potato bug

[Suess hens]

This morning when I lifted up the feeder outside there was a potato bug lying underneath. My three chickens went after it...but I was wondering if there might be anything odd or to worry about with it being a potato bug. I know they were super excited to get such a big bug. But don't they have some kind of something, our dogs always spit them out.

 

[silky ma]

The last time I saw one of those I was 12 Im now 41. As far as I know a bug is a bug.
Animals instinctively will leave alone that which is harmfull.
For example even though my 3 cats mingle with my silkies from the moment they are hatched , if they see another cat while outside they give me an intruder alarm. I know there is a difference between a cat and a potato bug, this is an example of just how smart these guys are. I wouldnt worry, but if you need to talk to someone go to the following site

Wolf Creek Ranch and they have a # you can call. I have found them be soooo helpfull.
They deal with all animals and with holistic healing of people and pets.

 

[panner123]

Free range your chickens and you will cut your fed bill way down. Because your chickens wil eat all the bugs, even potato bugs.

 

[Eggseronious]

Hardshell or softshell? My chickens like the softshell best. The hardshell I think is bitter like, the way they act while eating. Of course I have heard they cant taste also.

 

[mirandamommy]

I hate potato bugs!!! They're creepy!

 

[love-my-wolves]

Quote:

I like them, I think they're neat! But then, I'm kinda weird. (Ok, VERY weird)

 

[Shrader]

Quote:
I've heard chickens can't taste -- but I don't believe it.
There are definitely things my girls love -- and things they won't eat.

 

[S0rcy]

My chickens cleared out my barn for me, potato bugs, pillbugs, cockroaches, ants, and all. Feast day for them, I don't think they ate a single bite of their food.

 

[xanaxnation]

are potato bugs the black bugs that roll up when you touch them? we call them pill bugs or rolly pollies... but maybe im thinking of something else? we have the rollie pollies all over the place.. my pug likes to chew on them.. smacking and slurping, its pretty gross lol

 

[Oceanseve]

As my great aunt told me today as I was helping her clear bugs out of her garden "Don't be shy squish it, a bug is a bug"

I had the same thought as you, there must be some reason this isn't healthy. They spray their plants with chemicals, should I squish it in my hands, I watched her squish a handful of squash bugs, so disgusting, but she's done that for years. A bug is a bug. I would think if it had enough chemicals in it to hurt the chicken, the bug shouldn't be kicking anymore, right?