Random weird question...

[BGcoop]

So my father in law told me the other day that if you feed your chickens fish, the eggs will start to taste fishy. Is there any truth to this? My girls love fish and will be laying soon.

 

[Melky]

So my father in law told me the other day that if you feed your chickens fish, the eggs will start to taste fishy. Is there any truth to this? My girls love fish and will be laying soon.

It is said that if they are fed fish the egg may smell a little fishy. It boosts omega 3s and it is due to TMA trymethylamine in the yolk. Not all hens are affected. Some will say the egg can taste fishy and not smell. Never smelled or tasted a fishy egg. This supposedly also can be caused by too much canola or rapeseed oil and noted in brown layers. Fish can be a good source of protein. I have never experienced this phenomena just read about it.

 

[The Phantom]

I have heard it is true. Same with onions. I fed my hens minnows before they started laying. They would go absolutely crazy for them. I got them trained to run to me by yelling "ladies come and get it!!" By using the minnows.

 

[sylviethecochin]

There is some truth to it. I don't know how much, as I have never given my chickens fish. I do know from personal experience that a lot of garlic can make their eggs taste—off.

And duck eggs from the pond taste significantly different than the duck eggs from the flock that ranges the pasture.

 

[Melky]

So my father in law told me the other day that if you feed your chickens fish, the eggs will start to taste fishy. Is there any truth to this? My girls love fish and will be laying soon.

Let us know if they taste or smell fishy.

 

[BGcoop]

Thanks everyone! I don’t give them much, just if there are leftovers of something. I guess i’m Just not going to worry about it and keep doing what I am until I notice a difference myself!

 

[5hens&aroo]

Super true in my experience! Neighbor used to give us eggs when we were young and he fed them catfish all the time. The eggs tasted so fishy!

 

[PetesChicks]

I feed my girls fish anytime we have it, maybe every couple weeks. It’s never been a problem. I’m not sure how often they would have to eat it before it becomes noticeable in the eggs.

 

[Melky]

I feed my girls fish anytime we have it, maybe every couple weeks. It’s never been a problem. I’m not sure how often they would have to eat it before it becomes noticeable in the eggs.

I don’t know either. Data doesn’t really report that. I think it is fair to say if it hasn’t bothered him so far. Ok practice without the bones and skin. If it bothers him then he can stop.