Weeds in my new run

[TXKukupantsKoop]

Husband and I are almost done with the coop/run. The run area is covered in various grasses and weeds and I have no clue what 90% of them are. My chicks haven't been out there yet but I'm concerned that some things may be poisonous. There are SO many "definitive" lists out there on what can be eaten and what can't and they vary. I guess I just want to know if chicks/chickens discern what they can't eat and just leave it alone. Thanks for any advice on advance!

 

[nuthatched]

Stop worrying. Most toxic things taste bad and they won't touch them. Or they'll eat everything down to the roots a with no ill affect.

 

[LittleMamaBigPapa]

Husband and I are almost done with the coop/run. The run area is covered in various grasses and weeds and I have no clue what 90% of them are. My chicks haven't been out there yet but I'm concerned that some things may be poisonous. There are SO many "definitive" lists out there on what can be eaten and what can't and they vary. I guess I just want to know if chicks/chickens discern what they can't eat and just leave it alone. Thanks for any advice on advance!

If you plan to let them free range at all, they will be exposed to the same things outside the run as well. You can’t keep them from everything. I personally wouldn’t worry about it.

 

[Battlepants]

In my experience, they will taste everything, but generally avoid things that are harmful to them as long as they have good food available to them. This is coming from a setup that is surrounded by poke weed and covered by junipers.

 

[ChickiesforLIFE]

Weeds are great! Chickens love them, your run will have none in a few weeks tops. I’ve never researched much about poisonous weeds, but my ladies eat EVERYTHING, and have never been sick. I’m no expert, but I’d say weeds are fine. Anything big, spiky etc, they won’t eat, simply because it won’t fit in their mouth . Really in poisoning for chickens, the only things to watch out for are chocolate, avocado seeds and pits, and uncooked beans.

 

[TXKukupantsKoop]

This is kind of what I figured. Chickens aren't stupid by any means. Just wanted some reassurance from BYC pros. Thank you!!!!!

 

[Frizzled-n-Sizzled]

Chickens are better than goats in my opinion! Lol

I had the same question though and found these sites helpful.

http://chickendvm.com/toxic.php

https://www.raising-happy-chickens.com/identifying-weeds-for-chickens.html

 

[Frizzled-n-Sizzled]

I found this App very helpful in this regard:

https://www.inaturalist.org/pages/seek_app