Affiliate Disclaimers | Privacy If you have only a few birds, it can be devastating to lose one. And you too for that matter. This is great if you're feeding your chickens radish, but not so great if you're growing radishes and the chickens have found your plantation. There is limited information on broccoli and chickens, and exactly how much is safe to eat. The leaves and stems of the plant are the most likely to be toxic. I got out in our pastures.. and gather for my chickens.. AND they love it.. Some common varieties of dock leaves are curly dock, which has wavy-edged leaves, and broad-leaved dock, which has larger and flatter leaves. They are nutrient-rich though and great for chickens to eat though. While sprouted beans are safe for chickens, uncooked beans contain lectins which are toxic to chickens. No, apples seeds are not safe for chickens. While chickens will eat just about anything, they seem to particularly enjoy dandelions. While the ripe tomato fruit is safe for chickens, green tomatoes, leaves and plant stems are toxic to chickens. If you have docks growing wild, the best scenario is letting your chickens roam to see if they want them. They can be found growing in various moist conditions such as fields, gardens, and riverbanks. 1. The compound can be broken down if the plants are cooked however. There are several other leafy greens that can be included as a nutritious treat for your backyard flock. Yes, chickens can eat broccoli rabe leaves. The leaves of these plants are used in salads or cooked just as you would spinach. You are using an out of date browser. Not only are dandelions safe from the root to the leaves and the yellow flower, but they're also actually packed with good nutrition. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. While chickens are omnivores and can eat cabbage worms, the caterpillar feeds on brassica plants (like cabbage and broccoli) that contain mustard oils and can store them in their bodies making them distasteful to birds. These are the leaves that chickens should not eat. While likely safe in moderation, a definitive answer cannot be found. Chickens can eat all parts of the carrot including the leaves, and can safely eat both raw and cooked carrots. You can add to a nest box or you can feed it to your chickens. It is also a ton of fun to watch chickens gobble up mealworm snacks! Yes, chickens can eat canned beans. Dock leaves are a common weed that grows in many yards and gardens. However, cheese and milk products should be fed in moderation. Other foods that contain goitrogenic agents include soybean, flax, rapeseed, kale, broccoli, and turnips [source]. It's the pictures that really send this into Yas plz territory. Yes, chickens can eat carrot leaves. Dandelions and White Clover Plantain Acorns, oak leaves, buds and twigs should all be avoided. Magnesium. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'poultrycaresunday_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_13',119,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-poultrycaresunday_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); If you have chickens, you may be wondering if they can eat dock leaves. Well be venturing deep into the leafy world of dock leaves, exploring the potential of these green treats as a menu item for your backyard flock. Wonderful article! Zinc. Never feed uncooked beans to chickens. Leaves from garden plants - Learn How to Raise Chickens Yes, chickens can eat all parts of the beet plant including beet leaves. In traditional herbal medicine, curly and yellow docks are used to aid digestive health. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to many animals including chickens. Chickens can eat all parts of the carrot including the greens, and can safely eat both raw and cooked carrots. However, chickens should not be allowed to eat a lot of apple seeds. Chickens can eat all parts of the carrot including the greens, and can safely eat both raw and cooked carrots. She is passionate about pets, from cats and dogs to birds, reptiles, and poultry. Try to limit or avoid butters with sugar or salt, as it is not healthy for them. 3. Yes, chickens can eat all parts of the beet plant including beet tops. My friends think Im crazy when I ask if they have any weeds growing in their yards then offer to go pull some up for them! Garden Greens for Chickens and Goats - a Full Guide Yes, chickens can eat all parts of the beet plant including beet pulp. Yes, chickens can eat carrot plants. Yes, chickens can eat bean sprouts. Bread should be fed in moderation as it contains nearly no nutritional value. Dock leaves usually have long, broad, and smooth leaves with a somewhat leathery texture. Avocado, even in small amounts, can be fatal to chickens. 7 Invasive Weeds You Can Turn Into Livestock Feed 1. 10. Top Ten Edible Flowers Your Chickens Will Love Asparagus fern, also called Emerald Feather, can irritate a chickens skin if it were to rub against the plant. Yes! Cluckin' confused? Curly dock: edible invasive weed - Foraging for Wild Edibles Consider incorporating some spinach, kale, lettuce, or collard greens into their meals. Yes, chickens can eat cheddar cheese. While the ripe tomato fruit is safe for chickens, green tomatoes, leaves and plant stems are toxic to chickens. On top of that, parsley promotes healthy blood vessel development, and stimulates egg-laying. Yes, chickens can eat cantaloupe rind. