Ok to feed raw hamburger meat?

[Carolyn252]

In an effort to boost their nutrition while they are molting and have stopped laying eggs, I looked at some cans of cat food and cans of dog food at the supermarket today. Only 10% protein. Instead, I bought two pounds of raw hamburger meat. Chopped meat. Beef. 90% lean. It's 22% protein. Now for the big question: Is it ok for my hens to eat that raw, or is it best to cook it up for them first?

 

[Farm boy 14]

don't feed it to them feed whole corn 2 times daily

 

[Kathy Golla]

I've read raw, but that seems kind of strange.
I'd like to know the answer as well.

 

[Wolfgang B.]

As long as it's fresh you can feed them raw hamburger meat for sure!

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

I don't feed raw meat of any kind, even though it's OK, to my chickens. I don't want them to get used to the taste of blood. I've read that even feeding cooked meat protein too often can make them have aggressive behavior.

However, meat protein is my go to remedy for physical weakness, and during molting too. Just have to feed small amounts with other things, like cooked grains, vegies and fruit.

 

[Wolfgang B.]

I don't feed raw meat of any kind, even though it's OK, to my chickens. I don't want them to get used to the taste of blood. I've read that even feeding cooked meat protein too often can make them have aggressive behavior.

However, meat protein is my go to remedy for physical weakness, and during molting too. Just have to feed small amounts with other things, like cooked grains, vegies and fruit.

My chickens seem to get really competitive (almost aggressive) when I feed them raw meat in small amounts. But I think that's more because it's their favorite treat not so much because they get blood thirsty.
I like the idea of mixing it with veggies, I will try that next time

 

[21hens-incharge]

I do give mine boosts during molt.
Canned Mackerel, raw (yes RAW) hamburger and raw liver.

Been doing it for over 6 years and no one died.

 

[Folly's place]

Raw ground beef from the store is a very good source of Salmonella and other ungood bacteria. That's why we cook it! Infecting your chickens is a bad idea, for their eggs, meat, and interactions with your family. At least cook any meat that you feed them! Mary

 

[chickens really]

I use Dry fish based Cat food every couple of days during moult..For My Chickens and my Ducks...Just toss out a couple of handfuls

 

[theoldchick]

Cook it. I feed my chickens all kinds of meat but it is thoroughly cooked.