OK to drink from muddy puddles?

[Tala]

Quote:
I try to avoid letting things even GET moldy, partly because I know how hard it is to keep them out of the compost! Since chickens will eat the leftovers, just clean out the fridge a couple of days more frequently so that you can feed the chickens the unwanted stuff before it gets fuzzy. That's what I'd do anyway.
To keep them out of my compst as much as possible I laid welded wire over it. It's supported by some old railroad ties, so not flat on the ground. Keeps them from digging very deep, although their beaks still fit through.

Still, I'm sure that they've gotten into some stuff that they "shouldn't" but no one has ever gotten sick.

I try to let them follow their instincts as much as they will, and so far it's working.

 

[ewesfullchicks]

Have to disagree....

We've had nothing but rain, and therefore mud here for months. Therefore, my chickens (although they have free access to clean water), just go ahead and drink the nasty contaminated water that is simply a reservoir of infection and parasites.

It's NOT OK - but totally unpreventable.

Therefore, make sure that all other aspects of their care support healthy chickens, and deworm periodically!

Sigh....

For me, I also have to take off the occasional mud balls off chickens feet too.

Hateful winter - hope yours is better.

Rachel, TX

 

[FreeMamaG]

On the same note, but as for food: I was told to never give them anything with the slightest hint of mold. I was told it would kill them. Yet I compost kitchen scraps and those moldy science experiments you find hidden in the back of the fridge now and then. The girls make a point of getting through my "security " system of my garden gate where the compost is, and eating the moldy sloppy muck in the pile. I bury it and they dig it up. They LOVE the compost pile. Is mold dangerous to them? If it is I will make sure to put any moldy things in the trash can and avoid the compost pile.

Mine do this too. It seems the more disgusting and stinky it is the more they hunt it out!