It was late summer and my yard was overrun with those tall yellow goldenrod flowers.
Now I’d heard chickens can eat certain weeds and herbs.
And that big ol’ patch of goldenrod got my wheels turnin’.
“Maybe the girls would enjoy a fresh bouquet!” I thought.
So I traipsed out to the yard and picked a nice bundle of goldenrod stems.
Brought em over to the coop and presented them with a “Ta-da!” and a bow.
“Special delivery, ladies! Chow down!” I announced proudly.
Well, the chickens swarmed those flowers faster than bees on a hive!
They gobbled up every last petal and leaf in minutes flat.
I could hardly believe it – they went nuts for the goldenrod!
“Well dip me in flour and call me a drumstick, they LOVE this stuff!” I exclaimed.
Soon as they finished, they started eyeballin’ the patch in the yard.
I laughed and said “Alright you scoundrels, go help yourself!” as I opened their gate.
In the end, turns out chickens DO enjoy foraging on fresh goldenrod quite a bit!
But as I later learned, there’s more to it than just tossin’ them any old weeds…
Can Chickens Safely Eat All Parts of Goldenrod?
Well, most parts of goldenrod are safe for chicken consumption except the roots and seeds.
The leaves, flowers, pollen and stems contain beneficial nutrients and bioactive compounds.
But the roots and seeds can be toxic to chickens if consumed in excess.
So it’s best to limit foraging and remove roots and undeveloped seed heads.
Health Benefits of Goldenrod for Chickens
Turns out goldenrod has some nifty health benefits for chickens when fed in moderation:
– Bioflavonoids support immune function and disease resistance
– Carotenoids promote eye, skin, feather health
– Polyphenols have anti-inflammatory effects
– Provides trace minerals like iron, zinc, manganese
– Encourages healthy digestion and gut flora
So it packs a nutritious punch as a supplemental treat!
Best Ways to Feed Chickens Goldenrod
Here are some tips for serving goldenrod to chickens safely and effectively:
– Pick younger, leafy stems vs. older growth
– Remove roots, seed heads, flowers, woody parts
– Chop/mince into bite-size pieces
– Mix sparingly into feed ration or wet mash
– Limit treats to <10% of overall diet
– Let chickens free range on young goldenrod patches
– Cut back on feed to prevent overeating while foraging
– Ensure access to grit and fresh water
Risks and Precautions for Feeding Goldenrod
While beneficial in moderation, goldenrod does carry some risks:
– Excess consumption may cause upset digestion
– Toxicity from overeating roots, seeds
– Reduced nutritional intake if overforaging
– Increased risk of chokeweed poisoning if present
To reduce risks:
– Limit treats to occasional, sparing amounts
– Remove and discard roots, seed heads
– Prevent overforaging by limiting access
– Watch for signs of toxicity like lethargy
– Ensure a balanced base diet
– Eliminate/control any toxic lookalikes like chokeweed
Chickens That Should Avoid Goldenrod
These chickens should steer clear of goldenrod:
– Chicks under 16 weeks old
– Laying hens (may impact egg flavor)
– Birds with digestive issues
– Chickens taking certain medications
– Sensitive breeds like silkies or bantams
– Any birds showing adverse reactions
Watch closely for signs of intolerance in any chickens given goldenrod.
When in doubt, avoid serving it to vulnerable birds.
How to Identify Goldenrod for Safe Foraging
– Yellow flowers that bloom late summer into fall
– Slender, erect, leafy stems grow 1-7 feet tall
– Alternate, toothed leaves are slender like grass blades
– Branched, fluffy flower spikes wave above foliage
– Entire plant has faint anise-like aroma when crushed
– Grows in open, sunny areas and disturbed soil
– No thorns/prickles on stems
– Ensure no toxic lookalikes present like chokeweed
When in doubt, consult local foraging guides for plant ID.
