Effect of Garlic on Chickens

[theawesomechick]

I'm really confused on the effect of garlic on chickens. From most of the basic chicken care sources I have read, the only harm garlic can do to chickens is to flavor their eggs. I have heard some people here on BYC say that garlic helps deworming to some degree. I have been giving my hens some garlic in their kitchen scraps because of this. Yet today, I found some info that stated that garlic could cause Heinz anemia in poultry. So, can someone give me some information on what exactly the deal with garlic is? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[realsis]

I also read in larger quantity garlic can cause Heinz Anemia in poultry. There are several creditable online sources that state this. I would assume that feeding garlic in moderation would be the key. Larger quantity or feed daily can be harmful to the blood from what I've read as well.

 

[theawesomechick]

Do you think a piece per hen every two days will have any negative effects?

Hoping I haven't just messed up my hens' blood!

 

[realsis]

I might cut down to maybe a piece a week. That's something you will have to use your better judgment on. Very interesting that it can cause a blood condition. I don't think many folks know this. But their is a lot of creditable supporting information that says it will cause the condition in larger amounts. I might do a bit more research and see what exactly they consider "large amounts" that would be they key to actually how much is safe to feed. Maybe do some digging and I will as well. I'll post back on what I find. I'm sure you didn't do any damages .Luckily you did research what could happen if you kept feeding large quantities. If I find any significant information I'll let you know. They aren't very specific as to what's considered a large amount but I would assume every day or even every other day might be considered a large portion so I would defiantly cut back to be on the cautious side. Hope this helps

 

[KayTee]

I haven't given my chickens garlic yet, although I was considering the possiblity, because I've only heard about the benefits. I live in France, so naturally I use garlic in almost everything - it's supposed to be beneficial to humans, so why not chickens? Your comment made me think, so I've done a bit of research too, and found this:

From the website http://www.examiner.com/article/garlic-for-dogs-friend-or-foe

Quote: ...a very interesting article by a very reputable doctor, Lisa Newman, world renowned pioneer in the field of natural pet care and author of nine books. According to Doc Lisa, garlic is getting a bum rap because of its relatives. Specifically, garlic's cousin, the onion. Both onions and garlic contain thiosulphate, a compound known to trigger Heinz factor anemia (where circulating red blood cells burst - very bad). The thing is, onions have a MUCH higher concentration of thiosulphate than garlic. With onions, the thiosulphate level is so high that a single serving can cause this fatal reaction. Garlic's thiosulphate level is barely traceable and isn't stored in the body so it doesn't build up.

The article they refer to is here - http://www.earthclinic.com/Pets/garlic_for_dogs.html

I know they're talking about dogs, not chickens, but the comments about the concentration of thiosulphate are interesting.

 

[theawesomechick]

Thank you both so much! KayTee, that makes me so much better. I thought I was killing my hens for a moment there!

I wouldn't ever dream of feeding my ladies raw onion - I can't even handle it without tearing up! A piece per week sounds pretty safe. I guess that would be enough to activate minor deworming abilities that the garlic may possess.