Chickens are long grass

[AbiandAmi]

Hello
My chickens were out yesterday and have been eating long strands of grass (4 inch long) I didn't know that they weren't suppose to do this and now I am worried. Could someone please let me know what signs to look out for if something is wrong? Their poo has looked a bit dry lately is this bad? They are nearly 10 weeks old now.

 

[Eggcessive]

The thing to be concerned about is sour or impacted drop. If they aren' t having any problems with their crops being full first thing in the morning before eating, or being "off" it is no worry. I they start acting sluggish or not eating then watch them. We try to keep our chicken yard mowed once a week.

 

[AbiandAmi]

Thank you. I have been reading lots of posts about impacted and sour crop but I don't really know what is 'normal' should it feel soft in the morning?

 

[cafarmgirl]

My chickens, mature and youngsters alike, have free access to medium to tall pasture all day long, every day. I have never once had a bird with an impacted crop, for any reason. Usually they pick off shorter pieces but once in a while I'll see one swallow down a longer stem. Green grass actually is processed in the crop/gizzard fairly well unless they are on grass for the first time maybe and go crazy with it. What I keep an eye on at my place is when I let young birds out of the coop to free range the first time and they meet up with hay for the first time on the barn floor around the goat feeders. They are very curious and want to gobble down the long strands. I keep it raked up and shoo them away and after a couple days they loose interest.

 

[AbiandAmi]

Thanks cafarmgirl. That makes me feel much better. They have only recently started to like it outside and just go crazy pecking at the grass. I only saw her swallow one long piece (i dont know how she got it down!) but that made me think they probably did it more than once! I will definitely be getting my husband to mow on the weekend before putting them outside again though

 

[fiberart57]

If you can put some apple cider vinegar in their water may help their crops dissolve the grass. It's best to not use an aluminum watered with it.

Mary