If if feed my chickens FISH, will that TASTE like FISH?

[Bridget-Louisiana]

We live near Pontchartrain Lake and have an abundance to small fish that we can catch with a cast net. I'd like to incorporate "some" fish in their diet (great protein). I know chickens like fish, but how much can I feed them where it won't change the taste of their meat and/or eggs? One person told me that I can feed our Cornish Cross hens fish and discontinue 1 to 2 weeks before slaughtering them. My husband ducks hunts and I know certain breeds of wild duck have a funny taste because they eat a lot of fish in their diet. Anyone out there know, please let chime in. THANKS!

 

[rjohns39]

We live near Pontchartrain Lake and have an abundance to small fish that we can catch with a cast net. I'd like to incorporate "some" fish in their diet (great protein). I know chickens like fish, but how much can I feed them where it won't change the taste of their meat and/or eggs? One person told me that I can feed our Cornish Cross hens fish and discontinue 1 to 2 weeks before slaughtering them. My husband ducks hunts and I know certain breeds of wild duck have a funny taste because they eat a lot of fish in their diet. Anyone out there know, please let chime in. THANKS!

You want to limit fish products to 5% of their total diet which includes any fish meal in your feed.

 

[FlyWheel]

Curious, why limit their fish to 5%? Is it because of taste or is their a nutritional reason?

 

[Wickedchicken6]

 

[barred2rock]

Curious, why limit their fish to 5%? Is it because of taste or is their a nutritional reason?

I believe it's because the taste will leach into the eggs, not sure about meat birds. I've been giving my birds steak.. I wonder if the eggs will taste like steak.

 

[rjohns39]

Field trials on layers and broilers have shown the eggs and meat take on a fishy smell, probably well before taking on a fishy flavor. I can't remember the exact numbers as I read it more than a year ago--but they were actually higher than 5%. the group on 5% showed no ill effects so that's why the recommendation. I'm currently feeding my ducks just under 6% with no ill effects. Not my first choice but the best trade off I could get to given my situation.

edited to add: You could do your own trial to find what the real threshold for you is.

 

[junebuggena]

It's not the fish protein that causes a fishy taste, but the Omega-3s. It's why too much flax can cause a fishy flavor. Most small, freshwater fish are not very high in Omega-3s so fishy taste won't be much of a problem.

 

[rjohns39]

It's not the fish protein that causes a fishy taste, but the Omega-3s. It's why too much flax can cause a fishy flavor. Most small, freshwater fish are not very high in Omega-3s so fishy taste won't be much of a problem.

Good point... Flax is limited to 12% But I haven't read any field trials or studies on it.

 

[Molpet]

what about crab meal? I just got some turkey grower and the 3rd ingredient is crab
I have been feeding it to chickens too .. I guess I'll see if any egg customers complain LOL

 

[rjohns39]

what about crab meal? I just got some turkey grower and the 3rd ingredient is crab
I have been feeding it to chickens too .. I guess I'll see if any egg customers complain LOL

If they don't then you're probably ok. My instructions say no more than 5% of any fish product. If memory serves one of the test groups had a mix of fish and crab meal, but then again that could just be my feeble mind.