Can Chickens Eat Weeds? – Backyard Poultry

Can chickens eat weeds, and can chickens eat dandelions? Weeds are an often overlooked part of a chicken’s diet. Save money on feed costs by learning what weeds chickens can eat.

By Erin Snyder

Backyard chicken keepers have fed their flocks herbs, vegetables, and fruit grown in their backyards for decades. But weeds are an often overlooked part of a chicken’s diet. Like vegetables, weeds can be a healthy addition to your flock’s diet. Another plus for the flock owner is that weeds are always free.

Greens comprise one-third of our flock’s diet, and outlined here are some of the vitamins and other benefits of offering common weeds to your birds. You can boost your hens’ overall health and save money on feed costs by using beneficial weeds.

Safety First

While many weeds are safe for chickens, some are toxic and may result in sickness or death. Make sure your weeds are properly identified before offering them to your flock. Some toxic weeds include but aren’t limited to, amaryllis, baneberry, bleeding heart, bracken fern, buttercup, cow cockle, elderberry, foxglove, horsetail, ivy, jimson weed, lobelia, milkweed, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, pokeweed, privet, ragwort, Saint John’s wort, skunk cabbage, vetch, wisteria, and wolfsbane. Others, like lamb’s quarter, pigweed, and Virginia creeper should be offered sparingly.

Another necessary precaution when feeding chickens weeds is avoiding any that may have been exposed to or sprayed with harmful substances. Never feed plants that have been sprayed with pesticides or other chemicals. Keeping your lawn and gardens free from pesticides and other chemicals is the safest way to ensure plenty of weeds for your flock to nibble on without harming them.

Never feed chickens weeds growing along roadsides or high-trafficked areas, as these weeds may also contain harmful chemicals.

Dandelions Taraxacum officinale

• Dandelions are a springtime powerhouse and have many health benefits. One of the first plants to pop up in the spring, dandelions are thought to offer anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory support.
• This nutritious plant contains vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K. It’s also a good source of calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. High in protein, this weed can be safely fed to chicks and adults alike.
• Dandelions also help improve digestion and boost the immune system.
• Dandelions have been fed to broilers to enhance growth by improving intestinal barrier function.
• Did you know? The entire plant (leaves, flowers, and roots) is edible and can be steeped into a tea for your flock to enjoy.
• Dandelions grow best in Zones 3 to 10.

Yarrow Achillea millefolium

• Yarrow is among the most beneficial “weeds” for backyard flocks. Yarrow leaves and flowers are edible and are one of my flock’s favorites.
• Yarrow is also considered to be antibacterial, antiseptic, and antimicrobial. It’s also high in antioxidants, supporting a healthy immune system.
• High in vitamins and minerals, yarrow is a good source of vitamins A and C, calcium, flavonoids, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.
• Yarrow grows in Zones 3 to 10.

Chickweed Stellaria media

• Appropriately named, chickweed is one of a chicken’s favorite weeds, and for good reason. Chickweed is a rich source of essential vitamins (A, B, C, and D) and minerals (calcium, potassium, and iron). These nutrients help chickens thrive and live healthy, happy lives.
• Chickweed grows best in Zones 4 to 11

Plantain Plantago major

• Plantain comes in broad-leaf and narrow-leaf varieties, but all varieties are edible for chickens. This weed is a favorite among backyard flock owners, and it’s easy to see why.
• Plantain aids in digestive health and is highly nutritious and an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which support healthy reproductive and immune systems. It’s also high in calcium.
• This hardy weed grows in Zones 3 to 11 and is often found in high foot-trafficked areas.

Violets Viola sororia

• Violets may appear small and dainty, but these fragile flowers offer many health benefits for chickens.
• Violets are high in vitamin C and antioxidants and are also calming and may help relieve stress in the flock. ~ The common blue variety is best as other varieties may be toxic so check to be sure yours are safe before feeding.
• Violets grow best in Zones 3 to 9.

Weeds For All Seasons

Weeds are very hardy, but many weeds only grow for short periods. Depending on your climate, beneficial weeds can be fed during the warm growing season or all year round.

• Spring Weeds: Chickweed, dandelions, violets.
• Summer Weeds: Dandelions, plantain, yarrow.
• Autumn Weeds: Chickweed, dandelions, plantain, yarrow.
• Winter Weeds: Chickweed and dandelions (mild winters only).

Weeds benefit our flocks in many ways. While this article only lists a few edible weeds for backyard flocks, many other varieties exist. Before feeding weeds to your chickens, always identify them to ensure they’re non-toxic. Watching what weeds your flock nibbles on while free-ranging is one of the best ways to learn which are your flock’s favorites.

Vitamins and Minerals in Weeds for Healthy Backyard Flocks

• Calcium and Vitamin D: Promotes strong eggshells and bone formation. Vitamin D works to maximize the absorption of calcium. Laying hens need this essential duo throughout the egg-laying process, from forming strong eggshells to ensuring proper muscle contractions to help the egg pass through the body without becoming lodged in the reproductive tract.
• Potassium is another essential mineral needed to lay healthy eggs. Potassium helps regulate the nervous system, ensuring the hen’s muscles contract while eggs pass through the reproductive tract.
• Vitamin B: Promotes feather development and growth.
• Vitamin A and C: Vitamin A helps keep chickens’ eyes in tip-top condition. With a clear vision, chickens can spot a tasty insect in the grass or a hungry hawk in the sky. This vitamin also supports healthy immune and reproductive systems. Vitamin C contains antioxidants that support a healthy immune system and reduce stress.

Erin Snyder and her family have raised chickens and ducks for nearly two decades. She’s passionate about all things poultry but is especially interested in poultry nutrition, predator protection, egg-laying disorders, and helping chickens live their best lives well into their golden years. You can follow her chicken adventures on her newly hatched Instagram page: www.Instagram.com/TheHenHouseHygge/