig the roots out on such things. You could try TheEasyGarden.com part of this site. There's a link at the bottom of each page.

Good luck, stickers are hateful things.

 

[Angiebubs]

Thank you for the response! This is a situation where they had grown wild for awhile, after our mini horses left. Recently cleared out this part of the pasture....and Ive cut them down over and over again-feels like they are just mutiplying. And the poor chickens feet!!! I will check out that website now

 

[dsqard]

You could try cutting them down again and pouring salt water on the spot. It might kill the roots.

 

[stoopid]

What about renting a goat?

 

[Angiebubs]

I will try the salt water-thanks!
As far as a goat, our neighbors have those fainting goats, however, I jsut worked hard at getting the rest of the pasture all seeded and nice new fresh grass coming up for the chickens. I beleive its a large enough area for the short amount of decent weather we have left-to stay green...then winter/spring will allow roots to grow so it can withstand the chickens. hwoever, a goat? That would be the end of the grass as well as thistles! lol

 

[cluckinthecity]

I love the goats they rent every year right here in the city.
http://photos.oregonlive.com/oregonian/2010/10/goats_hired_to_mow_southeast_p_2.html

more pics
http://topics.oregonlive.com/tag/goats/photos.html

I make it a point to do a little detour in my walk to visit them whenever they are here.

 

[roachman]

white vinegar will kill all weeds and grass I use it,, and it works !!!!! must soak the base of the weed

 

[Angiebubs]

Awesome! Thanks roachman-I thought I heard heard vinegar would kill them..Does it have to be white?