bamboo ???

[Lstorns]

So I've noticed my girls eat bamboo leaves and really seem to like them. Well I thought that since bamboo is a type of grass that it would be a great supplemental and organic addition to their diet. It is one of the fastest growing plants out there. And I can barely keep it under control so I'm pretty sure its sustainable. But my question is , Is it ok to let them eat it ?

 

[N F C]

I checked a couple of places and didn't see bamboo listed as toxic or off-limits. If you do a search here on BYC, you'll find where some members have even built their coops from bamboo. These are the links I used, you may find them helpful:

http://www.poultryhelp.com/toxicplants.html#B

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

Hope that helps!

 

[glib]

Bamboo shoots have substantial cyanide (degraded when cooked), although I have eaten raw shoots without ill effects. Cows too prefer bamboo leaves (very high protein) to grass, so my guess is that cyanide is there only during the shoot phase.

 

[Lstorns]

thanks Ill look around some more but the this info is great. I was only wondering about the leaves because as I clear the bamboo I can let them feed on the leaves of the stalks I tae down. Theres not much I can do about the shoots though. Their yard is clear of all bamboo so I guess they are eating them s they come up but I cant control where theywill pop up and theydont seem to have harmed the girls yet so I guess tey are cool. Thanks again

 

[Hangtown Farms]

chickens love bamboo and no it is not toxic