⠀ Hops Dangerous for Chickens?

[jalbert404]

We have a cattle panel hoop style run/coop for our chickens. I was thinking of growing hops vines on the run this year to give shade (they can grow to 20 ft in a year and die back in the winter). Anyone know if the vine or the hops would be dangerous for laying hens?

 

[DrMikelleRoeder]

There should be no danger. In fact, the ARS (Agricultural Research Service) reported back in 2008 that hops contain a substance that may help to control pathogenic bacteria in the intestines of chickens. More work is being done with the compound of interest to see if it would be a viable alternative to antibiotics in poultry products. I wouldn't go over board feeding hops, though -- you may end up with some interesting flavors in your eggs.

 

[JJSS89]

Dr. Roeder, I just want to say it's good to read your posts.

I am sure I speak for many folks on here.

 

[jalbert404]

Thank you for the reply. I hadn't even thought about the egg 'flavoring" possibilities, lol