question on a plant

[chickenmomma6]

does anyone know what this is, it seems to be my chickens favorite. just wondering if it's only wild or if I could possibly grow it for them.

 

[Kristyh119]

The long leaves are dandelion and clover type plant in the first pick are oxalis.

 

[New2Chicks97]

A variety of wild lettuce perhaps. There are several different looking plants that fall under that category.

 

[chickenmomma6]

The long leaves are dandelion and clover type plant in the first pick are oxalis.

I can grow dandelion can't i??

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Dandelions are great forage for chickens. The roots are very deep and chickens can't kill them by scratching or eating so they will continue to come back.
It is weird to see all the dandelion flowers with no leaves around them.

 

[Chickassan]

Yeah sure you can! Just gather the seeds and plant.

I can grow dandelion can't i??

 

[chickenmomma6]

Yeah sure you can! Just gather the seeds and plant.

awesome, I think I'm gunna do that. it's one of their favorite snacks

 

[Hardknockshomestead]

I agree with Kristyh. Definitely dandelion and oxalis in first picture, and dandelion in second picture. Both plants are completely safe for chickens to feed. Oxalis is high in (surprise!) oxalic acid, but so are many other wild plants.
Chickens that are fed a good diet and allowed to forage for weeds will usually eat a variety of plants, while not eating excessive amounts of any one type of weed.
That said, if chickens are fed only one type of wild plant, they could be susceptible to nutrient imbalances just like their humans!
My chickens love my hostas more than any other plant here on our little homestead! It is impossible to keep the girls out of the hosts beds.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

All things in moderation. Keep chickens supplied with a complete fresh feed and I don't even worry about what they find while foraging. That said, if chickens are in smallish pens, they'll eat everything they prefer and all that is left growing may be things they shouldn't eat but if feed isn't always available, they'll eat something, and it may be that plant.