During the winter season, when for many people much of the garden lies fallow, winter weeds begin to creep into the corners, paths, and untended places. For most people, those weeds are viewed as bothersome work or maybe future compost at best. However for folks who keep chickens, and keep them penned up, those weeds can be viewed as a boon, especially in winter. A daily dose of fresh green “weeds” will keep your eggs bright orange, your chickens happy and healthy, and even cut down on feed expense. Even when the ground is frozen you can give the weeds a yank and not feel bad about it at all. If all you get is the top, bonus, more weeds in a few weeks.
Here are some of the most common winter weeds and ones that chickens especially love: Chickweed, Dandelion, Wheatgrass (especially if you mulch with straw), Prickly lettuce, Purslane, Lambs Quarters, Hen bit, Clover, and Wild Rocket. Those are just a few. A good rule of thumb is to throw it to the chickens and if they eat it, good. Chickens might have a small brain, but they instinctively avoid poisonous plants.
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