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. So this morning while checking in on the little cluckers I happened to grab a couple of big burdock leaves to throw in the run. Use caution with longer cuttings, as they could lead to crop impaction, Avoid fat, only feed cooked scraps, and only in moderation, Can flavor eggs in smaller quantities. Dock leaves were commonly eaten by us during the great depression due to how readily available they were and the range of vitamins and minerals they contain. You can google "Nightshade plants" to . Good for probiotics, Raw amaranth contains growth depressing antinutrients, Contains Persin, which leads to myocardial necrosis (death of the heart tissue) in poultry, Poisonous to most pets, also contains caffeine, Some sources say no as citrus can inhibit calcium absorption leading to soft eggshells, others say that citrus is ok to feed birds, Caffeine is not good for chickens and can cause, Contains hemagglutinin (causes blood clots), Contains oxalic acid (causes liver damage), Contains cyanide (prevents blood cells from delivering oxygen to tissue), Potential to swell in the digestive system, causing blockages, Potentially toxic since they are unidentified. Feeding dock leaves in moderation can help support normal digestion and prevent digestive issues in chickens. Yes, you can grow dock leaves near your chicken coop or in a chicken run, providing your flock easy access to this healthy treat. No idea. Yes, chickens can eat bread rolls. Chickens can eat all parts of the carrot including the greens, and can safely eat both raw and cooked carrots. Yes, chickens can eat all parts of the beet plant including beet shreds. She also shares her experiences and observations on pet ownership, making her blog relatable and informative for pet lovers. Asparagus seeds (also called berries) are mildly toxic to humans, but are often eaten by songbirds. Yes, chickens can eat carrots. Our book on wild eatables is only drawing's.. Really enjoy your photos. Did you know that most of the weeds in your yard and around your home are actually a source of good nutrition for your chickens? As omnivores, chickens can eat almost anything, including vegetables as a side dish, although there are some warnings. Chop into hummus or sour cream dip for a 'lemony' flavor. Yes, chickens can eat apple cinnamon oatmeal. Remember, moderation is key to ensuring your chickens remain healthy while still enjoying the occasional treat. Other foods that contain goitrogenic agents include soybean, flax, rapeseed, kale, cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and turnips [source]. However cheese and milk products should be fed in moderation. You can also print the list and hang it on your fridge for quick, easy access. Because celery can be tough and stringy, it is best to chop it into small pieces for your chickens. Can I feed dried dock leaves to my chickens? Excellent water additive for immune support, Obviously, this is not meant to be a primary food source. How often can I feed dock leaves to my chickens? A Journal of: Raising Baby Chicks Naturally! Chickens can eat all parts of the acorn squash, including the seeds and the skin. Required fields are marked *. Yes, chickens can eat any berries that are sold in the grocery store such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries. While the ripe tomato fruit is safe for chickens, green tomatoes, leaves and plant stems are toxic to chickens. While the seeds are safe for chickens, unripe peppers, leaves and plant stems contain solanine and are toxic to chickens. Never feed uncooked beans to chickens. They contain vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and calcium. (Cool and Refreshing + Healthy), Health Benefits of Dock Plants for Chickens. Yes, chickens can eat carrot skins. 32 Foods Chickens Can Eat and 20 They Can't - Survival Sullivan Bread has nearly no nutritional value. Chickens can eat all parts of the carrot including the greens, and can safely eat both raw and cooked carrots. In larger amounts, can cause anemia, Excellent for immune health & as a water additive, Only washed or cooked, as raw contains saponins unpalatable to poultry, Chickens naturally eat rodents. Avocado (controversial, certainly avoid the skin and pit) Butter. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Etc. I had some kind bars and i opted not to give them to them based on that. Farm animals will typically eat docks while grazing, and it encourages chickens natural foraging behavior. You can allow your chickens to eat dock leaves in the surrounding area while they are going on free range. I am passionate about sharing the best products and most accurate, reputable hobby farming information with you. Docks arent the only weeds that are good for chickens, here are some of the other common weeds that can provide a nutritious snack: Stinging Nettles - Having been stung more than enough times in my life, I tend to avoid nettles. However, they cannot eat green raw potatoes because they contain solanine, which is extremely deadly to chickens. First, not all leaves are created equal. No, chickens should not eat bad eggs or any other food that is not safe for humans to eat. Milk products in excess can cause diarrhea. Chickens are omnivores which means they can eat a wide variety of vegetables, seeds, grain, insects and meat. Yes, chickens can have popped or unpopped popcorn. Dock leaves are most abundant during spring and summer seasons. While leaves are a healthy part of a chickens diet, they should not make up the entirety of their diet. 9. List of Poisonous Plants for Chickens - Poultry Keeper A diet that consists of mostly cattails can cause health problems for chickens. Moldy leaves Moldy leaves can make chickens sick, so its best to avoid them altogether. Fantastic info and the photos really help! Can Chickens Eat Leaves? (Various Examples) - Animal World Facts If the benefits of docks came as news to you - as it did for me - you wont look at the weed the same now. Plants & Herbs That Are Toxic To Chickens & Livestock Henbit is a good source of Vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. Yes, chickens can eat brown beans. So, while chocolate should be avoided completely, a small amount should not be dangerous