12 Easy-To-Grow Crops You Can Use To Feed Your Chickens

The cost of chicken feed is on the rise, as is the number of people looking for other options to feed their chickens. Steve & Brian discuss 12 crops that are easy to grow and great to feed to your chickens.
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Here is the list:
Nasturtiums (natural antibiotic).
Calendula (repels insects).
Leafy Greens (lettuce, spinach, chard, beet, turnip greens).
Brassicas (kale, cabbage).
Sprout grains (peas, corn, sunflower, wheat, barley, oats, soybeans).
Comfrey (High protein, Low fiber).
Chicory.
Berries.
Melons.
Pumpkins.
Corn.
Sunflower Seeds.
#hobbyfarm #backyardchickens #homestead

[@deedahl2866]

Nasturtiums (natural antibiotic). Calendula (repels insects). Leafy Greens (lettuce, spinach, chard, beet, turnip greens). Brassicas (kale, cabbage). Sprout grains (peas, corn, sunflower, wheat, barley, oats, soybeans). Comfrey (High protein, Low fiber). Chickory. Berries. Melons. Pumpkins. Corn. Sunflower Seeds. I am surprised that you didn't suggest Lamb's Quarter/Pigweed/Goosefoot! It's super easy to grow, harvest, and even people can eat it. Almost any livestock can eat it.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Thanks for the list, and the great additions! I’m pinning your comment since so many are asking for a list (and yours is better than mine)! 😁

[@deedahl2866]

@@HobbyFarmGuys You are most welcome! I was doing it to have my own notes for future references and thought to myself WHY NOT POST IT FOR EVERYBODY. :) Thanks for making such a great video!

[@ajb.822]

Also, most of them also love it ( lamb's quarters). I started out with growing extra squash, as it's usually stupid-easy to grow lots of and most types store really well all winter. When I'd bake one for us, I'd bake a 2nd one in oven at same time, for the chickens ( they don't eat hard things well). Obviously, they get more protein & a lil fat from the seeds in there, as well.

[@douglasgoodfellow7465]

Good point pick those weeds and haul them to the chickens definitely a supplement for them

[@davehimlin2374]

@@deedahl2866 What are the top foods to grow for chickens in zone 7 USA , , as far as the foods being easy to grow and produce alot of food and dont get eaten by pests/ bugs ? Im guessing sunflowers would be in the list ?

[@j.reneewhite915]

I planted purple sprouting broccoli in July (zone 8b) and put frost cloth over the row from November through February. Every time I'd pull the frost cloth off to give them a check I'd remove all bottom leaves and feed them to my neighbors hens. These greens were devoured quickly. I've since given them all the other brassica greens but they always favor the purple sprouting broccoli greens. The old farmers always say to plant an elderberry right next to the chicken pen. It'll provide shade and protection during the summer months and the hens will eat the berries as they drop which will boost their immune system and prevent a few diseases as well. Raw pumpkin seeds are also antiparasitic for humans and dogs as well.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

I’m not surprised they live the broccoli greens! I like the elderberry idea too!

[@joannc147]

Gentlemen - great video, thank you! I’m only 11 months into this chicken thing. I’m running a “Hens Without Borders” philosophy. The neighbors are amused and supplied with eggs. I’m surprised how little, if any, comm’l layer feed the girls ate during the warm months. They find oodles of bugs and green stuff to eat. I’m grateful to learn about these add’l crops I can grow. I grew some corn and amused myself watching “corn cob keepaway” antics by the girls. They also eat voles as well as small snakes, frogs and lizards they catch. I had NO idea chickens would be this much fun 🐓🐓❤.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

They sure are fun! Thanks for sharing!

[@puttingitogether2816]

My neighbor is running a Hens without borders and I don't appreciate it. They have destroyed my grass and poop everywhere. All her animals are without borders. It's getting old.......................I'm sure she is saving money, at my expense.

[@joannc147]

@@puttingitogether2816 oh no! That’s horrible 😱 Not the way this should be done at all. I communicate with my neighbors and my chickens typically run into their wooded areas only. I’m all for having fun and I’m pleased the neighborhood kids enjoy watching the hens, but noooo! No damaging gardens! Btw, I’ve had my share of tolerating the damage from their cats who scratch, poop and vomit on my ppty. We work it all out ❤

[@naymayabiksnibi]

@@puttingitogether2816 😂 at the expense of eggs I would work a deal out with your neighbor.........but it doesn't seem like that is who you are. Too bad for you.

