Garlic for Chickens?

[Branumdragon]

We occasionally feed our chickens garlic as a treat. I don't know whether it's good for them, OK for them, or practically poison. They really like it, though, and if we give it to them in their food they get to where they'll eat it off the top and not touch the rest. I was told that it's good for when they're sick. I know that it boosts people's immune systems. Is it good for chickens?

 

[sumi]

You're right. Garlic is a good immune system booster and it is said that feeding it to chickens help deter mites, lice and ticks. It is also used as a natural dewormer, though I cannot tell you how effective it is!

 

[Branumdragon]

Well,my birds DON'T HAVE WORMS, so that doesn't matter.

 

[Kernel Cluck]

That is great to know. I have wondered about Garlic. I may start using a small amount occasionally for my girls. We have had a TERRIBLE tick problem here in the north woods the last few years. My birds dont have worms either, but I appreciate the advice none-the-less. Thank you sumi.

 

[yyz0yyz0]

I would take is slow on the garlic quantity, it may start to appear in the eggs.

 

[lorain's fids]

My 5 chickens get garlic weekly. I give about 1 or 2 cloves(depending on the size) mashed up (or use a garlic press) mixed with either cooked brown rice or cooked quinoa. They love it.

 

[Kernel Cluck]

I would take is slow on the garlic quantity, it may start to appear in the eggs.

Great point. I remember reading at some point that some foods can "taint" the taste of eggs while not necessarily being bad for the hens. I think most citrus is in that category right?

 

[Branumdragon]

HELP!!! PeanutButter ate a hamburger. Long story, but she got the whole thing, bun, ketchup, and meat. Will she be OK?

 

[Den in Penn]

Peanut Butter didn't come back for another one? She be fine, just a stuffed crop, if she ate it to fast.

 

[Branumdragon]

Uh, we locked her in the coop afterward, so she didn't get a chance to come back for another.
Thank you for reassuring me that she won't die. She ate it over about half an hour (we went inside), so no worries about her crop.