Foraging Chicken Feed
Amaranth
Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri)
Redroot pigweed
(Amaranthus retroflexus)
The first picture to the left is green seed. We wait until it is almost dry on the stalk then remove it to dry on screens. It is high in protein and the amino acid lysine. Common pigweed can also be used in this same way. When dried we store this in large metal barrels.
Johnson Grass
(Sorghum halepense)
This grows all over Oklahoma and many consider it invasive. The chickens as well as my goats love this seed.
Dock (Rumex crispus)
Our biggest producer of seed here for chicken feed. We let it dry on the stalk before collecting. You must be quick to get it before the seed is released. We spend no time removing the papery covering of this seed as it makes no difference to the chickens.
Indian Grass
(Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash)
Found growing wild all over our part of Oklahoma. This wild seed helps fill out our wild seed mix for the chickens.
Wild Rye (Elymus virginicus)
This grows in our pastures each winter. Our pastures are broadcasted with wild rye seed. We cut this this last year due to the hay shortage for our goats as a green feed to supplement their diet.
Wild Oats
You can find pastures with large stand of wild oats. This is an excellent chicken feed. Always make sure your seed is dry before storing.