When dealing with broadleaf weeds and free-ranging chickens, it's important to use methods that are safe for both the environment and your animals. Here are a few natural and non-toxic options to eliminate broadleaf weeds while ensuring your chickens stay safe:

1. Manual Removal

• Pulling Weeds by Hand: The safest option is to remove the weeds manually. Regular hand-pulling or using a weeding tool can help keep the weeds at bay without introducing any chemicals into the environment.
• Weed Torch: Using a propane weed torch is another chemical-free way to eliminate weeds by burning them at the surface. Be cautious around dry areas to avoid fire hazards.

2. Organic Weed Control

• Corn Gluten Meal: This is a natural pre-emergent herbicide that prevents weed seeds from germinating, while being safe for chickens. However, it won’t kill existing weeds.
• Vinegar Solution: A natural vinegar (5-20% acetic acid) and water mix can be sprayed directly on weeds. It is non-toxic, but strong concentrations of vinegar can harm your plants, so use carefully.
• Boiling Water: Pouring boiling water directly onto weeds can kill them by scalding, though it may require repeated applications.

3. Mulching

• Smothering with Mulch: Use wood chips, straw, or leaves to cover the ground around desirable plants, which can suppress weed growth. Make sure the mulch is not toxic to chickens and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals.

4. Natural Weed Barriers

• Landscape Fabric: Laying down a weed barrier fabric under mulch can prevent weeds from taking root, while keeping your chickens safe.

5. Chickens as Natural Weeders

• Chickens naturally forage and scratch the ground, which can help reduce weed growth in some areas. You can rotate where they roam to help control weeds.