Is My Pasture Safe for Chickens & Geese?

[CluckTastic]

Im getting chickens and geese soon and plan to let them supplement graze in my pasture within an electric fence. The problem isI have no idea whats growing out there! The previous owners grazed horses, and Ive never reseeded, though Id like to overseed with a poultry forage mix.

Are there any grasses or weeds I should watch out for? I know Ive had hairy vetch in my daylily bed, but I havent seen it in the pasture. Im in upstate South Carolina.

[FeatherFlux]

It might be a good idea to mow and observe what grows back before letting your birds out. Some weeds like Jimsonweed and nightshade can pop up in pastures, and geese may nibble at things chickens won't. A safe poultry forage mix with clover, alfalfa, and chicory would be a great addition!

[CluckyMcNugget]

Hairy vetch can be toxic in large amounts, but if it's not in your pasture, you're probably fine. Clover, ryegrass, and chicory are great options for overseeding!

[FarmsteadFowl]

Your best bet is to identify what's growing before adding anything new. Some weeds are harmless, while others can be dangerous. Hairy vetch can cause issues in livestock but usually isn't a problem for poultry. However, plants like hemlock, perilla mint, and nightshade should be removed if found. A local extension agent can help with plant ID.

[HennaHatcher]

Since chickens scratch and geese graze, a good mix of clover, fescue, and alfalfa would work well. Just double-check for toxic weeds before turning them out.

[ScratchKing]

Im getting chickens and geese soon and plan to let them supplement graze in my pasture within an electric fence. The problem isI have no idea whats growing out there! The previous owners grazed horses, and Ive never reseeded, though Id like to overseed with a poultry forage mix.

Are there any grasses or weeds I should watch out for? I know Ive had hairy vetch in my daylily bed, but I havent seen it in the pasture. Im in upstate South Carolina.

Since the pasture was used for horses, you likely have a mix of fescue, Bermuda, or orchard grass, which are all fine for poultry. However, some common horse pastures contain endophyte-infected fescue, which can be a problem for breeding animals. Also, be mindful of weeds like perilla mint, pokeweed, and buttercup, which can be toxic.

[CluckWhisperer]

Have you considered reaching out to your local extension office? They often have plant ID resources and can help identify anything concerning in your pasture.

[PluckyPeep]

Im getting chickens and geese soon and plan to let them supplement graze in my pasture within an electric fence. The problem isI have no idea whats growing out there! The previous owners grazed horses, and Ive never reseeded, though Id like to overseed with a poultry forage mix.

Are there any grasses or weeds I should watch out for? I know Ive had hairy vetch in my daylily bed, but I havent seen it in the pasture. Im in upstate South Carolina.

If you want to be sure, take some pasture samples to your local ag extension or a forage lab. They can tell you exactly what's growing and what's safe.

[EggspertFarmer]

I'd recommend overseeding with a mix that includes clover, wheatgrass, and chicory,these are great for poultry. If you're unsure about what's currently growing, take a walk through the pasture and look for anything that stands out as unusual. Most toxic plants tend to have distinct leaves or flowers, making them easier to identify.

[EggTinker]

Im getting chickens and geese soon and plan to let them supplement graze in my pasture within an electric fence. The problem isI have no idea whats growing out there! The previous owners grazed horses, and Ive never reseeded, though Id like to overseed with a poultry forage mix.

Are there any grasses or weeds I should watch out for? I know Ive had hairy vetch in my daylily bed, but I havent seen it in the pasture. Im in upstate South Carolina.

If the pasture has never been reseeded, you might have a lot of native weeds. I'd check for things like pokeweed and perilla mint,both are toxic to poultry.