[@cestmoikim6514]

How do hawks, etc. and foxes, cayotes, etc. not eat your chickens? We have lost a few when we let them out to roam during the day and put them inside their moving coop on wheels in the evening.

[@CFarnwide]

We really don’t keep a “lawn” in the backyard. It’s a variety of ground cover type herbs (oregano, basil, lemon thyme etc.), wildflowers, and dandelions. Dandelions mostly 😂. Anyway, the girls hardly eat any pellet feed during spring, summer, and fall. Whatever is growing back there seems to be keeping them healthy with strong shells! My mother taught me the herb trick instead of having lawns. She almost exclusively used lemon thyme… it smelled so heavenly walking through it or mowing it when needed!

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

I love that idea!

[@joannc147]

Oh, lemon thyme instead of a lawn! What a great idea!

[@CFarnwide]

@@joannc147 lemon thyme is drought resistant as well. Works well in our Utah climate. 😎

[@brendamccarta2914]

Will it grow in sandy soils

[@CFarnwide]

@@brendamccarta2914 absolutely! Generally, the poorer the soil, the better it does! This is from a quick google search “The poorer the quality of your soil, the better the growth potential of your thyme plant. The low-maintenance plant does best in dry, sandy, or loamy soil, but it can also flourish in rocky gravel if given the chance. Thyme grows quickly, so keep your plants at least 12-24 inches apart when adding them to your garden.” Where I am we have mostly dry, hard packed clay and it grows well in it. The only issue with thyme is it is susceptible to root rot so it should be well drained soil and/or not overwatered. Also, being a ground cover foliage, the root systems will help prevent erosion in sandy soils.

[@kimberlyguimond4186]

Don’t forget to ferment your feed! Makes your feed last twice as long.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

👍

[@joanneholcombe735]

How do u do that?

[@sheilal3172]

@@joanneholcombe735 I have 16 hens. I put about 2 cups wheat berries into a 1-gallon bucket. I cover the berries by at LEAST 2 inches of cool water. Less water and they will mold. After a couple of days, you will see tiny bubbles forming on the top of the water. Drain and give to the chicks.

[@kellyaldridge2095]

And they love it!

[@teresaV]

​@@joanneholcombe735 The lady on Chickenlandia has a pretty good video on how to do it.👍

[@nancy5721]

Oh yes! The Japanese beetles!! We're inundated with them in early summer. I hold a bucket of water and tap the branch so they drop into the water before they can fly off. They don't drown at least not for a long time but cannot seem to get out of the water. Then I dump it out on the ground in front of chickens. Yum yum.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

I'll bet they do love them!

[@Septemberwitch24]

That's cruel but effective!👍🏻😃

[@nancy5721]

@@Septemberwitch24 how is it cruel? Chickens eat many ground and air insects alive. They don't have a nervous system to feel pain. I don't see this method as any worse than squashing them under a shoe. Maybe your choice of a word is inaccurate?

[@Septemberwitch24]

@@nancy5721 Hold your panties, Fancy Nancy! I was only joking my dear! 😆

[@ronthompson3609]

No mention of squash. It's nutritious, easy to store over the winter and the birds love it.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Very true! There are so many! Maybe a part 2?

[@tamieboblitt7324]

My chickens love spaghetti squash and they store real well

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

My flock loves it too! Good thing…I grew twice as much as I needed a couple of years ago! 😂

[@lindacgrace2973]

I am a big believer in "closed loop" gardening. I save the eggshells, grind em up, and feed them back to the chickens.That, together with 'treats' of black soldier fly larvae (which the chickens adore) seem to keep the ladies in good health and laying heavily.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

I agree! Great tips!

[@lindacgrace2973]

@@HobbyFarmGuys 😊

[@CFarnwide]

When we first started keeping a flock 10 years ago we had Rhode Island Reds. For some reason they were susceptible to calcium deficiency and soft shells. We did the same as you and saved the shells, washed and dried them, ground them up real quick in a coffee grinder, then mixed it in with their food. Problem solved! Our subsequent flocks have never had the issue but we still grind up the shells and sprinkle it throughout the garden when we fertilize.

[@lindacgrace2973]

@@CFarnwide Sometimes, the simplest most obvious remedies are the best!

[@jbuck1975]

I would love to setup black soldier fly thing. Is that all you feed?

[@troyh5955]

Great stuff guys. Whilst not a crop I also use maggots and black soldier fly for insect protein

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Great protein supplements! Easy way to get your chickens to literally eat out of your hand!

