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What shouldn't I feed my chickens?

post #1 of 10
2/21/12 at 3:28pm
Thread Starter 

I have 10 chickens.  Each day they get some bagged feed from Rural King.   I usually buy 2 different mixes and mix them in a large "trash can" type container.   They also get leftovers and older foods (possibly moldy bread, brown lettuce).  Of course they get scraps whether it be egg shells or carrot shavings.  They went crazy for the half a sheet cake.  Grapes have to be their favorite.   I have a grape arbor that produces more grape than we can use.  

The question is:

Is there something I should not give them?

 

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post #2 of 10
2/21/12 at 4:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Myles View Post

I have 10 chickens.  Each day they get some bagged feed from Rural King.   I usually buy 2 different mixes and mix them in a large "trash can" type container.   They also get leftovers and older foods (possibly moldy bread, brown lettuce).  Of course they get scraps whether it be egg shells or carrot shavings.  They went crazy for the half a sheet cake.  Grapes have to be their favorite.   I have a grape arbor that produces more grape than we can use.  

The question is:

Is there something I should not give them?

 


I would not feed them moldy bread or spoiled produce. I feed mine mainly a layer ration and they will get a handful of scratch or cracked corn on occasion. I try to stay away from the treats but i will give them left over lettuce or tomatoes from dinner. I would not feed them sweet food that is full of sugar as well. This is my opinion on what not to feed them.

 

Nate

 

NPIP # 3163


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post #3 of 10
2/21/12 at 4:56pm

If it's good enough to feed my family, it's good enough to feed my chickens.

I've fed mine moldy bread for years with no problems. Moldy feed is another story, IMO, but bread or yucky leftovers from the way bottom of the fridge are great. Mine show no interest in citrus or avocado or potato peels, all things folks will swear you should never feed them.

 

I was raised with the saying " A chicken will eat anything that doesn't eat it first" and my birds are thriving.

Rachel BB
 

Well, the kittens aren't so cute anymore and the easter egger cockerels are in the freezer. Plus, I think offering them as "prizes" scared folks off! So, I'm still posting quotes, if you know it let me know. I'm very enamored of this new one, it may hang around for a while!

 

"If I'd known the world was ending I'd have brought better books"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Rachel BB
 

Well, the kittens aren't so cute anymore and the easter egger cockerels are in the freezer. Plus, I think offering them as "prizes" scared folks off! So, I'm still posting quotes, if you know it let me know. I'm very enamored of this new one, it may hang around for a while!

 

"If I'd known the world was ending I'd have brought better books"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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post #4 of 10
2/21/12 at 5:15pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks for the input.   I do the same.  If I have a leftover container of rice that I don't feel comfortable eating then I give it to the chickens.

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post #5 of 10
2/21/12 at 7:23pm
Thread Starter 

.

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post #6 of 10
2/21/12 at 11:41pm

I don't feed anything moldy but stale is ok.

 

 

Read about Egyptian Fayoumis here: http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/316739/egyptian-fayoumis-info and more here: http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/281062/fayoumi-bigawi-qarafa-and-old-egyptian 

Egyptian Fayoumis are one of the world's treasures and are magnificent creatures.

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Read about Egyptian Fayoumis here: http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/316739/egyptian-fayoumis-info and more here: http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/281062/fayoumi-bigawi-qarafa-and-old-egyptian 

Egyptian Fayoumis are one of the world's treasures and are magnificent creatures.

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post #7 of 10
2/21/12 at 11:46pm

Nothing moldy or rotten, try and avoid feeding too much scratch, avoid potato skins, avoid avocado and chocolate products, things like that. Some people feed lots of leftovers which can include seriously fatty and/or salty products, I personally also recommend not to do that. Same goes for skins of fruits like Bananas - LOADS of pesticides soaked into them.

Araucanas, Polish, Shamos

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Araucanas, Polish, Shamos

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post #8 of 10
2/22/12 at 2:41am
Thread Starter 

Any research to back that up or is it just your opinion?    Just curious.

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post #9 of 10
2/22/12 at 3:26am

FYI

 

http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-treat-chart-the-best-treats-for-backyard-chickens

3 RI, 4 black sex links, 1 beautiful golden sex link, 3 leghorns, 3 EE's

Dental assistant for 32 years:  Chickens don't have teeth
                                                 Don't be a chicken!!!
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3 RI, 4 black sex links, 1 beautiful golden sex link, 3 leghorns, 3 EE's

Dental assistant for 32 years:  Chickens don't have teeth
                                                 Don't be a chicken!!!
Reply
post #10 of 10
2/22/12 at 10:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Myles View Post

Any research to back that up or is it just your opinion?    Just curious.



http://blog.mcmurrayhatchery.com/2011/10/04/feeding-your-chickens-table%C2%A0scraps/

Read about Egyptian Fayoumis here: http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/316739/egyptian-fayoumis-info and more here: http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/281062/fayoumi-bigawi-qarafa-and-old-egyptian 

Egyptian Fayoumis are one of the world's treasures and are magnificent creatures.

Reply

Read about Egyptian Fayoumis here: http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/316739/egyptian-fayoumis-info and more here: http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/281062/fayoumi-bigawi-qarafa-and-old-egyptian 

Egyptian Fayoumis are one of the world's treasures and are magnificent creatures.

Reply
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