Sorghum Growing From Bird Seeds

[Wynter Willow]

Hey all, I noticed Sorghum growing on my property from the fallen seeds from bird feeders we had up prior to the chickens arriving. I did some research if it is safe if my chickens happen to nibble on it. I see some mixed opinions. I noticed the girls took a few bites from the leaves earlier today. Any thoughts? Thanks so much !

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

As long as it isn't the only thing available chickens may taste it and move on if it isn't palatable. I don't generally worry about what my free range birds are consuming as a little bit of even poisonous stuff doesn't seem to affect them.

Confined birds may overeat bad things if it's all that is available.

When I was a kid we grew sorghum for silage and I've always heard the greens were poisonous. That didn't stop our ponies from eating some when we took a shortcut through the fields.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

The sorghum grains are fine. Numerically, they are sub par nutrition, but studies in developing countries show, again and again, that chickens can do quite well with sorghum in spite of its poor nutritional numbers up to a significant (>20%) part of the diet, for reasons unknown. Its speculated that sorghum provides certain enzymes that make nutrition of other ingredients more bioavailable.

I've deliberately planted both sorghum, and sorghum/sudangrass hybrid in my pasture for just that reason - without success, sadly.

Oh, and your chickens will nibble at the greens - mostly chasing bugs - but certainly not to excess unless you chicken tractor them over a patch and leave them w/o alternatives.

Don't sweat it.

 

[Wynter Willow]

As long as it isn't the only thing available chickens may taste it and move on if it isn't palatable. I don't generally worry about what my free range birds are consuming as a little bit of even poisonous stuff doesn't seem to affect them.

Confined birds may overeat bad things if it's all that is available.

When I was a kid we grew sorghum for silage and I've always heard the greens were poisonous. That didn't stop our ponies from eating some when we took a shortcut through the fields.

Thank you for your response. The girls have a huge backyard to roam and forage. They have an assortment of fresh herbs and flowers to consume. They just seem to really love those sorghum leaves. I also read they could be poisonous, well mixed views anyway. I just keep my eye on them and try to move them along. I would love to think birds know what not to eat… but, i do catch them pulling the caulking from the sliding glass door. This is a whole new learning experience for me with these wonderful birds.