[@Septemberwitch24]

I grow huge maggots in the summer, in a tub with a little deer corn in it. Put a lid on it with some holes so the rain will go in. The corn will sour and then rot and it's an "all you can eat buffet" for the flies!👍🏻

[@shandysgarden]

I really have a problem with maggots and larvae of any kind but I'm going to make a maggot bucket next summer. **I'm a little tired of buying the grub Terra dried black soldier fly larvae when I can just suck it up and do it for the girls!

[@almostoily7541]

I'm thinking about putting a rabbit hutch in covered part of the chicken run. Rabbit poo is soldier fly heaven lol I keep meal worms in old aquariums for the chickens.

[@PlantingTheFuture]

Thank you guys! I'm kinda not willing to buy food for us and our animals anymore. I see so many health issues for every human and animal these days. I'm sticking with it and trying to make as much as I can myself.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Love it!

[@hamaarahof5712]

Such a smart move. I am learning more and more what gets done to our food supply and animal feed. To long to go into details here. Most people have no idea how much poison they feed us and even through the water. So the more we can grow and keep toxic staw and grains of the property, the better. Besides it is fun to see things go full circle. Best of luck 👍

[@mjostout]

My chickens didn’t like pumpkin or butternut squash, but they love spaghetti squash. I give them some regularly. They are still eating last summer’s crop 🤗

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Time to plant more squash and get more chickens! 😂

[@pattymiller8447]

My don’t eat it either. They will not eat cabbage either. Mine will eat kale but not lettuce.

[@cieragalb4736]

​@Patty Miller It sounds ridiculous, but try boiling up your squash and cabbage. Our farm animals tend to be a lot less picky when we give them cooked veggies.

[@huasonshine4120]

my chickens did not much cake for Zucchini and pumpkins either, but I I found if i soak them overnight with bits of fruit and other scraps they wolf them down, I just cover the scraps an inch or so with water. Sometimes i add a bit of fermented veggies or yogurt, buttermilk or ACV .. and then these scraps go out with their breakfast. they especially love the cucumber water.. and tomato water, and melon water.. They do so love their fancy waters, and whatever scraps are at the bottom are always gone by dinner time.

[@sheilal3172]

My hubby foretold that the chooks will eat better than he does! Truth! Thanks for the information.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

😂

[@Wosiewose]

Purslane (a common warm-weather weed in many areas) and henbit (a common early-spring weed) are also really nutritious for chickens. (Guess how the latter got its name!) :D

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Thanks for adding to the list!

[@curiouscat3384]

I wish. Last summer my chickens ignored the wild purslane growing in my gravel driveway so I spent a thousand hours weeding it and the spurge weed.

[@shelleypilcher3812]

After milking a goat or two , I pour the half or whole half gallon of it in a bowl. The chickens drink it all day. They live it and it's soo healthy for them If feed 30 chickens with a gallon.

[@shelleypilcher3812]

Oh I forgot to say. This is 60-75 percent of their diet.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Thanks for the tip!

[@mycozygardencottage]

Some kale went to seed in my garden and sprouted everywhere. But I let a lot of it grow because my chickens can't get enough of it. I grow sunflowers and throw some of the heads to them also. Thanks for mentioning the calendula. I had those and lots of marigolds and never realized I should be giving them to the chickens. I'll start doing that this year for sure.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@ajb.822]

I would add that if u hunt or have friends who do nearby, they ( chickens) will pick a deer carcasses pretty clean. My friend's taught me this, they just toss it in the pen and leave it there until they're done with it. Seem a little gross and fester-ey ( and by all means be careful to do this as wisely & cautiously as one should, esp. where you're a lot warmer than west/central WI in late Nov. ) but they've had no problems and have done this for years. With a large extended family all hunting on their farm, they have a lot of deer carcasses, too. Just piled up in a space in the (fairly cool) shed near the coop, waiting their turn. Ditto on any fat/tallow/suet trimmings from any butchering. Another thing is to make large compost piles, preferably within a ring of wire mesh fencing to corral things a bit, and scatter grains/seeds in them as you pile it all. Do this with access for the chickens to turn and eat what they fine in there, they eat fungal threads too, so, not just bugs, worms or grains, plants and food scraps out of it. Karl Hammer does this on a gigantic scale & Edible Acres ( YT channel) does it on a more modest, homestead scale ( minus the wire rings for them & they import food waste from their locale ) & permaculture master Geoff Lawton does it on many scales. Perma Pastures & many others do this with the wire mesh on a family size scale. U can add animal manures and grass clippings, leaves, anything u can from your property to help generate a large, active pile with a lot going on for the chickens to eat of. As for the things on your list, I would especially focus on things which readily reseed themselves in your climate, if not growing again that season, will come spring ( like lettuces). Or are perennials like alfalfa. If you have a large enough area to dedicate to this, I would have a mix of all sorts of plants, at least those together in a sub-area which grow well together ( 1 doesn't shade out all the rest or something too soon) which u can then rotate your chickens through all summer, using the portable electric poultry netting &/or a mobile coop or something.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Great tips!

