Chickens are usually fed commercial feed which typically contains sufficient levels of all vitamins and minerals required by chickens.
However, chickens are very efficient at foraging and finding food. Dandelions can be a good source of minerals and vitamins for chickens.
Plus since dandelions are a weed they grow all over the place in my backyard during the spring and summer months. Making them a free source of nutrients I can feed my flock.
Can Chickens eat dandelions? Yes, the entire dandelion plant is edible. Dandelions are part of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. They are a good source of vitamins A, K, and E as well as calcium. The entire dandelion plant can be fed to chickens.
Nutritional Value of Dandelions for Chickens
Every part of the dandelion plant is edible. Did you know that dandelion leaves are full of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals? In fact, they’re richer in vitamin K than carrots.
One cup of chopped, raw dandelion greens has 25 calories, 1.5g protein, 0.4g fat, 5.1g carbs, and 1.9g fiber with just 0.4 grams of sugar! A great addition to any diet for its high nutrient content and low-calorie count.
Dandelion greens are one of the healthiest plants in the world.
Vitamin A
Chickens need vitamin A for their mucous-producing glands, including the nose, esophagus, and inner eyelid. Vitamin A ensures these glands produce the proper amount of mucus.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a cofactor in the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin, and deficiencies can lead to bleeding that won’t stop. This is why vitamin K is essential in blood clot formation when injuries occur to your chickens.
Vitamin E
This important vitamin also aids in protection against Newcastle disease and crazy chick disease. It is also important in reproduction and growth in chickens.
Folate
A chicken needs folate in order to maintain a complete diet. Chickens don’t eat well, grow poorly, and can die of anemia without this important nutrient.
Iron
Chickens require iron in order to maintain their hemoglobin levels as well as for normal cellular function. The mineral is also important for blood production and avoiding anemia.
Potassium
So how can this amazing mineral help laying hens? Well, according to research NRC (1994) potassium chloride (KCl) supplementation reduced heat stress seen in hot weather conditions. Potassium also helped maintain egg production in chickens.
Not only that, but it increased water uptake as well–helping ensure these chickens stay hydrated during periods of extreme heat!
Calcium
The mineral calcium helps with the eggshells, including their formation and also how they are laid. Chickens need a certain amount of calcium to help them form these shells.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that is essential in chicken cell metabolism and bone development. It’s rare to find chickens deficient in magnesium because most chicken feed has the necessary amount of it. Newly hatched chicks require this mineral when they hatch, or they will die quickly.
Can Chickens Eat Dandelion Flowers?
Yes, chickens can eat dandelion flowers. All parts of the dandelion are edible including the roots.
The flowers of the dandelion contain higher levels of polyphenols compared to other parts of the plant. Polyphenols are a natural antioxidant that can reduce oxidative stress levels in chickens.
Can Chickens Eat Dandelion Leaves?
Yes, chickens can eat dandelion leaves. The leaves contain vitamins A, K, and E and other minerals that are beneficial to a chicken’s overall health.
Can Chickens Eat Dandelion Roots?
Chickens can eat dandelion roots and all other parts of the plant. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is has been used to aid in the overall gastrointestinal health of chickens.
Where Can I Find Dandelions to Feed My Chickens?
Dandelions grow everywhere. Looking for growing dandelions in the springtime of year. They will have jagged green leaves and yellow round flowers.
You can also purchase dandelion greens in the grocery store during the winter months to feed your backyard chickens.
Below is a video of my chickens eating dandelion greens.
How To Feed Dandelions to Chickens?
I just feed the entire dandelion plant to chickens by pulling them out of the ground and tossing them into the coop. During the winter months, I will purchase dandelion leaves on occasion so my flock has a green delicious treat to munch on.
You can also chop up the dandelion leaves, flowers, and roots. Then mix them with your flock’s normal layer feed or toss them into their water bowl.
Make sure any dandelions you feed your flock have not been sprayed with any pesticides or other chemicals.
Additional Weeds Chickens Can Eat
- Chickweed
- Clover
- Plantain
- Bee Balm
- Mugwort
- Wild Strawberries
Final Thoughts
Dandelions and other specific weeds can be a great treat for your chickens to eat. Next time you see those dandelions taking over your yard pull them up by their roots and feed them to your flock.