So, Can Chickens Eat Elderberries?

a hen eating elderberries

Chickens, like people, seem to be big fans of berries and will often try to get at berry bushes with enthusiasm. From strawberries to blueberries, there is hardly a type of berry that chickens don’t want to eat. But how about elderberries? Can chickens eat elderberries? Yes, chickens may eat elderberries but they should only … Read more

So, Can You Neuter Roosters?

a white leghorn rooster

One of the biggest dilemmas that a beginning chicken owner is likely to face is one nearly as old as time, or at least as old as domesticated chickens: should you get a rooster, or not? Roosters play important roles inside a flock, of course, being primarily responsible for protection against predators and also for … Read more

So, Can Chickens Eat Hemlock?

Golden Comet hens inside coop

Chickens can eat all kinds of things that humans and other animals would consider unpalatable, or that might even be harmful. Some common plants make a good snack for chickens even though other animals don’t touch them. How about something that is normally dangerous like hemlock? Can chickens eat hemlock? No, poison hemlock is toxic … Read more

Leghorn Chickens: The Complete Guide

a white leghorn rooster

Are you thinking of starting your own chicken flock? If so, you should definitely consider the Leghorn chicken! Leghorns are a popular breed that are known for their striking appearance, high egg production, and feisty personalities. And yes, they’re the inspiration for the legendary Looney Tunes character Foghorn Leghorn – so they have that going … Read more

So, Can Chickens Eat Leeks?

newly introduced chickens to the flock

There seems to be a lot of controversy regarding certain foods being fed to chickens. Some keepers swear that no harm comes to their birds, while others, including veterinarians, warn of potentially dire consequences. Leeks are one such food, and relatives to onions. So what’s the final word? Can chickens eat leeks? No, chickens should … Read more

So, Can Chickens Eat Juniper Berries?

chicken eating some juniper berries

Juniper berries are definitely an acquired taste, but have a distinguished culinary history and are a vital component of making gin. Certain animals eat juniper berries in the wild as part of their usual diet, so maybe our chickens can also. Can chickens eat juniper berries? Yes, chickens may eat juniper berries safely, and they … Read more

So, Can Chickens Eat Oregano?

New Hampshire hens

Most chickens love all sorts of leafy, green and flowering herbs. In fact, they love them so much many owners have reported that they periodically get into ones that they shouldn’t! How about oregano? Is oregano safe for chickens to eat? Yes, oregano is completely safe for chickens and has nothing harmful in any part … Read more

So, Can Chickens Eat Irises?

Golden Comet hens inside coop

The Iris is one of the most beautiful and abundant flowers in the world and its popularity is matched only by its cultural significance. The Iris has been revered throughout history for its beauty and symbolism, and it has been used as a motif in art, literature, and mythology. You might even have some growing … Read more

So, Can Chickens Eat Goat Feed?

newly introduced chickens to the flock

As any chicken owner will tell you, chickens are omnivores, and also slightly notorious as relentless thieves of other animals’ food around the homestead. Much of the time this doesn’t cause any harm but it does beg the question if you can supplement your chickens’ diet with other types of animal feed. How about goats? … Read more

So, Can Chickens Eat Honeysuckle?

chickens inside a large greenhouse

Love them or hate them, honeysuckles are probably here to stay. As dense shrubs or growing come up creeping vines, there are few people who have not partaken of the childhood tradition of getting a little drop of nectar out of these pretty but pesky flowers. But how about our chickens? Can chickens eat honeysuckle? … Read more

So, Can Chickens Eat Asparagus?

New Hampshire hens

All chicken owners know that these omnivorous birds are voracious eaters. Bugs, fruit, veggies, all kinds of stuff. Pretty much anything they can reach, it seems like chickens are keen to try it. In fact, one of the best ways to ensure your chickens get a properly varied diet is to feed them leftovers from … Read more

So, Can Chickens Eat Knotweed?

two six months old freedom ranger hens

Japanese knotweed is a shockingly persistent invasive species that has spread from Asia to Europe, North America and most other parts of the world. It grows in abundance, fast and deep, and proves difficult to eradicate. Most methods of control prove futile, but a few lucky folks are having success by letting their livestock to … Read more

So, Can Chickens Eat Catnip?

four freedom ranger hens foraging for fallen grapes

If you keep chickens, you likely already know that they will eat just about anything they can reach. Of course, this includes the chicken feed that you so thoughtfully provide for them, but they’ll steal food from other animals and even your pets, nibble on grass and chow down on every other plant growing around … Read more