[@chernagast6754]

My chickens help themselves to japanese beetles, june and may beetle grubs, and any earthworms they scratch up. When I work the garden soil in early spring, I like to let my flock in to turn over the soil and find sprouting weed seeds and pests.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

I do the same and they love it!

[@joannc147]

I am in the process of “reclaiming” some ornamental garden to become veg garden. I cut down shrubs and pulled roots. Then I stand back and let my teammates, The Hens, finish the clean-up. They make gardening more fun!

[@CFarnwide]

I have a short clip on my channel featuring our Speckled Sussex “Garden Helpers”. As soon as I put a shovel in the ground they are standing on top of the earth that is going to be turned over and I have to lift them off the ground! Makes gardening a little challenging having to worry about chicken toes in the way 😂

[@markirish7599]

Wonderful video. Thank you. Best wishes from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!

[@ForestToFarm]

Good stuff here. We hope to get started with chickens soon. I we hope to provide most of what they eat. Not so much to save money which really helps but mostly to provide the family with the best quality food possible. I am all about eating healthy. Well there are those days I dive into a pile of home made chocolate chip cookies 😮. Terry

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Knowing what is in the food you eat makes the cost worthwhile. Just don’t think about that when eating the cookies! 😉

[@ForestToFarm]

@@HobbyFarmGuys In my defense I use organic ingredients to make those cookies, lol. Terry

[@mountainmama7823]

I am trying a variety of amaranth this year that is a high grain producer and self sows. Also sprouted some Moringa trees indoors in my zone 8a that I plan to move outside. Heard the Moringa is a superfood so hoping to add this for both human and chicken consumption. Duckweed I heard was great and reproduces fast as well.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Amaranth is great, just make sure it is dried before feeding to chickens. I’ve heard lots about the benefits of Moringa, unfortunately not much chance of growing it outside in our zone. Duckweed is an excellent source of nutrients and does grow fast. It’s one of the weeds featured in our video on feeding weeds to your chickens: 12 Weeds That Can Feed Your Chickens For Free! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYTKqqljgNJqr7M

[@corymullenaux6195]

Cilantro is what I grow. It’s a great green to grow for chickens. Thanks for sharing this information. 🙂👍

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Thank you for watching!

[@musicteacher5757]

I grow duckweed, in my rainbarrels and other containers. The chickens love it, and it's high in protein. Caveat: I'm down in Florida, I don't know how far north this grows.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Great idea!

[@kathleensanderson3082]

I'm in south-central Kentucky, and at least one of the kinds of duckweed grows here -- we have some in the small natural pond on the property. I plan to move some to barrels and another container up closer to the house, so I can more easily harvest it for poultry feed.

[@ronallens6204]

I know for fact it grows up to lake Erie, duck weed probably grows alot higher

[@jeanettecase1687]

It grows vigorously in the foothills of the coast range in the Mid-Willamette Valley in Oregon

[@hamaarahof5712]

It grows well in our aquariums, so any area can and all year long 😊

[@johnhildenbrand2642]

Don't forget that planting an acre or two of sunflowers and millet will get you a bonus protein in the form of a nice dove shoot to knock the rust off both you and your shotgun before upland and waterfowl seasons start

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Bonus protein!

[@thefrenchgardener1865]

This video is great and timely as many of us are planning our Spring gardens....need to order a few new seeds....thanks guys....great job once again!

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Glad we could help!

[@lynnlamont3485]

Amaranth is high in protein

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

👍

[@darincooper7602]

Excellent content! Thanks guys!!

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

You are very welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@carbro6334ify]

My chickens love sunflower seeds

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Very popular treat for my flock as well!

[@brightantwerp]

Thanks! I just discovered you, because of Chickenlandia mentioning you. Subscribed.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Thanks to you and to Chickenlandia!

[@jesusguevara5276]

Consider adding quail and pheasant to your backyard flocks. They are both dual purpose/ eggs and meat.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

I agree!

[@Lucy-qc4iz]

I'm adding guinea fowl to my flock this year, hope this goes well! We have A LOT of ticks I need them to eat!!!

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

They are great at eating the ticks! Steve didn’t like them because of the noise!

