Controlling weeds without hurting flock

[jp57]

I have a long gravel driveway that has a lot of weeds that grow up through it. I have a torch that I use to control weeds, but it takes a lot of time. I haven't wanted to spray anything on them because my girls free range, and I wouldn't be able to keep them away from it. Is there anything I can use as an herbicide that won't hurt my girls?

 

[Latestarter]

Generally speaking, I believe chickens are more prone to eating insects they stir up as opposed to eating the weeds themselves. Geese on the other hand are grazers first. All that being said, yes, I know that chickens do and will eat plant matter as well. Now, to your question...

IMHO, you can spray the driveway with agent orange to save time and effort. The most popular brand being Glyphosate (roundup), here are the recommendations:

"Proper translocation prior to animal re-entry is imperative to effective weed control. To ensure proper weed control and forage removal, Monsanto recommends grazing not resume for 3 to 5 days after spraying.

• Grazing is safe for the animals as soon as the herbicide has dried. However, proper translocation must occur before grazing is allowed to ensure proper weed control.
• When a Re-entry Interval is not listed on a chemical label, it is recommended to wait until the chemical has dried, however, assume annual weeds require a minimum of 24 hours of good weather conditions for proper translocation.
• For perennial weed and forage control, wait a minimum of 72 hours for proper translocation of the chemical through the target plants before allowing grazing.

Allowing animals to graze earlier may result in reduced control."

http://www.roundup.ca/en/faq
So pen up the birds for a couple of days after spraying then let em loose.

 

[imnukensc]

I use Roundup (glyphosate), triclopyr, and/or 2,4-D at least twice a year. It has never hurt my chickens, dogs, cats, or any other animal that I am aware of. Having said that, Roundup nor any of the others is "Agent Orange." Agent Orange is/was an equal mixture of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T.

 

[Latestarter]

OK... since it wasn't blatantly obvious, my use of the term "agent orange" was used in jest & meant to imply the use of an exfoliate (and to imply the reported/implied deadly nature of glyphosate/roundup). Sorry for any confusion caused.

 

[jp57]

Thanks for the help.

 

[Folly's place]

Both 2,4D and glyphosate are implicated in causing bad diseases in dogs and people, and are best avoided whenever possible! Warmed vinegar will kill weeds in the driveway, and be much safer. Or, mow them occasionally and enjoy something green out there.
Herbicides have uses, but there's a risk/ benefit consideration, and weeds in the driveway, not so much.
Mary