Flock is fishing goldfish from the pond

[BrittBergh]

Is it ok for the chickens to be eating goldfish right out of our little pond? We got 15 fish for bug control and the chickens literally are fishing them out! They sit on the lip on the pond and dive in after the fish then run away with their catch while the others chase. It seems like a game for them and while it is super amusing I dont know if eating raw goldfish is ok so I fenced them off again. I had no idea chickens could fish better then me!

 

[pdirt]

I'm pretty new to chickens, but from what I know so far, I don't see any harm in it, other than you're losing your bug control! Chickens can and will eat meat if they can get it. Worms, mice, tadpoles and I suppose goldfish.

 

[chooks4life]

The only problem I can think of offhand is if one of them somehow gets fish bones stuck inside it. But they must be tiny goldfish, and I've seen chickens eat rats and snakes longer than themselves without harm, so who knows...

 

[misgallinas6]

Is it ok for the chickens to be eating goldfish right out of our little pond? We got 15 fish for bug control and the chickens literally are fishing them out! They sit on the lip on the pond and dive in after the fish then run away with their catch while the others chase. It seems like a game for them and while it is super amusing I dont know if eating raw goldfish is ok so I fenced them off again. I had no idea chickens could fish better then me!

i just feel sorry for you goldfish but on the other hand your chickens are getting very very fresh food!!

 

[BrittBergh]

Well they fished all 15 right out of the pond

. Ive protected my gardens and veggie patches, I didnt think ever once the fish would be in danger! OYE chickens! Now they sit around the small pond clucking at it, maybe trying to magically make more fish appear.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

I made my pond deep enough that the fish can't be fished out by chickens or raccoons. Sometimes people with shallower ponds put something in it for the fish to hide under. Something cave-like, that's open at both ends would be best, so they can swim through. It protects them from attacks from above. If the chickens can't get to them, they should eventually give up. Fish usually learn to hide from attacks. At least the smart ones that learn to survive will.

The other alternative is to get some form of Bt to keep the pond mosquito free. Or try a smaller, quicker, less brightly colored fish in the pond. I'd still add hiding spots.