[@MadelineVail]

Have you actually kept pheasant? We have had some neighbors that try and they just disappear. How do you keep them around? Or are they caged?

[@bbthomas4807]

Spot on content gentlemen! Absolutely perfect timing for this subject!! Thank you much and God bless you all through your day!!

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Thank you and God bless you as well!

[@debbiecurtis4146]

Yes, nodding my head in agreement. And you reminded me that I haven't sprouted anything recently. Although, I also just put some rotted horse manure from the manure pile into a big tray and grow oats out of the horse feed for the chickens. It's gone in seconds with 20 birds. Sunflowers too, are a favorite for all of us, although I'm not sure if the chickens tip their heads up high enough to appreciate the beauty, LOL.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

😂 Thanks for sharing!

[@CFarnwide]

We put sunflowers on the garden list this year. We’ve never grown them before and have no idea what they yield. How many would I want to plant in order to make it worthwhile as a regular treat for the ladies? I’m envisioning a five or ten pound bag… am I being a bit too optimistic?

[@ronwest7930]

I read that Romaine lettuce was a superfood and my chickens love it. Purslane makes the yolk really orange.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

I hadn’t heard about Purslane weed affecting the yolk color. I know it is particularly good for growing broiler chickens.

[@augustrain5500]

Wonderful video HFGs! I learned a lot. My girls fav has always been fresh melon. They can decimate a cantaloupe or small watermelon in no time!

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

My flock will devour melons too! Definitely their favorite!

[@CFarnwide]

Overly ripe cucumbers were our ladies favorite last fall. They were far past suitable for human consumption but the girls sure loved the huge seeds in them!

[@peforster6725]

Amaranth is another good plant

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

It sure is! Also easy to grow.

[@joannc147]

Glad to see your post on this! I’ve purchased seeds to try this year 👍🏻

[@joannc147]

@What Up I did not know this! Thx.

[@nancy5721]

Last summer the horned tomato piller which looks so vicious are a favorite to them. I'm trusting that they know what not to eat as I've given them some small worms/ caterpillars that they refuse to eat.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

I don't think they would cause a problem...but sometime chickens do eat things that they shouldn't!

[@tabp8448]

I think they know what NOT to eat.... except that pesky Styrofoam insulation .... why do they love that stuff? I didn't know they would eat it, but have since eliminated it anywhere they can reach it.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

@@tabp8448 I know! You would think styrofoam tastes like candy to a chicken! 😂

[@tabp8448]

@@HobbyFarmGuys my head hen is ALWAYS complaining that she (or they) needs something, I believe it usually starts with "I want foam"..she's been in the garage many times, and acts like she's just picking up feed that I've dropped, but EVERYTIME I turn my back, she runs to the wall that has that Styrofoam insulation!.😳 🤣🤣🤣.Go back outside, lady!🤣🤣🤣

[@Septemberwitch24]

@@HobbyFarmGuys Probably tastes about like those rice cakes!😄

[@davehimlin2374]

I would like to add to the list, MALABAR SPINACH...chickens love it, and the bugs do not eat it and it grows heavily..and handles heat very well. It does need a trelis/fence to grow up, because it is a viney spinach.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@cm-xq5zj]

It is also a beautiful plant! Looks ornamental but edible for us and our chickens.

[@riahsrabbitry9268]

I’ve heard marigolds give chickens dark orange yolks. I’m also going to try growing sorghum this year. I’m hoping that crop will provide slot of feed for my chickens and rabbits

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Marigolds and Calendulas are very similar, and from the same family. So yes, your chickens will love them and have very orange yolks as a result!

[@aphillips5376]

I am also. Looking forward to the attempt

[@riahsrabbitry9268]

@@jadwaine it’s only in the roots and sprouts. I’d only feed the berries for chickens and leaves for rabbits which are safe. Thank you for sharing.

[@selecttravelvacations7472]

Anything with Carotenoids in their make up can add to this. For some reason even greens add to the dark orange yolks I’ve noticed. Squash and pumpkin as well.

[@solaura6218]

Verily it is far better to let your chickens eat your garden than for you to eat it. You can eat what plants the chickens leave. Chickens will keep your garden very well fertilized & nearly bug free. They will til your garden for you. Hogs are even better for all of the above You just relax with your chicken soup & bacon & eggs.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

😂 Until I want Brussels sprouts and the flock has eaten them all. Then I have to settle for the chicken soup!

[@solaura6218]

@@HobbyFarmGuys . . It will be chicken soup fit for a King! Imagine eggs with yolks as bright orange as marigold!

