Yolky Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 My old over grown veg patch is being cut back and I will probably put the eglu there on slabs. I am nearly there but there are lots of weeds in the ground and it needs digging/turning. I was wondering, as a cheat, if I mowed it so it was short could I let the chooks free range there and they would eat the weeds and turn the soil? Only one issue is that there may be old potatoes in the ground (deep) I don't think that they could get to them but there is one potato plant I can see in the ground...I know they can't eat raw spuds but can they eat the plant? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beach chick Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 well, they'd do a good job clearing the ground but to be honest I'm not sure about the potatoes! I know they shouldnt eat the leaves, and I'd have thought they'd not eat any potatoes in the ground - prob too hard for them. I'd put them in there and just keep an eye - pick up any spuds they dig up. I could be completely wrong tho... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 They are not supposed to eat raw potatoes. Must say mine have never shown any interest in eating mine, but if you can see one then I'd chop it off short or dig it up just to be on the safe side. They will do a brilliant job of turning the ground over for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 Great idea, just make sure that there's nothing stringy to bung up their crops. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 There was a thread about a similar topic the other day. **Here** Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisP Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 Sorry to go a bit off topic, but why can't chickens eat raw potato? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yolky Posted June 24, 2008 Author Share Posted June 24, 2008 Thanks for the info all and the link Egluntine. I think I will clear it over, dig out any potato plants I can see and then let the chooks do their worst (or best I think lol) hopefully they will prepare the ground ready for their winter slabbed home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 Sorry to go a bit off topic, but why can't chickens eat raw potato? No-one can Chris; they contain Glycoalkoloids, which are poisonous. Cooking neutralises them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
