Onions???

[BuffOrps416]

I have two Buff Orpington hens and they absolutely love, I mean LOVE onions. They only started eating them a few months ago and I only give them a little bit every few days, but is it safe… or should I stop? I was reading one post and some say it's perfectly safe and others say never to feed them onions… who should I trust?

 

[junebuggena]

It's safe, but it will give the eggs a bit of an onion flavor.

 

[BuffOrps416]

Also, how about oranges and other citrus? I feel as though my girls need more calcium, but I don't want to give them anything harmful.

And does anyone have any suggestions about kale? Again like the onions, some say it's great and others say it's toxic...

 

[junebuggena]

Kale is perfectly safe, there is nothing toxic about any of the brassicas. I have no idea if citrus is safe or not, but I do know it's not fatal if consumed. My flock found a partially eaten orange dropped on the ground by one of my kids. They eat it all, including the rind with no ill effects.

 

[BuffOrps416]

Thanks!!!!

 

[chickens r life]

I have heard that citrus is bad for chickens...

 

[barneveldrerman]

Also, how about oranges and other citrus? I feel as though my girls need more calcium, but I don't want to give them anything harmful.   
And does anyone have any suggestions about kale? Again like the onions, some say it's great and others say it's toxic...  

The acid in citrus will take some of the calcium away from them and may cause your shells to be softer. This is what I have read up on and I do believe that's it's true.


Hope this helped you and let me know if u have more questions.

 

[BuffOrps416]

Thanks so much!...I am trying to get my girls to eat more calcium from fruits and vegetables, but they will not touch kale or anything like it. Any ideas on calcium rich foods chooks will love.

 

[junebuggena]

Why don't you just feed them their dried egg shells or crushed oyster shell if they need calcium? Are you feeding a layer feed?

 

[amenfarm]

Feed layer feed and/ or free choice calcium, that way if they need calcium they will consume the amount needed.
Give healthy fruits and veggies, here is a good list PLANTS POISONIOUS TO POULTRY on BYC and there is something in onions themselves that builds up in the chickens system each time it is ingested that is problematic, and I can't remember the name of the compound. also , no raw potato skins but sweet potatos are fine.