[@karenball9482]

When people give you gigantic zucchini you don't really want, I would shred and freeze. Throwing out a quart of frozen zucchini the chickens would eat that before even corn and grains or chicken feed. Yeah I spoiled them by grating it, but they appreciated it.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

It’s okay to spoil them. I do exactly the same thing!

[@CFarnwide]

Now I know exactly what to do with squash and zucchini the neighbors are always giving us! I’ve personally never grown them because it seems everyone else does and grow far more than they need and are begging people to take it off their hands. 😉

[@teresaV]

It's actually pronounced nuh-stur-shm. 😊 Heidi over at Rain Country inspired me to try growing it myself this year. She says the leaves taste peppery. I'm super excited to try growing my own chicken feed. Where we live, free ranging is not a good idea. I'm hoping the Quinoa, Amaranth, Job's Tears etc grows well. Praying the 2023 gardening season isn't as brutal as the one last year. God bless, everybody. Hope all your gardens and chickens prosper!

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Awesome! Thank you! We’ve been corrected several times, starting with our editor!😂

[@teresaV]

@@HobbyFarmGuys 😅

[@kathynix6552]

Is Job’s Tears good for chickens - leaves and seeds?

[@teresaV]

@@kathynix6552 Idk for sure. My first time growing it. It has many uses.

[@samsonolal4399]

Good job my people

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Thanks so much!

[@Melissa-gn3dv]

Last year I grew field corn and fed the whole plant to my chickens. They ate everything but the stalk. It was easy to grow a lot of it. I also fed them lambs quarters which is a weed. We ate it too. It tastes like spinach. I ground some of the field corn into corn meal for us as well. I'm no expert on this subject, but my chickens didn't seem to have any problems with this.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

They shouldn’t have a problem…it is great food for them!

[@chriswhite9267]

I cook my small potato's in the skins to help them feel full.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

👍

[@lindaarnold3091]

This is so helpful. I have grown sunflowers, corn and various lettuce and greens for my chickens. Also, last winter I sprouted wheat berries and they loved them! I just started a new batch every week to stay ahead of the time needed to sprout and grow.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Wonderful!

[@wakeupandhuman1800]

Great, informative, and to the point! Thank you

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

You are very welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@frankieboy2417]

Here's the best Don't judge a book by its cover example, Steve there looks like he could clear a bar or at least is thinking about it, lol. Good vid Fellas. I don't have the patience for composting but do have a large pile, what I do though is ferment the weeds I pull, I stuff them into a bucket, fill them with water cover and wait two weeks to a month. You would not believe the difference in the end result.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Steve is very much a gentle giant. Though he probably could clear a bar if he decided to. 😂 Thanks for sharing!

[@saltyshieldmaiden]

My girls LOVE the Valerian and catnip I grow

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

👍

[@georgemcintyre-mi7jg]

Ya can chickens eat sweet potatoes boiled

[@georgemcintyre-mi7jg]

What is a good question answer that one thing I'm looking forward to answer this potatoes sweet potatoes

[@MichelleMcDines]

My chickens got into my vegetable patch and demolished the chard first. So over the winter I left the gate open for them and they've had a good munch on the kale plants - which all ended up looking like miniature palm trees as the chickens ate all the leaves off as high as they could reach. They also nibbled all my Brussel sprouts on the stems so I couldn't eat any of them - but then didn't want to eat the rest of them when I pulled up the stems and left them near their coop - contrary madams!! I'm definitely going to dedicate part of my garden to growing all these crops you've mentioned, then I can let the girls loose in there as things are ripe to help themselves while hopefully leaving the rest of the veggie garden for me!!

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Great idea!

[@tabp8448]

Great video! Thanks for all the ideas. Comfrey as well is good for them and they love it. I make comfrey "hay" for them for the winter.

[@tabp8448]

Ha! Just got to the part of the video where you mention comfrey

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

😁 thanks for watching!

[@bradmaxwell6843]

I'm a first time viewer, and I love it😀 Keep up the good work 👍

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Thank you so much!

[@traceyclark2125]

I’ve grown millet and my chickens enjoyed them.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

I’m sure they did! Many types of millet are great for chickens!

[@jillclark1744]

Nasturtium I love but could not grow in a hot humid climate because it attracted aphids. Doesn't seem to do that in zones 7and lower. I never thought of growing chicory but I will be adding it this spring. Thanks for all the good info.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

👍

[@sheilal3172]

the nasturtiums could be a good trap crop for the aphids. The chooks might love them.

[@amyteurlife9408]

All of the above. Mostly vulnerable at home, but victim or hero in public as needed to meet his goals. After 27 years i also realize some grandiosity!

