15 BEST Plants and weeds to Plant for Free Chicken Food
This last season we had started being a bit more serious about our chicken raising. We were getting tired of the cost of eggs and wanted to see the possible costs for free range chickens. I have to say that besides being impressed, I am happy to see how easy it is.
Feeding them from the plant source keeps thing foraging mentality so that they don’t become dependent on you. Check out these safe and wonderful chicken friendly plants.
Chickens are omnivores and will eat just about anything, but there are some plants that they especially love. If you’re looking to add some variety (and free food!) to your chickens’ diet, consider planting some of these chicken-friendly plants in your garden.
1. Grass
Chickens love grass and will happily spend hours scratching and pecking at it. If you have a big enough yard, letting your chicken’s free range is a great way to let them get their fill of grass.
2. Dandelions
Dandelions are one of the first plants to appear in spring, and chickens love them! The leaves are packed with nutrients, and the flowers make a tasty treat.
3. Clover
Clover is another popular chicken food. Chickens love to eat the leaves, and the flowers make a nice addition to their diet as well.
4. Alfalfa
Alfalfa is a nutrient-rich plant that chickens love to eat. The leaves are a good source of protein, and the flowers make a great treat.
5. Wormwood
Chickens love to eat wormwood, a bitter herb that is said to be good for them. Wormwood is a good source of minerals and vitamins, and it can help boost your chickens’ immune systems.
6. Chickweed
Chickweed is a cool-season plant that chickens love to eat. The leaves are high in protein and make a great addition to their diet. Chickweed is also a good source of vitamins A and C, and it’s packed with antioxidants.
7. Plantain
Chickens love to eat plantain, a common weed that can be found in most parts of the world.
8. Sow thistle
Sow thistle is a bitter herb that chickens love to eat. The leaves are high in vitamins and minerals, and they make a great addition to your chicken’s diet.
9. Purslane
Purslane is a succulent plant that chickens enjoy eating. The chickens will eat them raw or cooked.
10. Nettle
Nettle is a bitter herb that chickens enjoy eating. Nettles are also a good source of protein.
11. Cattail
Cattails are a common plant that can be found in most parts of the world. The plants are high in carbohydrates and make a great addition to your chicken’s diet. Chickens will eat the stalks, leaves, and flowers of cattails raw or cooked.
12. Mullein
Mullein is a plant that is often found in the wild. It has been used for centuries to help treat respiratory problems. Chickens are not the only ones who can benefit from the healing properties of mullein; humans can as well. Mullein tea is a great way to get the benefits of this plant.
13. Fennel
Some people believe that if you give chicken fennel, it will make their eggs taste better. Fennel is an herb that is grown all over the world. The bulb, leaves, and seeds can all be used in feeding chickens.
14. Dill
Dill is an herb that is often used in cooking, but did you know that chickens love it too? Dill is a good source of vitamins and minerals, and it can make a great addition to your chicken’s diet.
15. Horseradish
Horseradish is a plant that is related to the mustard family. It has a strong, spicy flavor that chickens enjoy.
How many of these pants or weeds do you care to feed your chickens?
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