weeds for chickens

[shellybean40]

I was reading all of the poisonous plants and I am really overwhelmed!! I saw a type of clover-alsike, and it apparently causes infertility-WTHeck??? We have a clover type of weed here, (not alsike) and my 8 week olds have eated their weight in it! I am really worried now. I also have given them cabbage leaves, and I see on the list is the brassica vegetables. The list is so long, I feel like I cannot let them out of the pen to forage! I don't know what any of those plants even look like. HELP

 

[TurkeyMountainChickens]

I've found that my chickens tend not to eat plants/foods that they shouldn't. For example, they won't eat raw potatoes, and it turns out they can be toxic. My guess is that chickens will only eat these foods in quantity if they haven't got other options.

Chickens have been free ranging for thousands of years and doing just fine. I wouldn't worry too much.

 

[mdbokc]

Yep, mine completely (and I mean completely) avoid some plants but will pick the ground bare around them. They are "instinctively wise."

AND mine love cabbage (only give it to them in winter) but the poop sure turns green.

 

[hen-at-home]

Yes, my son and I had our 6 week olds out this afternoon and I saw one of them eat some fern and I know they love the clover we have in the yard. I just went through that toxic plant list too and I feel the same way as Shellybean40 - - WTHeck??? I don't know what most of those look like either! I really hope that a few more experienced free range chicken keepers pipe in here and ease our minds on letting our girls out. Oh, I noticed the list had tomato plant listed. I plan to have a veggie garden this year, and though I don't plan on letting them into the garden, what if they do? What if they eat a few tomato plant leaves?? What about pole bean leaves? Ughhh!!

I need more confirmation that my girls have a natural ability to avoid the bad stuff. They didn't have a momma hen to show them the ropes. Makes me consider getting pullets raised by a momma hen next time.

 

[mdbokc]

Mine will scratch around the tomato plants (I don't let them near before the plants are mature enough to handle the activity). Thy have yet to eat any of the plant including leaves. But they sure do jump to reach the tomatoes. Mine were raised by us, not their biological momma.