Emily Carter
Chickens are known to be scavengers and foragers, consuming a variety of items such as insects, worms, herbs, flowers, and weeds. While they are generally good at avoiding toxic plants, it is important to ensure they do not have access to potentially harmful flowers and plants such as azalea, black nightshade, buttercup, and honeysuckle. Chicken owners can also provide their flock with treats like calendula, echinacea, roses, marigolds, and nasturtium, which have health benefits and can enhance the colour of egg yolks. Additionally, when preparing chicken as a meal, a common technique involves coating the meat with flour and other seasonings before frying it in hot oil to achieve a crispy texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recipe | Crispy fried chicken |
| Ingredients | Chicken, buttermilk, flour, vegetable oil, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, crushed red pepper |
| Equipment | Large plastic bag, cookie sheet or tray, dish towel or waxed paper, skillet, paper towels |
| Method | Skin chicken pieces, coat in buttermilk, dip in flour, heat oil in skillet, brown chicken, cover and cook, drain on paper towels |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken-friendly flowers and weeds
Chicken-friendly flowers, weeds, and plants can improve the health of your chickens and the quality of their eggs. Letting your chickens free-range and providing them with access to natural vegetation can be more cost-effective than store-bought chicken feed. It can also be beneficial to the plants in your garden, as chickens can help with cover cropping and soil improvement.
Some flowers that chickens can eat include violets, squash blossoms, and nasturtiums. They can also eat the petals of calendula flowers, which are said to enhance the colour of egg yolks. However, it is important to note that chickens should not be allowed to eat all flowers, as some are toxic and potentially harmful. Flowers to avoid include azalea, buttercup, clematis, foxglove, honeysuckle, irises, lily of the valley, rhododendron, sweet pea, and trumpet vine.
In addition to flowers, chickens can also eat certain weeds and plants. While some people may consider them unwanted, weeds like dandelions, chickweed, and clover can be very healthy and nutritious for chickens. Dandelions, for example, are a good source of calcium, vitamins, and minerals. Clover is high in calcium, niacin, potassium, vitamins A and B, iron, and protein, aiding in respiratory and circulatory health. Other chicken-friendly weeds include bitter cress, evening primrose, mugwort, plantain, purslane, and smartweed.
Some other plants that chickens can eat include rosemary, rose trees, sage, lavender, oregano, and herbs. Growing these plants in your chicken run can provide benefits such as shade, fragrance, and improved respiratory health. Additionally, plants like millet, sunflowers, peas, lentils, and buckwheat can provide extra treats and supplements to your chicken's feed. Fruit trees and canes like raspberries, blueberries, and mulberries can also be a great addition to your chicken-friendly garden.
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Chicken-friendly herbs
While feeding chickens herbs is a great way to boost their health, it's important to be cautious as some plants can be harmful to your flock if ingested. Here are some chicken-friendly herbs that are safe and beneficial for your feathered friends:
Oregano
Oregano is an herb that strengthens your chicken's immune system, protecting them from common poultry illnesses like avian flu and salmonella. It is packed with nutrients and vitamins, making it an excellent addition to your chicken's diet. You can offer oregano to your chickens fresh or mix the dried herb into their feed.
Parsley
Parsley is another herb that supports blood vessel development in chickens. It can be offered fresh, allowing your chickens to eat it at their own pace, or it can be added in its dried form to their feed. Parsley also has excellent deodorizing properties, helping to keep your chicken coop smelling fresh.
Rosemary
Rosely is a versatile herb that offers multiple benefits for your chickens. It acts as a natural insect repellent, keeping pests at bay, and also helps to strengthen respiratory health. Additionally, rosemary has pain-relieving properties and can be used to support your chicken's overall well-being. Planting rosemary around your chicken coop will provide a pleasant scent and a natural deterrent for mice and insects.
Lavender
Lavender is an aromatic herb that has a calming effect on chickens, helping to reduce stress levels. It also acts as a natural insect repellent, keeping unwanted pests away. Lavender is best offered to chickens in its dried form, and it can be placed in their feed or added to the nesting box areas.
Mint
Mint is a refreshing herb that provides a natural way to lower your chicken's body temperature, making it ideal for keeping your flock cool during hot summer months. It can be offered fresh or dried, and it has a soothing effect on laying hens.
Comfrey
Comfrey is a nutrient-dense herb that provides high levels of Vitamin B12 and Vitamin A, resulting in deeper yellow yolks for your chicken's eggs. It is a great source of low fiber and high protein for chickens and can be planted year-round, even in extreme temperatures.
Calendula
Calendula is known for its healing properties and is an excellent source of oleanolic acid, antioxidants, and antibacterial compounds. It can be added directly to your chicken's feed, enhancing the colour of their egg yolks.
In addition to the herbs mentioned above, there are other chicken-friendly herbs worth considering, such as basil, chives, cumin, dill, garlic, marjoram, and sage. Each of these herbs offers unique benefits and can contribute to the health and well-being of your flock. Remember to introduce new herbs gradually and monitor your chickens' reactions to ensure they respond positively to the additions.