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

😁

[@johnportwood6223]

Thanks again for a wonderful video

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@Jane-West]

Excellent! Thanks guys!

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@jackieo8693]

thank you for the info!

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

You are welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@b.crazydiamond6563]

I live in Belize... We free range our chickens but they lay best when we feed them termite nest...They will peck it apart and get every last termite...

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

First of all…I absolutely love Belize! My favorite place to visit! I’m sure your chickens love having a termite nest to feast on!

[@b.crazydiamond6563]

@@HobbyFarmGuys Next time you visit Belize make sure to stay in Hopkins... Best vibes in all of Belie... We are called Castillo Beach...I live here in my school bus and have the Sew Much Hemp shop... We rent rooms... Belizian owned...much cheaper than resorts and we have the same nice beach as them...

[@TearDrop455]

Thank you for asking the viewers to comment their suggestions!

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

We love to hear viewers thoughts and opinions! It’s one of our favorite parts of this adventure!

[@CFarnwide]

And it’s not just idle talk either. They really mean it! They have put together several videos on topics I suggested 😎

[@zedmeinhardt3404]

Read somewhere that 4 days is ideal nutrition on most sprouted seeds and grains. Longer just adds more water and fiber from what I understand.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

3-4 days is ideal. If they go longer, they are still good…just not as good.

[@johnroekoek9864]

Pinto beans shortly boiled and let stand at night. Next day put in some pasta and boil again. You've never seen shinier chickens.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Beans and pasta are both fine for chickens and can provide plenty of calories for chickens, but it is not rich in many of the nutrients they need.

[@darkstaroblivion]

Raise fly larva , crickets Left over food scraps , grass trimmings

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

All good!

[@christiethomas6905]

Thank you!!

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

You are very welcome!

[@teresasample3948]

My chickens love sweet potato vines, so do deer.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

The deer have been a problem in my garden. ☹️

[@valerie4975]

Thanks! now tell me how to keep my chickens out of my garden beds 🤣

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

As soon as I figure it out myself I will! 😂

[@TearDrop455]

Sunchokes is an excellent SHTF both for humans and chickens.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

👍

[@teddybear101z]

loved the video was glad to find that you put a list out thanks so much

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Glad you liked it!

[@hamaarahof5712]

Those are great suggestions! Looked some of these plants up first for their healing properties and now grow extra as feed for goats, chickens and KuneKune pigs. Also great option to get away from the toxin glyphosate, now in just about every food in stores. 👍

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Thanks for watching!

[@adminservices9019]

Thank you for all this help and information. I would love to see a video how to properly grow all these natural foods for chickens and livestock. Thank you again for all the info and I will be watching more!!

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Great suggestion! Thanks for watching!

[@lizhaydon2250]

Chicory grows wild in ditches. It's root is also a good substitute for coffee.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Substitute for coffee? I’ve learned something new today! Thanks for sharing!

[@Septemberwitch24]

@@HobbyFarmGuys The official coffee of New Orleans! Chicory coffee with beignets!

[@dexterking7662]

Billy from perma pastures farm been talking about comfrey plant for years I have to start planting them this year thanks guys for more info

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

You are very welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@Pinayfarmgirl]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. We have many Calendula around the yard. I do not know that we can feed them to chickens. Kale is our long timr favorite. Very easy yo grow.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Both great for the flock!

[@curiouscat3384]

Thanks guys - great presentation! I've had experience with all of these items in my 1/2 acre chicken food forest :) I don't try to grow grains much because they require so much real estate and labor to get a few cups of grain (especially corn which is very low volume per square foot). My girls don't touch comfrey until the fall/winter shoulder when there's very little else green growing. They love plain old fescue grass, but don't touch the calendula or lambs quarters. They LOVE anything brassica which I learned the first time I left my kitchen garden gate open and they DEVOURED the broccoli, brussels, cabbage and arugula in less than an hour. Kale is a great cut and come again sturdy plant that manages to survive chickens if caged for "rotational grazing" and overwinters in zone 7B-8A depending on amount of snow and ice which is very little in my region, This past week of temps in single digits at night the arugula survived! I feed extra eggs and eggsdhells back to them but this last polar event they stopped laying so I'm expanding my mealworm bins to provide more protein when the ground is frozen. And if your yard is big enough, Let the leaves remain in place or - every Thksgvg I import about 30 big leaf bags from around the neighborhood and have a whole side yard that is nothing but leaf mulch. Keeps the soil warm making a nice winter habitat for beetles and worms easy to scratch up.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Thanks for sharing!

