Chickweed (Stellaria media)

I've added it to my gutloads from time to time. Bugs seem to eat it fine. My birds like it as a treat now and then. I know it contains lots of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), b vitamins, beta carotene, iron, plus some small amounts of copper, calcium, magnesium, selenium, and even sodium.

I particularily like that it is a free weed, available (with or without my assistance/permission) almost year round in my garden, like dandelion and clover. I prefer to use stuff I grow in my own yard to buying stuff (not so much because I am cheap, more that I know what isnt sprayed on my garden).

But I dont want to "over do it" - slightly concerned about Saponins.

Who else is using Chickweed as part of the gutload? Any thoughts as to quantity? benefits? cautions?

bump. the above post is lonely.

I'm not familiar with this weed at all, so I'll be watching to see what the verdict is...

im going to have to take a look again of what i have growing around some hostas. If this is what i have..SCOREE!! Thanks for the post!

thanks for posting.

but I was really hoping someone who is already using this would comment. Surely I'm not a trail blazer with this stuff!?!?!?!

one last bump in the hope of hearing from someone else who uses this as a gutload

R u gut loading with star chickweed or common chickweed?

Would other chickweed species be ok? I found it in my plant ID book & I'm sure there some around but I'm terrible at distinguishing between similar species

I feed it to my guinea pigs and tortoise and throw a little in the bugs bins every now and then. Seems fine but I only use it a little in the spring when it grows in my yard well.

Kibu said:

R u gut loading with star chickweed or common chickweed?

Click to expand...

I've no idea!