New to the forum... got a question!

[MelaniesGoldenComets]

Hey everybody. I've been poking around and reading on here a for awhile and finally decided to register. I've got a flock of about 24 hens, Golden Comets. I let them free range during the day then put them in their coop at night, My question is this. Would it be safe to mix in some grass seed with their normal feed I give them? I've read of farmers doing this with their cattle to help reseed the pastures. I thought this would be a good idea and very helpful for my yard, as long as it isnt harmful to my birds. Any comments or suggestions to this?

Thanks all!

 

[easttxchick]

First,

Second, I have no idea about feeding grass seed-I just assume mine eat it out of the yard all of the time.

 

[Imp]

I think it would be OK. Just make sure it has not been treated with anti-fungals or fertilizers etc.

Imp

 

[MelaniesGoldenComets]

Txchic, that's what I was thinking myself. Every time I reseed they HAVE to be eating quiet a bit of that. I would just hate to be purposely feeding it to them and then they all go belly up! I just figured since they're out there anyway I might as well use them to make my yard pretty too

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Grass seed will pass through a cow intact.
It will NOT pass through a chickens gizzard intact.

Many types of grass seeds are treated with fungicides that are not safe as feed.

If you want to plant grass, don't run it through the chickens first

 

[SunshineSilkies]

Quote:
I was thinking the same thing!!!!

 

[Organics North]

Yep nice thought but will not work. You will need a cow.. Not sure if you want cow pies in your yard though

I am sure you could get some organic untreated seed that could have a good nutrition profile, but it would be VERY expensive feed. My birds get some spouted clover seed in winter.
ON

 

[MelaniesGoldenComets]

Well thanks for all the input! I definetly will not be trying this then. I wanted to ask around and do some research before I tried it. I'm always good to my girls

Anyhow, I'll just use the hand-seeder and I thank you all.