Cowpeas?

[Uzuri]

Saw in Mother Earth News that these were something that could be fed to chickens. I had such a successful crop last year for the human table that I'd like to grown them as a protein boost for the chickens this year.

Cowpeas are peas, so they're safe to feed uncooked, correct? Does anyone here feed them, and if so do you thresh them or just toss them in pods and all?

 

[bibliophile birds]

the feed i buy has cowpeas (field peas) as the main protein source. i can't say 100%, but i think they are just shelled and dried or freeze-dried (they are chopped up so it's hard to tell exactly what process they've been through). the chickies really love them as that's the first bits they go after when i put their feed out in the morning.

i'm planning on planting some this year so it's good to hear that you've had such luck with them!

 

[rdranch]

When you say cowpeas do you also mean black eyed peas?

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Quote:
Cowpeas is a generic term that covers many different varieties of peas.
Black Eyed Peas is one of those varieties.

One of the most common is called Iron and Clay Cowpeas

 

[digitS']

As to whether they are for cows or grown in a field -- that's only part of the story.

Cowpeas are usually Vigna unguiculata. Mung beans and black-eyed peas are in this group. They are warm-season crops.

Field peas are usually Pisum sativum. Garden peas are Pisum sativum. Peas used for split pea soup are in this group. They are cool-season crops.

Steve

 

[rdranch]

Thanks Bear Foot and digitS'.