Greens or no greens?

[Billjr]

I just read on this forum that more than one person feeds greens to their birds. I also read on the medical emergencies forum not to feed greens as they reduce the birds ability to absorb calcium. Hence my newbie dilemma. I get free leftover salad from the Country Club down the road. Is it OK or W>>H>>A>>T. Holy Crap my head is hurting.

 

[Ross Ranch]

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Is there dressing?

 

[Ridgerunner]

I did not read that post about not feeding your chickens greens and my chickens certainly did not read it either. They'll eat almost anything green they can get at. The poster mentioning that may have been addressing a specific situation. I'd say let your eggs be your guide. If the egg shell is OK, your birds are absorbing enough calcium. And if they are thin, offer them extra oyster shell on the side before you stop feeding them some greens. The greens, especially the darker ones like spinach, kale, and chard, gives color to the yolk and extra vitamins and minerals to the eggs. Just like everything else, give them the extra treats in moderation, not as a major food source. Too much of anything can be bad.

 

[emys]

Greens like broccoli, kale, collards will help with calcium absorption and contain some on their own. Then there are neutral greens such as grass and wheat sprouts (type of grass really) that to my knowledge have no effect on calcium absorption. There are other types of greens such as spinach and chard that do have some effect on calcium absorption, but probably only for the time it is being digested, so small quantities are fine.

Please do feed your girls greens!

 

[BarredBuff]

I feed greens as much as I can its good for them

 

[NYREDS]

If you free range birds they'll run right past the feed to get to the grass in the morning when you let them out.

 

[chookchick]

My suggestion--don't read the emergencies and diseases forum too much--it will totally freak you out!
That was, as the other poster has said, probably in response to a certain situation. Greens are great for chickens! They give the yolk that nice orange color and have all kinds of vitamins and antioxidants. If your birds free range, they probably get their fill, but if they are stuck to a run (like mine) I think it is a good idea to add them as much as you can. Plus they keep the chooks occupied.

 

[Chris09]

Quote:
I totally agree with NYREDS. If you let them chickens will eat grass all day and be just fine..

Chris

 

[Agricola]

Quote:
That's what mine do. In fact I am trying to find more greens for my hens.

 

[cap1717]

Almost always, nature knows better than people. If "wild" chickens eat greens, as they most certainly do, as well as bugs, seeds, mice, lizards and plenty of other stuff. . . that is likely their natural diet, the one that they have evolved to thrive on.