or cause for concern. Chickens must never be fed dry beans which contain hemagglutinin (causes blood clots) and can be fatal. Dock leaves can be offered as an occasional treat, making up around 10-20% of their diet along with other fruits and vegetables. In conclusion, dock leaves can be a delightful addition to your chickens treat repertoire. Cat Aggression: Aggressive Cat Behavior towards other Cats, People, Using WEEDS: Bitter & Curly Dock | Chicken, Rabbit & Human Food, PVC Chicken Feeder: 5 Steps (with Pictures), 10 DIY Chicken Feeder And Waterer Plans And Ideas, 69 DIY Chicken Coop Plans And Ideas Easy To Build, Homemade DIY Automatic Chicken Waterer Youll Ever Make. From chicken breeds to coop design and nutrition, we offer everything you need to know to raise healthy, happy chickens in your backyard. Extremley well written and very helpful. Did a little googling and it shows up on at least one list of TOXIC things for burds. Mint is an excellent insect and rodent repellent. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Yes, chickens can eat cooked beans. Purslane - Ive not had purslane in my yard, but Im told its one of the most difficult weeds to get rid of. The answer is yes! Never feed uncooked beans to chickens. No, chickens should not be given butter. Yes, chickens can eat various wild plants like dandelion, chickweed, and clover, among others. Butter is too fatty for chickens and should be avoided. No, chickens must not eat avocado. Can Chickens Eat Curly Dock. Additionally, milk products in excess can cause diarrhea. Yes, chickens can eat apple pieces. Carrots are a great, healthy treat for chickens. However it should be fed in moderation as it contains nearly no nutritional value. Are you constantly cluckin' for more chicken-related content? JavaScript is disabled. What a great article. The Top Ten Flowers your Chickens Will Love. An example of vegetables that could be negative for hens is cabbage, whose layers may look like large leaves. @Vicky Ann, could you rinse off the sticky sugar in a strainer and just give the good parts? Dried up leaves Dried up leaves are not nutritious for chickens and can cause digestive problems. So, if you have chickens, feel free to let them munch on some dandelions. Can chickens eat that? Hypothetically-- Could you make a super friendly chicken breed? DIY Chicken Feeder And Waterer Chickens do not possess the lactase enzyme and therefore cannot digest lactose. Another study suggests that breadfruit would be a beneficial addition to a chickens diet. Storage Vegetables - Both pumpkins and winter squash give an excellent source of delicious, nutritious food for chickens all through the winter. What can chickens eat? While likely safe in moderation, a definitive answer cannot be found. Now I know I don't have to get rid of them. While we delve into the nutritional value, potential benefits and risks, and preparation techniques, youll learn how to help your cluck-worthy companions dine in style, whilst still maintaining a balanced and wholesome diet. Yes, chickens can eat baked beans. Second, how the leaves are prepared is important. Having a stock of weeds to toss into the coop and run , particularly in winter when other greenery is sparse, is an ideal solution. If allowed access, chickens will eat greens and bugs every day, all day. Are there any other wild plants that chickens can eat? Yes, chickens can eat canned peas as long as they are not expired. Chickens are omnivores and naturally consume bugs as a part of their diet. Cooked is safe for chickens, Cooked only, to prevent encouraging egg eating, In small quantities. Banana peels are safe to eat, though they usually ignore them. This is an herb that can be fed free-choice year-round to ensure that your flock is as healthy as can be. Most common varieties of dock leaves are safe for chickens; however, its important to ensure proper identification of the plant to avoid toxic plants. All parts of the avocado including the flesh, fruit and seed contain a compound called persin that is highly toxic to chickens. I have a large box of out dated box of Natures Valley oats and honey granola bars. Dock leaves were commonly eaten by us during the great depression due to how readily available they were and the range of vitamins and minerals they contain. If you do feed your chickens cattails, make sure to do so in moderation. I was wondering if we could grind them up and feed them to the chickens? The Latin name for these plants is Solanaceae. Cauliflower cheese is a dish that should probably not be fed to chickens. Get expert advice on raising backyard chickens. You are using an out of date browser. Explore the pros and cons of feeding dock leaves to your backyard chickens, while learning expert advice on ensuring a nutritious diet for your feathered friends. Yes, chickens can eat acorn squash seeds. Some of the things that should not be fed to chickens include amaranth, avocado, butter, chocolate, citrus, caffeine (including coffee grounds), dry beans eggplant leaves, and more. It is quite rare for a chicken to eat poisonous plants as they seem to have a well developed sense of smell. Yes, its a good practice to rinse the dock leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or potential pesticide residue before feeding them to your chickens. If they happen to eat a few seeds, it should not be a cause of panic but they should not eat a lot of apple seeds. If you choose not to raise mealworms, try to avoid freeze dried mealworms. Chickens are often curious about new things and will try to eat anything they find. Chickens can eat goosegrass, but it is not a common food item in their diet. They are a good source of nutrients and provide a variety of health benefits for chickens. There is limited information on cauliflower and chickens, and exactly how much is safe to eat.