I’ve always been conscious of the products I use on my property. I want to keep my chickens healthy and safe while also keeping my garden weed-free. That’s why I’ve been exploring natural weed killers that are safe to use around my feathered friends. In this article, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite safe and natural weed killers that won’t harm chickens.
Chickens Prefer Broadleaf Weeds Over Grass!
When it comes to keeping your chickens happy and healthy, it’s important to understand their natural preferences. Contrary to popular belief, chickens actually prefer broadleaf “weeds” over grass. These little foragers are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet that includes both plant and animal matter. In fact, many of the weeds that we consider unsightly or undesirable are actually nutritious for chickens.
One example of a weed that chickens love is the dandelion. This common weed is often seen as a nuisance, but it’s actually packed with nutrients that are good for chickens. Dandelions are high in calcium, iron, and Vitamin A, all of which are essential for your chickens’ health. Chickweed is another common weed that chickens love to munch on. It’s high in protein and minerals, making it a great addition to your chickens’ diet.
So before you start trying to eradicate every weed from your property, consider letting your chickens have at it! Not only will they enjoy the variety in their diet, but they’ll also help keep the weeds under control. Plus, it’s a great way to save on feed costs!
Dawn Dish Soap and Distilled Vinegar
If you’re looking for a simple and effective natural weed killer that is safe for your chickens, look no further than Dawn dish soap and distilled vinegar. This popular mixture is a favorite among many chicken keepers for its ability to eliminate weeds without harming their feathered friends.
To make this mixture, you will need one gallon of distilled vinegar, half a cup of Blue Dawn dish soap, and optionally, a few drops of lavender essential oil. Simply mix the ingredients together and pour the mixture into a sprayer. Be sure to shake well before use to ensure that the ingredients are well combined.
When you’re ready to use the mixture, spray it directly onto the weeds that you want to eliminate. Be sure to apply the spray on a sunny day when there is no rain in the forecast. This will ensure that the mixture is absorbed by the weeds and has time to work effectively. It’s also important to avoid spraying the mixture on any plants that you want to keep, as it can be harmful to them as well.
Deadweed Brew
Deadweed Brew is a highly effective natural weed killer that is safe to use around chickens. This mixture is a combination of three common household ingredients: white vinegar, 70% isopropyl alcohol, and water. To make Deadweed Brew, you will need to mix these ingredients in equal parts and pour them into a spray bottle.
Once the ingredients are mixed, shake the bottle well to ensure that the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Next, spray the mixture onto the weeds you want to eliminate. It’s important to avoid spraying the mixture on any plants that you want to keep, as Deadweed Brew can harm desirable plants as well as weeds.
Deadweed Brew is a powerful weed killer that works quickly. Within hours of being sprayed, weeds will begin to wilt and die. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want to get rid of weeds quickly and easily. Plus, because it is made from all-natural ingredients, you can feel good about using it around your chickens and other animals.
However, it’s important to note that Deadweed Brew is not selective in its killing, so it will harm any plant that it comes into contact with. Therefore, it’s important to apply it carefully and selectively to avoid harming your desirable plants.
Industrial Vinegar Diluted with Water & Dawn
When it comes to more stubborn weeds, regular vinegar may not be strong enough to do the job. In this case, industrial vinegar is a good option. Industrial vinegar, which is stronger than regular vinegar, can typically be found in the paint section of home improvement stores.
To create a natural weed killer using industrial vinegar, you will need to dilute it with water and add some Dawn dish soap. The dish soap helps the mixture adhere to the weeds and increases its effectiveness at killing them.
Mix one gallon of industrial vinegar with one gallon of water and add 1 tablespoon of Dawn dish soap. Pour the mixture into a sprayer and apply it to the weeds, being careful not to get it on any plants you want to keep. This mixture is safe to use around chickens and other animals, as long as it is used properly.
Cornmeal as a Preemergent
Cornmeal can be an effective and natural way to prevent weed growth. Cornmeal is a preemergent, which means that it prevents weed seeds from germinating in the soil. It works by inhibiting the growth of the roots of new plants, and it does not harm existing plants or animals in the area. Cornmeal is also an affordable and readily available solution for preventing weeds.
When using cornmeal as a preemergent, it’s important to use the right type of cornmeal. Look for cornmeal that is labeled as “corn gluten meal.” This type of cornmeal is effective in preventing weed growth and contains natural compounds that inhibit root development in new plants.
To use cornmeal as a preemergent, simply sprinkle it over the soil in areas where you don’t want weeds to grow. Be sure to apply it evenly and use a liberal amount, as it needs to be thick enough to prevent weed seeds from sprouting. You can apply cornmeal at any time of the year, but it’s most effective when used in the spring or fall, when weed seeds are most likely to germinate.
One of the advantages of using cornmeal as a preemergent is that it is a safe and natural solution that doesn’t harm animals or the environment. It is also affordable and readily available at many garden centers and home improvement stores. Additionally, cornmeal is a slow-release fertilizer, which means that it will slowly release nutrients into the soil over time, providing a boost to existing plants.
Hand Pulling Weeds
Hand pulling weeds is a classic and effective way of getting rid of weeds. This method is safe, natural, and does not require the use of any chemicals or tools. When using this method, you can take advantage of your chickens to help you in the process. They will love to eat the weeds and help you get the job done at the same time.
To hand pull weeds, you’ll need to get down on your hands and knees and start pulling the weeds out of the ground. It’s important to try and get as much of the root as possible, to prevent the weed from growing back. If you’re dealing with a large area or tough weeds, you can use a weeding tool to help you get the job done faster.
When hand pulling weeds, be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from any prickly or thorny weeds. Also, be mindful of any poison ivy or poison oak that may be growing in the area. It’s important to identify and avoid these plants to prevent any allergic reactions.
Conclusion
As a chicken owner and gardener, I’m always looking for safe and natural ways to eliminate weeds. These methods that I’ve shared are effective at getting rid of weeds without harming chickens. Whether you choose to use a vinegar and dish soap mixture, Deadweed Brew, industrial vinegar, cornmeal, or hand pulling, it’s important to choose a method that works best for you and
Learn what flowers are harmful to chickens, here!
