Nettles and Dandelion Flowers

[willowsmum]

Sorry if this is covered in another thread - I took a quick look but couldn't see anything specific.

Just wondered if I could safely feed young nettle tops and dandelion flowers (yellow flowers, not the seed heads)?

I thought I was OK to feed nettles as long as I soaked them in boiling water for a few minutes to get rid of the stings but I've just spotted a bird website that said nettles were toxic so I just wanted to check your opinions.

Also thanks to starlingqueen I know that dandelion leaves are OK in moderation but I wasn't sure about the yellow flowers. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[samwiseg]

As I recall, dandelion leaves are fine, (I feed them to my lot) and the flowers have to be seed heads not in full bloom (need clarification on that tho)

Not sure about nettles? Wouldn't feed them because of their stinging properties.

But chickweed is ok too.

Hope that helps?!

[willowsmum]

Thanks samwiseg I'm waiting for my chickweed and other seedlings to grow so thought I would just ask about these.

[starlingqueen]

Stinging nettles are fine to feed as are dead nettles. And you can also feed dandelion flowers but only occasionally like the leaves.

[willowsmum]

Thanks starlingqueen. Not feeling brave enough to pick the nettles yet but will give the dandelion flower a go tomorrow.