[@debmichelleparks3538]

It was the 1st and I did subscribe! In fact your intro made me subscribe before I even watched the video, lol!

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Welcome! And thanks so much!

[@debmichelleparks3538]

@@HobbyFarmGuys you’re welcome and thank you!

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

This is wonderful information. I love it! ❤

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Thanks for the kind words! We’re glad you enjoyed it!

[@kenfarley957]

In Fl I grow bananas and chickens love to eat the leaves. Also, chickweed, and purple hull peas. I've raised several breeds, and they all won't like the same things.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Thanks for sharing!

[@gratefulgardens8398]

My dog also loves pumpkin.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

So does mine!

[@SourceLeadership]

I can't like this video (and most of the helpful comments) enough! Thanks guys!

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Thanks so much!!

[@justinsane7128]

Well done 👍

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Thank you!

[@Wakeywhodat]

Your videos are well written, thank you. I’ve been supplementing with cooked pinto beans and rice. Each day they get a 2 lb. Yogurt container and they absolutely love them. I boil 4 cups of beans for about an hour. (They still have just a bit of hardness. ) I then add 2 cups of rice and 1/4 cup of crushed red pepper flakes and simmer another 20 minutes. When cool I portion into the yogurt containers and refrigerate. I started this about a week after their laying slowed this winter and they immediately started laying again.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

That’s great!

[@sandrajohnston9745]

Great info. Thanks for the video.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

You are very welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@thegolfcartshop]

good idea for a video. you got a new sub

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Thanks so much!

[@smallspaceswithGloria]

Great information 😊 thank you 😊

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

You are very welcome! Thank you for watching!

[@jsbaltes]

Very informative. Thank you sirs. SUBBED.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Thanks so much!

[@jamesmartin8069]

Studies have shown that WATERMELON causes chickens to slow down egg production. I tested that and it is very true, at least for my English Orpingtons. I would still give it to the broilers since they don't lay.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Certainly the case of too much is fed to them. Melons (and many other treats) should be fed in moderation, and only occasionally.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Certainly the case if too much is fed to them. Melons (and many other treats) should be fed in moderation, and only occasionally.

[@jamesmartin8069]

@@HobbyFarmGuys To clarify...I only gave hens the melon rinds (table scraps). And egg production slowed down hugely.

[@cynthiamarie2023]

I want to try clover.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Planting an area of clover they can graze on is a great idea! They will love it!

[@calvinhancock7844]

Chickens love anything green including grass clippings.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Just about!!

[@littlechefnicole]

Thank you guys for making this video! It was So helpful.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Glad you liked it!

[@RougeLex]

Can you also feed the Sunflower peddles and not just the seeds? Will that have the same benefit as the other yellow plants?

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Not all yellow plants have the same level of nutrients, however sunflower petals are safe to eat and are a good source of iron, fiber and phosphorus.

[@heatherc4795]

Thank you! Very informative!

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Glad it was helpful!

[@glohora]

Fantastic video! Thank you for all the info!

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Glad it was helpful!

[@KugelKatzenFisch]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

You are very welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@emmadaisydreamcarter1653]

Great video. I already grow most of these on my allotment but haven't tried all of them with my chickens so that's given me some ideas 👍

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Glad we could help! Sounds like An awesome garden!

[@CFarnwide]

If you are new to the channel The Hobby Farm Guys published a couple videos a while ago… “Herbs to grow for chickens” and “Healthy pasture for chickens”. I’d highly recommend watching them. They gave me tons of ideas!

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Thanks for the endorsement! Here is the herb video: 7 Herbs For Happy & Healthy Chickens kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJ62naWefK6cfLs

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

And here is the healthy pasture video: Planting A Healthy Pasture For Chickens & Other Poultry kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5iZiqV3h9GIn6s

[@CFarnwide]

@@HobbyFarmGuys I’d recommend adding the links in the video description 😉

[@CharlaCae]

Great tips, just what I was looking for! Thanks for all the help!!

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

So glad!

[@helengabr5743]

Thanks guys 😊 👍

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Our pleasure!

[@tonykatieherres9991]

Very educational thank you❤❤

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

You are so welcome

[@Klv0420]

We are looking forward to learning from you both :)

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Thank you for watching! 😃

[@WollongongSkyWatch]

Rose petals are another favourite. A good thing chooks can't jump high lol

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

😂 yep, another great treat!

[@safeathomestead9217]

Great suggestions!

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Thanks! And thanks for watching!

[@cynthiabouffard5095]

Great info ! Thanks

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

You are very welcome! Thanks for watching!