Alfalfa (or Nettle can be subsituted) is an excellent herb to give to our birds during the winter months. Especially in the north, where greens are non-existant unless you buy them, and greens are probably limited in the south as well. You can give alfalfa hay as a supplement during the winter, but I feel they don't eat enough of it to make a big enough boost to their system. But tea in their water will give them a concentrated amount that I know they will get. Particularly during harsh weather, this tea helps them tremendously with what the cold weather saps from their energy trying to stay warm. It will boost protein levels which will convert into accessible energy to raise body temps. And, they need the "greens" for their diet to stay balanced. Even once a month it will be of great benefit for your poultry. Visit the alfalfa link on the the herbs page for more detailed benefits of alfalfa.

One flake of hay will yield about 3 gallons of tea. I put a flake in a bag and then close it, then squish it around to break it up so I can pack it into a pot.



Then I take a big pot (I think this is a 5 gallon) and stuff it full with the hay. Then I fill the pot with water up to about 1 inch from the brim. Then I bring to a boil and let it gently simmer for one hour.



Then I use a collander and strain.



When done, I pour into gallon jugs to mix into my waterers.



The ratio I mix is 1 gallon of tea and 1 gallon or so of water. So I dilute it by 50 percent. You will see a noticeable increase in alertness and energy levels. It's good stuff!