Feed Marigolds to Chickens for Darker Yolk Color...

[pips&peeps]

It's been part of the formula for Layena for years.

 

[digitS']

Quote:
Andy, I think either should be fine.

The Tagetes marigold is grown in Mexico & other places as a feed additive.

I believe that the Calendula marigold has been grown from prehistoric times for human food.

I can't hardly imagine how anything would want to eat Tagetes since, as we all know, it smells funny. I mean, has anyone ever seen their chickens eating their marigolds? Still, maybe if it is processed in some way and used sparingly, the hens would be interested in eating the flowers.

Steve

 

[cmom]

Very interesting.I have been planting marigolds for years. I guess you really can teach an old (dog) new tricks. I learned something new today. Thanks!!!

 

[redhen]

maybe the marigolds i buy are a differant kind?...the ones i get to plant around my garden are a thick/fat flower.....in the pics you posted..the flowers are kinda thin (like a daisy) , and not layered like the Marigolds i know of up here in New England...does any one know what i mean?.....

 

[redhen]

okay..i'll try to send a link of the flower i am talking about....is THIS Marigold safe for my hens?....thanks!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/snarayanank/2423940859/

 

[North Briton]

Hi guys........ Red hen Do NOT USE the plant that you show........DO NOT USE TAGETES... this is a very diff. species..check it out ....it MUST be Calendula officinales .......www.lakelandherbs.co.uk..............

http://www.biodynamicorganictinctures.co.uk/15.html

 

[Hattie the Hen]

Hi there! It's been part of a lot of chicken pellets here in the UK for years. I'll try to find out which kind exactly they use--it might take acouple of days to find out but I enjoy a bit of research. This forum is amazing--keeps you up to the mark!!!

 

[North Briton]

Hi. H.Hen.
Yes it was in the Dodson & Horrel feed but the last time I read their lable it wasn't on. I dont think they make their own chicken feed. Let us know what you find out....NB

 

[Lazy J Farms Feed & Hay]

The product used in layer rations is a Marigold EXTRACT, not ground up marigold flowers!

The flowers are processed to remove the yellow carotentoid and yellow xanthophylls which are then concentrated and either dried on an appropriate media such as ground corn cobs or mixed with a liquid for us in feeds. These products are VERY concentrated and used at a .05% rate.

Jim

 

[CovenantCreek]

digitS' :

Now here's what Wikipedia says about lutein - "Lutein was traditionally used in chicken feed to provide the yellow color of broiler chicken skin. Polled consumers viewed yellow chicken skin more favorably than white chicken skin. Such lutein fortification also results in a darker yellow egg yolk. . . . As a food additive, lutein has the E number E161b and is extracted from the petals of marigold (Tagetes erecta)."

If it's lutein that makes the most difference, then tomatoes should work as well.​