milk for chickens

[smom1976]

I gave my chickens some old milk and they all loved it. They didnt seem sick or anything. but can they have it. Good source of calcium.

 

[Year of the Rooster]

I was wondering the same thing. What about other dairy products? I'd like to see what others have to say..

 

[chickflick]

There was a thread on this subject a while back. It seems the chickens can not digest the milk, so it's not good for them. I have given my chickens cheese, tho, without any problems.

 

[debakadeb]

You can give them yogurt. I haven't heard about milk.

 

[d.k]

* Mine had peach yogurt for the first time while she was sick last week. She LOVED it!! Num, Num!! However, I only let her have a little bit twice because of the sugar.

 

[Akane]

Hardly any animal can digest milk. They may like it but it's rarely good for them. Even cats really shouldn't have milk and kittens shouldn't have cow milk. It does not help them any.

 

[JennsPeeps]

Yogurt is good for them b/c it provides beneficial bacteria for their littsl guts, gives calcium and is a source of protein.

Plus, it's yummy! Make your own. It's easy. "Yes, you, too, can heat milk and leave it on the counter overnight." Miss Prissy's recipe: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=9738

 

[smom1976]

this was old milk.. it didn't smell real bad but it was a week past date.. created some cultures I assume.. but there was 3/4 gal left and I didnt want to see it go to waste.. so I gave it to them.. they sat there at that bucket for 45 min strait drinking...

 

[Anny]

Honestly I don't know why but it seems unnatural to give them milk. They don't eat milk as babies. I know it can be deadly to give it to parrots so I would avoid giving it to chickens.

(being a vegan I think drinking milk is a little weird to begin with but that's just my thoughts)

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Quote:
Being a mammal, I'm pretty much ok with it...