alfalfa hay in feed.will it hurt?

[realsis]

Hi all I wanted to find a way to incoporate some alfafa into my birds diet this winter and didn't want to buy a whole bale so what I did was purchase rabbit cubes.its 100% sun dried alfafa pressed into a cube form. So at breakfast I've been making them a warm mash (regular seed mashed up by adding water) just a touch of molasses because too much can give loose stools. Then I take and break up a cube of alfafa on top the mash.i make sure they have plenty grit to aid in digesting. They seem to love it. My question is can alfafa hurt the chickens or is it good for them?

 

[TwoCrows]

Alfalfa is high in protein and calcium, along with other trace minerals. And especially now during the winter months when there is nothing green available, they will appreciate some alfalfa. I offer my girls up some occasionally, I will throw a flake of hay in for them. Too much will give them the runs however, but a little bit is good for them.

 

[Kelsie2290]

I've fed mine soaked cubes or pellets in the winter for a while, it is good entertainment for them. Since they can't find grass in the winter, some people will feed their laying hens alfalfa to help keep the egg yolks a darker color. Alfalfa is a good treat, like anything else just don't feed too much of it if you are feeding a commercial food as their main diet.
http://www.feedipedia.org/node/275

 

[Eggcessive]

Last fall and winter I fed my chickens fermented feed which they loved. I know that a lot of the FFers use some of the alfalfa cubes on top of their feed also. It increases the protein some.

 

[realsis]

Good to know thank you all!! They do love it. Only problem is the cubes are hard so I either soak them with warm water or I pick them apart for them. I'm really glad to know its good for them. I was a little unsure and wanted to check with you all. I mix the alfafa into their regular mash. Mash is just their regular seed mixed with a very small amount of molasses and hot water. I like them to have a warm breakfast on these cold days. I don't use too much molasses as I know it can cause loose stool. Just enough to help it taste. In their water I'm giving a probotic that's also fortified with vitamins.. its called provita. I found it in the poultry area at tractor supply. It says its safe to use daily so I've been giving that also. Being silkies I know they can be prone to vitamin defiency so I wanted to make sure and give them a multiple poultry vitamin along with their feed.

 

[kkcummins]

I occasionally give my girls a little alfalfa as a treat. They love it! I have horses so alfalfa is a staple at our place. I just try not to over do it as with any other treats. I also change up the treats regularly so they don't get bored with them.