Kale

[Sue]

I grew cavalo nero kale last year and decided I didn't like it very much. So not to waste it, tried it on the hens. After a bit if initial indecision they fell on it. Usually they eat cabbage and I was surprised they went for Kale as they don't like Savoy type cabbages very much.
By about the third plant they were so intent on eating the kale they nearly (only nearly) ignored the rice I'd got for their morning snack.

So this winter, my allotment will be full of kale plants. Save me a fortune.
Sue

[lynda66]

mine love the curly kale, they have just finished off the last of it, i'm growing more this year for them too

[minskey]

Mine love it too, and also love brussel tops.
Right about the rice though, mine just go mad for it and even forget about pecking orders when doing so, they are just a row of hens, bums in the air munching & clucking contented, content............ happily

[minskey]

Forgot to add that I think cavolo nero tastes like seaweed or fish so I don't like it..,, is it only me?

[Eyren]

I love cavalo nero - but then I like seaweed and fish too!

My bantams adore ruby chard, especially when in lay - no wonder their yolks are so vibrant in colour!

[Flummery]

I love cavalo nero - and chard. I'm growing lots of both so the chooks can share!

[Snadger]

This year I have mouths to feed (chook mouths) so I'll be growing even more of one of my favourite veg, Kale!
Thousand headed is one of the most prolific and one of the tastiest I think. Tuscan kale is a bit soft. Tall curly kale is quite tasty and productive and so is Russian Red.

My chooks and I luuuuuuuurve kale!

[Sue]

Eyren
Haven't tried them on chard, although all my ruby chard succumbed to the cold in January, the green ones have survived so I'll give them a taste.
And although they love rice, if I feel I'm in need of cheering up I give them tube pasta, this creates a riot and upturns the pecking order. The two big hens, "Big Mama" Enid and her evil henchman Betty usually have first pickings, but the three littlies, Maud, Monica and Ruby are faster on their feet and Enid and Betty are too slow, they even get the pasta pinched from their beaks by the overeager threesome. One of the littlies comes whizzing past - pasta gone, puzzled look on Enid or Betty's face, never fails....
Sue

[RedThorn]

Ours go mad over pasta and rice! OH was up early last weekend and cooked them pasta even before my cuppa tea! (I make her a cuppa in bed 5-6 days a week so 1 day a week is don't ya think....)

They eat a bit of perpetual spinach.....will try the chard (that's already growing....will think about some kale for them ...)thanks for the info Sue

[HayleyB]

I love chinese seaweed (fried Cavolo Nero) so will be growing lots with curly Kale instead of cabbages this year. Apparently Kale is easier against slugs and caterpillars as it is more hardy and taller. Chooks will love it too as they like left over savoys.