Feedback on Learning Center "Treats Chart"

[The Lone Free Ranger]

This is a fabulously informative sticky/post! Thank you!!!

 

[Sweetbliss]

I noticed that Allium plants (leeks, garlic, onions, etc) were on the "toxic plant" list. Maybe you could put onions and garlic and leeks on the "do not feed" list - since they're often in leftovers and such? I don't know - I'm so new at this - lol! I just know we eat a lot of onions and garlic in my house, and I would feel so sad to lose a chicken to an onion!

 

[digitS']

The toxic plant list at "poultryhelp" (linked on the Treats page) is from "Reptile Keeper's Handbook."

None of these sources list alliums as toxic to poultry:

Merck Veterinary Manual
Colorado State University
Cornell University, Department of Animal Science
Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System

That isn't to say that onions and their relatives are safe for chickens but not all livestock is effected in the same way by the same plants. The Canadian source and Merck, especially, list the toxic dangers of alliums to some livestock. They go far beyond "gastrointestinal tract affected by plant toxins; plant also causes dermatitis" noted in the Reptile Keeper's Handbook. Perhaps those are the only concerns of reptile keepers.

Personally, I am not worried about onions going out to the chickens in table scraps. I have noticed that the hens leave the chives in the backyard alone - except for scratching around in their roots.

Steve

 

[DTchickens]

Quote:
Onions and garlic are OK to feed occasionally, but shouldn't be fed all the time. when fed a lot of onions/garlic it may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive problems. And prolonged exposure can lead to a blood condition called hemolytic anemia, which is followed by respiratory distress and eventual death. However it does contain - lice, cardiovascular, antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory benefits.

I will sometimes give a little onion or so, but it is not something they always have. Generally birds will look over onions anyway.

-Daniel

 

[jaydweight]

So I've been looking at the treat chart and noticed I could feed them grapes and some chicken. So I took a few grapes and quartered them and some shredded chicken and put them on a plate for them.

Here's my question: How often can they have this treat?

 

[Yay Chicks!]

Quote:
Just a reminder to provide them with chick grit when you are feeding treats (if you are not already).

 

[jaydweight]

Yay Chicks! :

Quote:
Just a reminder to provide them with chick grit when you are feeding treats (if you are not already).

Yes I do need to do that. I've heard that a small corner of dirt from outside would help as a grit. What do you think?​

 

[Altoncoop]

New to chicken raising and was reading your list for treats noticed that grapes were to be seedless only. Why is that. I feed mine seeded grapes the other day should I be watching for anything?

 

[Yay Chicks!]

Quote:
Just a reminder to provide them with chick grit when you are feeding treats (if you are not already).

Yes I do need to do that. I've heard that a small corner of dirt from outside would help as a grit. What do you think?

Only if the dirt has tiny pieces of sharp sand or gravel in it, I would think. Think of grit as teeth. If you give them something that needs to be chewed, then they need grit. You can get a little bag of chick grit at the feed store and it lasts a long time if you've only got a few birds.

 

[jaydweight]

Yay Chicks! :

Quote:
Yes I do need to do that. I've heard that a small corner of dirt from outside would help as a grit. What do you think?

Only if the dirt has tiny pieces of sharp sand or gravel in it, I would think. Think of grit as teeth. If you give them something that needs to be chewed, then they need grit. You can get a little bag of chick grit at the feed store and it lasts a long time if you've only got a few birds.​

Great, thanks for your input on the grit. I'll have to pick up some from IFA or CAL RANCH.