#chickensareamazing

[animalsoutloud]

"Hi, I am a chicken."

[moderndinosaur]

Day 96: “Chickens.Eat.Bamboo”

No, for REAL. 

We have the blessing/curse of living right on the river, which means our riverbank is always a smorgasbord of fun things. Japanese knotweed, all sorts of grasses, poison ivy, purple loosestrife, wild parsnip (pulled while small and very carefully), some obnoxious vine that is impossible to kill, Solomon seal, wild tiger lilies, etc. etc. etc. The list is never ending and ever-changing as each rise and fall of the river brings new surprises. I’m adding invasive peppermint, and French lavender to the mix this year, but that’s a different story for another time.

CHICKENS EAT BAMBOO. Willingly. 

I always give the birds the safe weeds that I pull, because although most weeds are not immediately useful to us, many of them have herbal or medicinal qualities. I’m a big fan of giving animals all the elements they need to be healthy and letting them figure it out, vs. forcing them to eat something that’s been added to their diet. This isn’t always effective, but I try. See that broad leaf on reddish stalks? That is Japanese knotweed, the bane of many existences. I knew knotweed was edible, but didn’t think the adult stalks would go over as well as they did. 

As with most new things, there was a brief period of standing perfectly still and staring. Followed by one brave bird taking a small bite. This brave bird was Smash (the blue puffball). From first bite to a small spattering of weed remains, the entire feeding frenzy lasted only 15 minutes. The bamboo never saw it coming. This was such an exciting moment I immediately began planning how to fence in the bamboo-stricken areas of the bank next year so the birds can free-range it while it’s small and wipe it out before it manages to grow anything green. This could be it. Chickens are amazing. 

[mychickenguy-blog]

I'm busy preparing our raised garden beds for Spring. The chickens have been helping me in the garden by tilling the soil, picking out weeds, and adding a little extra fertilizer. 🐓💩🌱🖒 #chickensinthegarden #gardensandchickens #gardensandchickenscoexisting #raisedbeds #chickensinthegardenbed #chickensareamazing #citychickatl #citychick #chickensofinstagram #hensofinstagram #chickenbusiness #backyardchickens #chickenshardatwork

[mychickenguy-blog]

She's six weeks old today! 🐓😍❤ #chickensofistagram #chickensareamazing #ilovemychickens #ilovemyjob❤️ #citychick #citychickatl #chickeninatlanta #beautifulhen #backyardchickens

[mychickenguy-blog]

Our hens turn our dinner leftovers into delicious, fresh eggs! Now if we could teach "Jubes" how to share 😂🐔! #lessfoodwasted #chickensareamazing #fresheggseveryday #thankyouladies #citychickatl #citychick #chickensofinstagram #hensofinstagram #chickenbusiness #backyardchickens #backyardchickens #chickens #chickenlove #hens #chicken #chickensofig #fresheggsdaily