Vetch - safe or not

[aschrimp]

We have a ton of vetch growing, and I'm finding mixed information, some threads saying it's toxic and not to feed it, and some people listing it in forage mixes they plant specifically for their chickens. Is it safe?

 

[NashobaLosa]

I think there are several species of vetch, and that might have something to do with the confusion. I do know that some types can poision a horse if eaten in large amounts. As for chickens... I don't know. I would find out what kind exactly you have... and try it in small portions if you do.

 

[aschrimp]

We have hairy vetch.

 

[omegorchards]

My birds eat common and hairy vetch often and they are fine. They have done so for years.

 

[bj taylor]

is the weed henbit also ok for chickens. here in Tx we have had a bumper crop of henbit. my little guys are only 4 wks so they're not roaming on their own yet.

 

[nova022]

Is this vetch?

 

[poltroon]

Is this vetch?

No, vetch has more and smaller leaves, closer together.

 

[SassysMom]

I have "common vetch." Before I could get to the chickens' salad bar, this grass-like plant grew over night. I hope it isn't vetch (I planted a mix). I think it's either rye or wheat grass. I've read the conflicting views on vetch for chickens myself.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

... I do know that some types can poision a horse if eaten in large amounts. As for chickens... I don't know...

Everything and anything is poisonous if eaten in large enough amounts. A few years ago a California woman died after a water drinking stunt put on by a local radio station. She drank so much water that her salt levels fell to a fatal level and she died from heart failure because her electrolyte levels were not high enough to transmit the electric signals from her brain to make her heart beat.. Oh well! A horse and its tendency to eat till it can't anymore or becomes foundered is another good example. I say that a vetch snack a couple of times a day or even once an hour or so is good for your birds as well as for mine.

 

[FlockVillemaire]

Everything and anything is poisonous if eaten in large enough amounts. A few years ago a California woman died after a water drinking stunt put on by a local radio station. She drank so much water that her salt levels fell to a fatal level and she died from heart failure because her electrolyte levels were not high enough to transmit the electric signals from her brain to make her heart beat.. Oh well! A horse and its tendency to eat till it can't anymore or becomes foundered is another good example. I say that a vetch snack a couple of times a day or even once an hour or so is good for your birds as well as for mine.

But if for some reason, a more toxic variety of vetch is the only green available, they just might eat it all! Make sure there is a good mix of healthier plants with more toxic ones, or none at all!