How do i make my chickens eat marigolds?

[Bear Foot Farm]

Chop them and mix with their feed

 

[CluckyJay]

!! I read and posted thinking dandelions, not marigolds. lol

 

[LaurelD]

Marigolds are a very good source of lutein, which is needed for healthy eyes, skin and arteries. A Washington State University study also indicated that it helps to fight cancer.

 

[yellowirenut]

id rather mine NOT eat the marigolds. I line the edges of my garden with them. There natural "stink" keeps bugs n animals away. If it keeps then hens out that is an added bonus.

 

[Chemguy]

Whether they take to marigolds of not, I would take some time to deadhead your plants first, and dry the flowers.

My chickens love marigolds; I just give them the whole flower head. It took them a few hours to summon up the courage to try them that first time, as is the case with everything new. Once the first brave hen took the plunge, it was all over. I just toss the flowers into the run in their "treat tray," stand out of the way.

If yours don't like the marigolds whole, then you can sneak them into the food, like others have said. If they still won't touch them, well, now you know.

 

[AllClear]

Do you free range?
Be Carefull what you wish for. Next year they may spend everyday terrorizing your flower patch.

 

[TwoCrows]

I would be very careful with Marigolds. There is a reason they don't eat them and the reason maybe is that some chickens may be allergic to them. As an herb used also by humans, Marigold can cause anaphilactic shock in some folks as Marigolds are high on the list of allergens. They cause runny nose, coughing, etc...

I started my girls on Layena layer feed when it came time for laying. Layena uses Marigold extract in their feed so "color up the yolks". After one month on this feed, all my girls had diarrhea and runny noses. But the worst case was one of them had a sour crop that even after vets care at a clinic and nearly died, was incredibly difficult to treat. I changed out all the feed, got them started on another brand, and within 24 hours, everybodys symptoms disappeared, including the sour crop.

The vet and I determined that they had an allergic reaction to the Marigold extract in the Layena. So be very careful with these. If your chickens are not eating them, do not force them down their throats. Your yolks will be a brighter color if the birds are allowed to free range as it is all the foliage that they consume that colors up the yolks. If you can not free range as I don't, offer them Alfalfa hay. The chickens are only interested in the leaves. The leaves are very high in protein, calcium and will really brighten up those yolks.

 

[Chris09]

Make sure that you are not feeding French or African Marigolds.

The "Marigold" that is use in some poultry feeds is a Calendula, a member of the Daisy Family and sometimes referred to as a "Pot Marigold" .


Chris

 

[Rodrad]

Why do you want to make them eat marigolds?

Much as with mint and lavender, adding some fresh marigolds to your chickens' nesting boxes can help keep them insect-free. If your chickens eat the marigold petals, their egg yolks, beaks, and feet will become a gorgeous, vibrant orange color. Marigold is also an antioxidant and helps detoxify the body when ingested.

 

[Rodrad]

I would be very careful with Marigolds. There is a reason they don't eat them and the reason maybe is that some chickens may be allergic to them. As an herb used also by humans, Marigold can cause anaphilactic shock in some folks as Marigolds are high on the list of allergens. They cause runny nose, coughing, etc...

I started my girls on Layena layer feed when it came time for laying. Layena uses Marigold extract in their feed so "color up the yolks". After one month on this feed, all my girls had diarrhea and runny noses. But the worst case was one of them had a sour crop that even after vets care at a clinic and nearly died, was incredibly difficult to treat. I changed out all the feed, got them started on another brand, and within 24 hours, everybodys symptoms disappeared, including the sour crop.

The vet and I determined that they had an allergic reaction to the Marigold extract in the Layena. So be very careful with these. If your chickens are not eating them, do not force them down their throats. Your yolks will be a brighter color if the birds are allowed to free range as it is all the foliage that they consume that colors up the yolks. If you can not free range as I don't, offer them Alfalfa hay. The chickens are only interested in the leaves. The leaves are very high in protein, calcium and will really brighten up those yolks.

I found this blip:
According to a report from PoultryDVM, the entire Mexican marigold plant (Tagetes erecta) has been used to treat respiratory illnesses and eye issues - and feeding up to 3 grams of the dried petals to chickens resulted in improved egg yolk color.