Nothing says spring as much as baby chicks hatching on the farm. Every year, I think they are even cuter than last year’s chicks. In addition to the organic chick feed at Ozark Natural Feeds, I make sure my chicks get some fresh foods too. I find worms and wild plants for them to eat. They are happy with clumps of grass and wild clover, but they particularly love chickweed.
Chickweed is a common herb to find in your yard or garden at this time of the year. Look around for it because you might love it as much as my chickens do. Chickweed has a taste that might remind you of spinach, and it is a great addition to salads. Chickweed is highly nutritious and is considered to be a rejuvenating spring tonic.
In addition to being a great addition to the diet, chickweed is a medicinal herb that is used for soothing skin and mucous membranes such as the respiratory, digestive and urinary tracts. A chickweed tea can be used for coughs and hoarseness. It is also a mild diuretic that might be useful for urinary irritation. Chickweed is most famous for it topical uses since it can speed wound healing, reduce itching, and cool inflamed skin. It is used for everything from burns and cuts to eczema and hemorrhoids.
You can use the fresh plant to make a poultice by simply crushing the leaves and stalks and applying them directly to the skin. Ideally, cover this herbal concoction with a clean cloth to hold it in place. If using dried chickweed, grind it until it is nearly a powder then add enough hot water to make a paste. You can also make a healing chickweed salve for use all year long. Just in a Pinch Recipes has two recipes for chickweed salve. Their Itchy Salve recipe looks great.
Dr. Laurell Matthews, ND 
“Nothing says spring as much as baby chicks hatching on the farm.”
I disagree. Chickens hatch any time of year, but daffodils only bloom in the spring.
Well since we use mother hens to hatch our eggs, they are only willing to do that after the days are a certain length. The increasing daylight of spring triggers their brooding tendencies.Thanks for reading, Some Guy!
Loved the pic. Congratulations on the beautiful brood! Last year we had 3 broody hens, and this year none have gone broody. Wish it were predictable.
I know what you mean. One of my best mama hens last year didn’t get broody this year, but I am thinking we will probably have another round.