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Chicken-friendly edible flowers
While chickens will eat almost anything you plant, it's important to choose edible flowers when landscaping your chicken run. Chickens generally know what's good for them and will avoid toxic plants, but it's best to be cautious and avoid planting potentially harmful flowers in accessible areas. Here are some chicken-friendly edible flowers that will benefit your flock:
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are a great choice for your chicken run. They attract bugs that eat squash beetle larvae, protecting your squash plants. Both the leaves and flowers are edible for chickens and humans, providing a peppery flavour to salads. Nasturtiums are also thought to have antibiotic properties and act as a natural wormer.
Calendula
Calendula is a hardy plant that grows easily and re-seeds itself yearly. Chickens can eat the petals fresh or dried, and it enhances the colour of their egg yolks.
Echinacea
Echinacea flowers and seeds are excellent for improving respiratory health in chickens, which are susceptible to respiratory illnesses.
Violets
Violets are edible for chickens and can be used as garnishes for baked goods and ice cream. They also help with circulation and reduce inflammation of the arteries.
Marigolds
Marigolds ward off insects and promote the growth of new skin tissue. Chickens who eat marigolds lay eggs with bright yellow yolks.
Lavender
English lavender is a good option for your chicken run. Chickens tend to lay directly on top of this variety.
Other Options
Other chicken-friendly edible flowers include dandelions, lilacs, roses, rose hips, apple blossoms, sunflowers, and squash blossoms. Additionally, the flowers of culinary herbs like pineapple sage, thyme, and basil are safe for chickens and can be planted in areas where they roam.
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Chicken treats and supplements
Treats
Treats can be a great way to keep your chickens happy and motivated. It is recommended to follow the 90/10 rule, where 90% of their diet consists of complete feed, and the remaining 10% can be treats. Some treat options include:
- Fruits and vegetables: Dark leafy greens like lettuce, kale, turnip greens, and chard are excellent sources of vitamins and nutrients. Other options include watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, beets, broccoli, carrots, squash, pumpkins, and cucumbers.
- Herbs: Lavender, mint, oregano, parsley, cilantro, thyme, and basil not only add flavour but also have health benefits.
- Flowers: Some edible flowers that chickens can enjoy include violets, squash blossoms, and nasturtiums. These flowers can also help attract beneficial insects and provide additional nutrients.
- Grains: Scratch grains like cracked corn can be offered in moderation as a treat or motivator.
Supplements
Supplements can be beneficial to support the overall health and well-being of your chickens, especially in addressing specific health concerns. Here are some natural supplements that can be added to their diet:
- Flaxseed: Ground flaxseed can be used as a supplement to provide health benefits.
- Turmeric: Sprinkling turmeric on chopped grapes can help as an anti-inflammatory treatment and may help with certain types of cancer.
- Garlic: Chopped or powdered garlic can aid in eliminating worm infestations.
- Aloe vera: Adding aloe vera to their water can help treat coccidiosis.
- Apple cider vinegar: Used with caution, apple cider vinegar can help eliminate internal parasites.
In addition to these supplements, providing access to fresh greens and ensuring a balanced diet are crucial for maintaining the health of your chickens. It is always recommended to consult with a veterinarian or avian expert when deciding on treatments or supplements for your flock.
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Chicken-friendly succulents
When keeping chickens, it is important to know which plants are safe for them and which are not. While chickens are good at knowing what will harm them, it is still important to be cautious. Some plants that are toxic to chickens include azalea, black nightshade, buttercup, honeysuckle, lilies, oleander, rhododendron, and yew, among others.
Now, if you are specifically looking for chicken-friendly succulents, then the "hens and chicks" plant, or house leek, is a great option. It is a mat-forming perennial succulent with fleshy pointed leaves arranged in rosettes. The parent rosette is the "hen," and the smaller rosette offshoots that grow from it are the "chicks." These plants are drought-tolerant perennials that can withstand weeks without watering and thrive in poor, dry soil. They can be grown in various temperatures but prefer an average climate of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can be grown in shallow, well-drained containers with a cactus or succulent mix, or directly in the ground in a rockery or dry location.
Another chicken-friendly succulent is the nasturtium, which can be nested in with the hens and chicks. Nasturtiums attract bugs that eat the squash beetle larvae, and both the leaves and flowers are edible for humans and chickens. Violets are another edible flower that chickens can eat, and they also make beautiful edible garnishes for cakes and ice cream. If you are looking for a flower to improve your chickens' health, consider Echinacea (or coneflower), which is excellent for improving respiratory health, something chickens are susceptible to.
Additionally, there are other chicken-friendly plants that are not succulents. These include herbs such as sage, rosemary, and lavender, as well as vegetables like broccoli and beet greens. So, while there are some specific chicken-friendly succulents like hens and chicks, nasturtiums, and violets, there are also many other plant options to create a diverse and healthy environment for your chickens.
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Frequently asked questions
To make crispy fried chicken, first, marinate the chicken pieces and skin them. Then, place the flour in a large plastic bag and put the chicken pieces in the bag. After that, seal the bag and shake it well to coat the chicken with flour. Next, pour buttermilk into a shallow bowl and dip the chicken pieces in it. Finally, put the chicken pieces in the skillet and fry them.
Vegetable flour is perfect for frying chicken because it has a high smoke point.
The paste-like consistency is achieved when the flour coating on the chicken absorbs moisture from the buttermilk. This is crucial as it ensures the chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Yes, you can use any type of oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil.
