Apr 10 ā¢ General discussion
š„¬ Forage Crops for Poultry: Nutritional Value of Various Greens
We seem to be on a feed and nutrĆ kick this week and many are starting their gardens, so I figured I would keep it going!
Want to grow nutritious greens for your flock? Not all forage is equal! Letās explore what research tells us about the best options.
Why Forage Matters:
š±Provides vitamins, minerals, antioxidants
š±Supports gut health and digestion
š±Enriches yolk color naturally
š±Reduces feed costs (supplemental only!)
š±Behavioral enrichment
Top Forage Crops by Nutritional Value:
LEGUMES (Highest Protein):
š Alfalfa: 15-20% protein, calcium-rich, vitamins A, K
šClover: 15-18% protein, palatable, fixes nitrogen in soil
šField peas: High protein forage option
BRASSICAS:
š„¦Kale: Vitamins A, C, K; calcium; antioxidants
š„¦Turnip greens: Nutrient-dense, fast-growing
š„¦Cabbage: Good winter storage option
š„¦Broccoli leaves: High in vitamins
GRASSES:
š„Wheat grass: Vitamins, chlorophyll, easy to grow
š„Rye grass: Hardy, quick-establishing
š„Oat grass: Palatable, good nutrition
OTHER EXCELLENT OPTIONS:
š„¬Swiss chard: Vitamins A, K, C; minerals
š„¬Lettuce: Lower nutrition but high palatability
Dandelion: Vitamins A, C, K; often free!
š„¬Plantain (herb): Anti-inflammatory properties
š„¬Comfrey: High protein, minerals (feed in moderation)
Nutritional Highlights:
šVITAMIN A: Dark leafy greens (kale, spinach, alfalfa)
šCALCIUM: Alfalfa, clover, kale, dandelion
šPROTEIN: Legumes (alfalfa, clover)
šANTIOXIDANTS: Colorful greens, herbs
Growing Tips:
ā Rotate plantings for continuous harvest
ā Protect young plants from flock access
ā Consider chicken-safe āsalad gardenā
ā Perennials (comfrey, alfalfa) = less replanting
Important Reminders:
šForage = SUPPLEMENT, not complete diet
šLimit high-oxalate greens (spinach) to moderation
šAvoid treated lawn clippings
šIntroduce new greens gradually
Your turn:
āWhatās your flockās favorite greenāthe one they devour first? š„¬
āDo you grow anything specifically for your chickens? What works best? š±
1
2 comments
š„¬ Forage Crops for Poultry: Nutritional Value of Various Greens
skool.com/thehealthycoopcollective
Vet-led community for backyard poultry keepers. Dr. Nisana, DVM, provides expert guidance on flock health, disease prevention, nutrition, & wellness.
Leaderboard (30-day)
1
+22
2
+8
3
š„
+6
4
+6
5
+4
Powered by