You’d be amazed to discover the various things your flock of chickens can gobble down when they’re out free-ranging.
Chickens are opportunistic omnivores, and they’ll happily munch on critters like crickets and worms; or small animals such as mice or snakes just as quickly as they will devour seeds, herbs, and flowers.
Chickens show no discretion regarding what they eat; hence chickens owners have seen their flightless birds devour grass, nails, or glass.
But if you have a ton of daisies in your garden and you’re wondering if chickens can eat daisies, wonder no more.
If your chicken takes a fancy to daisies, you can be sure it will eat as many daisies as possible.
But, the more important question to ask is whether chickens should have daisies or not.
Let’s look deeper into the topic and come to an understanding of whether chickens should eat daisies or not, and also find out what better options you can provide for your chickens if it feels opposed to the idea of guzzling down daisies.
Sound interesting?
Great
Let’s get started!
Can Chickens Be Around Daisies?
Unlike many flower species, daisies grow the fastest and, daisies don’t take too long to spread.
The wild daisy may look like a fragile flower but you will be surprised to see it grow in the most adverse conditions.
Moreover, it is one of the most versatile flowers as it can withstand many weather conditions.
And perhaps the best part about the daisy flower is that it’s edible for chickens and humans.
Hence, you can grow daisies in a garden where you raise chickens.
Not only will these plants provide your backyard with beauty, but they’ll offer your flock their evening snacks too.
Since ancient times, the wild daisy has used homeopathy to cure soreness, aches, and pains.
Some people take wild daisy teas to cure coughs and colds and inflammation of the liver and kidney.
So, you can present your chickens with some daisy flowers as an occasional treat that will satisfy your chicky’s taste buds and do much good to their health.
Can Chickens Eat A Bouquet Of Flowers?
Well, there are many flowers that, when consumed, hold many health benefits for chickens.
However, when you speak of a bouquet of flowers, it’s actually a whole array of different flower species.
Now, there is a possibility that some flowers from the bouquet may be good for your chickens, but some may be toxic.
Furthermore, when you get a bouquet from a flower shop, these flowers are sprayed with pesticides, fungicides, and preservatives.
Moreover, the water in which these flowers are stored is full of antibacterial agents to prevent the growth of bacteria and kill any microscopic bugs.
The leaves are often sprayed with foliage cleaning agents.
In short, a bouquet full of flowers is potentially toxic for your flock of chickens.
But, if you feel exceptionally loving towards your flock, you can always pick a few pesticide-free, chemical-free, and chicken-edible flowers from your backyard, make a bouquet and present it to your flock.
They will show their appreciation by devouring it in seconds.
What Should You Not Plant Around Chickens?
Chicken ownership in recent years has gained much popularity as people like to get eggs free of chemicals.
But, people have also come to realize that chickens make fun pets.
These feathered creatures are full of personality and are great fun to watch.
However, many chicken keepers will vouch that keeping chickens means preparing for them in advance.
You can’t take a bunch of chickens and introduce them into a well-manicured garden and expect no harm to come to your garden or your chicken.
Chickens like to peck, pull, stomp around and forage.
So, many of your delicate, sensitive flowering plants will die.
As chickens aren’t discerning eaters, sometimes your chickens will munch on leaves, flowers, or plants that might be toxic for your precious pet too.
Here’s a list of plants you should never plant around chickens:
- Boxwood
- Castor bean
- Eucalyptus
- Clematis
- Iris
- Ivy
- Jasmine
- Morning glory
- Mountain laurel
- Rhododendron
- Wisteria
- Yarrow
- Philodendron
- Members of the nightshade family, especially tomato plants
- Green leaves of potatoes
- Onions and other members of the same species, such as chives
- Hydrangea
- Hens bane
- Honeysuckle
- Azalea
- Tulip
- Lilies
- St. John’s Wort
- Sweet pea
There are many more plants that you shouldn’t have around your chickens.
It’s always a good idea to do a bit of research and have flowering or other plants in your garden or backyard that chickens can access to ensure that your chickens do not accidentally consume something that might kill them or cause some long-term harm.
What Flowers Can Chickens Eat?
Indeed, the list of flowers, herbs, and plants that your chickens can’t eat is long.
But, there are also many flowers that your beautiful feathered babies can eat.
And these flowers have many nutritional advantages to offer.
So, first, let’s get to the flowers that chickens can have:
- Roses
- Dandelions
- Bee balm
- Marigolds
- Violets
- Squash blossom
- Nasturtium
- Lavender
- Sage
- Thyme
- Clover blossom
- Sunflower
- Echinacea
- Apple blossom
- Hibiscus
- Lilac
- Pansy
- Chrysanthemums
- Calendula
- Carnation
- Elderberry blossom
- Geranium
- Peony
- Snapdragon
Many of these flowers make wonderful and yummy snacks for your birds.
They also help prevent several diseases and health disorders. For example, echinacea aids in improving respiratory illnesses.
Clover blossom offers calcium and several vitamins to your flock and works as a blood purifier.
Roses carry antiseptic and antibacterial properties increasing your chicken’s immunity.
Marigolds can work to make the egg yolks of the eggs even brighter and yellower than before.
Wrapping Up
Chickens are undoubtedly sturdy birds and low-maintenance pets.
Here’s the thing, you have to understand that your pet’s well-being falls squarely on your shoulders.
The better care you provide your chickens, the healthier your chickens are going to be.
So, if you don’t have a chicken run for your flock and simply let your chickens be around your garden, then it is imperative that you choose carefully the kind of plants you keep around your chickens.