Serving Size and Frequency Recommendations
– Chopped goldenrod leaves/flowers: 1-2 tablespoons per chicken, 1-3x per week
– Mixed into feed: 2-3% max of daily ration
– Foraging time: 30 minutes every few days
– Remove chickens once interest wanes
– Determine serving guidelines based on flock observations
– Adjust as needed if any adverse reactions occur
– When sourced safely and fed judiciously, goldenrod makes a nutritious occasional treat!
Other Beneficial Weeds and Plants for Chickens
In addition to goldenrod, chickens can forage on several other weeds and plants:
Dandelion – Leaves, flowers, roots provide vitamins A, C, K.
Chickweed – Tender green leaves and stems are nutritious.
Clover – Flowers and leaves offer protein, minerals.
Alfalfa – Vitamin/mineral-rich leaves and sprouts.
Lamb’s quarters – Abundant nutrient source, seeds too.
Purslane – Succulent leaves have omega-3 fatty acids.
Plantain – Broad leaves good for digestion.
Curly dock – Early spring leaves have iron and calcium.
Amaranth – Leafy greens and seeds are very nutritious.
Mallow – Provides vitamins, minerals and moisture.
Peppergrass – Spicy cress-like leaves stimulate digestion.
Wild lettuce – Young tender leaves, eaten sparingly.
Sow thistle – Prickly but nutritious leaves.
Remember to introduce new plants slowly and watch for reactions.
Rotate offerings for variety. Weeds and plants complement feed, not replace.
Setting Up a Chicken Foraging Area
Providing a designated foraging area makes it easier to manage chicken grazing:
Select a partially shaded, well-draining spot.
Fence it off securely from predators and pests.
Include planted shrubs, trees, vines with edible parts.
Let beneficial weeds and plants grow tall for chickens to browse.
Add logs, stumps, pine cones for enrichment.
Scatter grain or treats to encourage exploration.
Place water station, shelter for comfort and safety.
Start chickens in small section, then expand area.
Rotate plot usage to prevent overgrazing.
Check area for hazards before each use.
Remove poisonous plants – trim back if unsure.
Introduce new plants slowly to observe reactions.
A well-designed, actively managed foraging area keeps chickens engaged in natural grazing.
Benefits of Foraging for Chicken Health
Allowing chickens to forage offers many benefits:
More exercise and muscle development from roaming.
Natural beak conditioning from pecking, grazing.
Mental stimulation from exploring new plants.
Stress relief from dustbathing, sunbathing.
Increased gut health from diverse fiber, prebiotics.
Supports strong immune function.
Better feather condition from preening oils.
Essential nutrients and minerals from plants.
Controls parasites like worms, mites naturally.
Foraging is key to healthy, thriving backyard chickens.
Just be sure to provide balanced feed as the dietary base.
Tips for Safe Chicken Foraging
Here are some tips for safe foraging:
– Plant or allow only nontoxic species.
– Remove poisonous lookalikes.
– Introduce new plants slowly.
– Watch closely for any adverse reactions.
– Limit foraging time to prevent overeating.
– Prevent access to questionable plants.
– Provide clean, fresh water.
– Ensure balanced feed remains dietary base.
– Check area thoroughly for hazards before each use.
– Supervise or range proof enclosure securely.
– House chickens safely at night.
– Avoid areas treated with chemicals/fertilizers.
– Rotate grazing areas to prevent parasites.
With proper precautions, foraging can be safe and hugely beneficial.
Troubleshooting Foraging Problems
Some common foraging issues and solutions:
Overgrazing – Rotate areas. Limit time.
Eating toxic plants – Remove and identify. Fence off.
Overscratching – Add enrichment. Limit area.
Dropped egg production – Ensure proper nutrition.
Weight loss/lethargy – Treat causes, supplement feed.
Bullying/competition – Separate bullies, increase resources.
Fly and parasite problems – Treat, rotate range areas.
Destructive digging/scratching – Provide sand pit for dustbathing.
Ventilation issues – Add trees, properly manage growth.
Vegetation dying off – Water, reseed, prune back.
Actively managing and troubleshooting keeps foraging safe and enjoyable.
