Cat food

[lfoose]

I've read on the list that cat food is ok to feed to chickens. An old farmer I know says no, it's not? Any idea why it wouldn't be good?

 

[chickengirlnm]

I was told it might have to much salt in it - and just to be careful giving it to them , mine have only goten it a few times but they love it - so do the ducks

 

[lfoose]

He just got back to me....and said feeding them cat food will make their egg shells soft. Has anyone heard of that?

 

[silkiechicken]

As long as it is a treat it will be fine. Mine go up and empty the cat dish every day.

 

[Freebie]

Cat food is very high in protein, I think that is why they like it so much. I have to protect my cats when they eat and keep the chickens away from them. In the winter I give them a couple handfuls of cat food almost every day. seems to be ok. I don't remember getting any softer eggs because of it.

 

[joanm]

Mine get cat food as a treat.

 

[Marlinchaser]

It wont hurt as long as they only get a little at a time, shells should not be soft if you give them free choice oyster shell.

 

[dlhunicorn]

Here is an excellent thread :
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=15886
...I personally don't let my birds near it.