Slugs?

[Thechickenchick2]

We recently (2 months ago) bought a new house on 10 acres of land. The more time that goes by the more slugs I’m finding! Are these a threat to my chickens in any way? Are they ok for them to eat if they find any? I’m not sure if I should just let them be or try to handle the slug issue!


Thanks

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Slugs are no big deal. They may get worse as the weather get wetter. And they come out more at night. Some will try to eat your feed. And many will invade garden space and reek havoc on young plants.

Most my chickens don't care for snails or slugs. But some people say theirs love eating them. And they are supposed to be a popular dining option for ducks.

As far as I know they are in NO way a threat to poultry.

 

[lazy gardener]

Agreed with ES4L. If you garden, look for Slug Bait which contains only Iron Phosphate as it's active ingredient. It is supposed to be pet safe and breaks down into iron and phosphate in the soil. I don't let my chickens into areas where I've used it. Some of my birds will eat slugs. They all seem to like snails. And I think they will eat slug eggs. None of them will eat the massive slugs that are the size of my thumb.

 

[SueT]

My sister was able to get chickens to eat slugs. At first they wouldn't touch them, but after a few offerings, they discovered they loved them.....

 

[lazy gardener]

I saw one you tube video where a lady used scissors to cut them to expose the juicy middle. After that, the chickens went nuts eating the slugs.

 

[Chick or Treat]

I agree with them both! My hens love to eat snails/slugs, but not all do. The only problem you might get with slugs is then eating your plants. As far as I know, no worries about them hurting your birds.

 

[Thechickenchick2]

That’s all great news! I’m relieved. They did previously have a garden that they didn’t tend to AT ALL. Mint is EVERYWHERE, asparagus 5 feet tall... smh. It’s been SO wet. I find slugs out with the goats and found some in with the chickens this am. Thanks so much!

 

[rosemarythyme]

None of mine used to eat slugs, and now 2 of my hens will pick up out those big, nasty looking brown slugs the size of your finger and take turns ripping it apart and stealing it away from one another. Then their beaks get all gummy so they're desperately trying to wipe the slime off. As soon as the slime's mostly gone, they'll pick up another slug, if they can find one.

 

[RWise]

My mother sat out small bowls of cheap beer in the garden for the slugs. They will find it and as they drink it they melt away, just like pouring salt on them.