Omega-3 Eggs

[FFChick]

I have heard that adding Flaxseed to chicken feed produces eggs containing slightly more polyunsturated fatty acids.

If so, how much Flaxseed do I add to the feed?

My husband has health issues that could benefit from this type of egg.

New BYC Addict.

 

[Anny]

You could also try feeding the Flax seed straight to your husband, you can make muffins, bread, granola (flax seeds so good in lots of things) You can use whole flax seeds or ground up flax seeds to be more sneaky.

I also have heard feeding the flax seeds to your chickens will increase the O-mega 3 fatty acid in the eggs, but I am unsure of the amount to seed the chickens.

 

[Jennym]

So the regular flax seed you buy at the grocery store is what you feed your chickens? I have a bag I never opened and was thinking of giving them some mixed into their feed. (RED MILL)
I have six hens ans was going to put a few tablespoons in there for them.

Also, my girls are 14 weeks old today. I have a little bit of the grower feed left and really don't want to buy another 50lb bag of the grower. Should I start them on layer feed earlier than 18 weeks or just but another bag of the grower and wait until they are 18 weeks to feed them the layer?

Jenny

 

[LauraSBale]

my understanding Jenny, that you shouldn't, they still need the protein, and you don't want them to starting laying to early, because of the egg getting stuck, because their body's aren't ready for it yet.
Though some chicks start earlier than others, maybe supplement them more, let them range more, and give some fresh tomato's, watermelon, greens. and grains, so you don't need to buy another bag.

I give my girls (O) flaxseed, i mix, 1/2 cup Flax seed, 1/2 cup (O) oats, 1/2 (O) millet, and some alfalfa, 1/4 cup grit, and put in a mason jar, and put on a chick feeder.
they love it, and they still eat their reg feed.

 

[Dennis1979]

Quote:
I agree. I would think you would get more omega 3 benefit by eating the flax seed directly as opposed to processing it through the chickens. If you can range your chickens at all, they will get lots of omega 3 from eating grass and other vegatation.

Dennis

 

[utahmethodist]

Yep, they'll get more omega-3 from leafy greens so you're better off giving them plants to munch on if you can't free-range them. You should just eat the flax seed yourself. Costco (at least our local one) is now selling reasonably priced milled flax seed that's really easy to mix into lots of recipes.

 

[Jennym]

Laura, thank you. I have a question for you.

What kinds of oats do you buy? Can I buy the Millet and alfalfa at the feed supply? I am new to all of this and think it is a great idea to keep a mixture like this in their coop while I'm at work.
I free range them when I get home from 5:30 - dusk

I will keep them on grower until 18 weeks then switch to the layer feed.

Thanks!

 

[FFChick]

Thanx for the advice. The 4 pound container of Flaxseed I bought says for animal use only, but I'll take a look at our Costco. Muffins said interesting.

We have four layers, two reds almost ready to lay & six new 3 day old chicks (my little peeps).

I've had parrots for years but these chickens are hoot!

 

[HeadHen]

Caution...too much flax seed give eggs a fishy flavor.

 

[FFChick]

I think I should just make muffins & keep our eggs the way they are.

Thanx