Thistle keeps popping up in yard

[5littlehenzz]

Hello, I'm wondering about my chickens being around thistle bushes. We've cut them down,and cleared as much as possible,but they keep coming back. I'm worried about the chickens ingesting the needles. Anyone had this problem?

 

[skunknchatter]

They'll go around the thistle. And if they eat it, chances are it won't hurt them. If their body can grind and digest bits of dried corn then a thistle thorn shouldn't be a problem. Heck, my horses eat them if you cut them down so they can eat them backwards (so the thorns fold down). I was worried about the thorns in their mouths and throats but they really don't seem to care... We have tons of thistle here (trying to control it on 4.5 acres is a full time job) and we've never had a problem with the chickens. Chickens have been around for a long time. I doubt the thistle will take 'em down

 

[pdirt]

Chickens will also sometimes eat broken glass, to be used as grit, given the opportunity. Gravel-shaped broken glass, not hypodermic needle sharp glass.

I wouldn't worry about a little thistle.