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First Egg ! :) Not sure if we can eat it. :(

Discussion in 'Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying' started by pathwandering, Aug 30, 2014.

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  1. Aug 30, 2014 #1
    pathwandering

    pathwandering In the Brooder

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    May 19, 2014
    I was super excited to find our first egg - probably from the chocolate orpington that went into a submissive squat last weekend. BUT I also found a dead mouse that the chickens could possibly have picked at. My sister said that she drowned one several days ago, and I went to find it but couldn't (until today). I do keep mouse poison under the skirt of my home. (Bad I know, but if I don't the mice eat the inside of my home.)
    So I'm a little worried that this mouse might possibly have had poison in its system and if the chickens pecked at its carcass they could also have it in their system. I haven't seen them actually pecking at it, but they have been out and about when I've not been home. I didn't check the egg box yesterday so it could have been in there for a couple days.

    My toddler is super excited to eat the first little egg...but I don't know if I should give it to her.
    What do you all think?
     

  4. Aug 30, 2014 #2
    BantamLover21

    BantamLover21 Crowing

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    I think the egg is probably fine to eat. There would have to be a lot of poison in the egg to affect a human. Before the poison got into the egg, it would have to pass through the bird's body. And if a large amount of poison entered the chicken (a smaller animal), the chicken would die or get very sick--which you would notice. So if none of your chickens are dying, I think it is safe to assume that they didn't eat enough poison (if any) to cause a problem.

    Still, it is your choice. If you don't feel right eating an egg that possibly contains mouse poison, that is perfectly understandable.

    Congratulations on your first egg!
     
    Last edited: Aug 30, 2014
  6. Aug 31, 2014 #3
    pathwandering

    pathwandering In the Brooder

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    Thanks! I wonder if chickens will actually eat a few day old carcass anyway or if they will only eat fresh kill? This is making me think about adopting a barn cat but would I have to worry about the cat eating the chickens?
     
  8. Aug 31, 2014 #4
    skunknchatter

    skunknchatter Songster

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    Maybe the chickens killed the mouse? My flock is death on rodents. They don't eat them or anything but if they spot one it's life is over pretty quick. Just a thought.

    Congrats on the first egg. I'm jealous of your Chocolate Orpington. I only have buffs but I'd love to have some other colors.
     

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