The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[Crafty-Duck]

I know cedar ESSENTIAL OIL is a no no!!!! but I don't know about using it on other animals or people.

Editing to make myself more clear!

I was answering a question about oils! I was not talking about cedar wood!!!!

 

[maidenwolfx80]

Are there any oils known that should not be given to chickens but may be something used on humans or other pets?

I would be careful with anything ful strength except lavender or tea tree. Always dilute, I steer clear of mint on chickens unless extremely diluted because it is strong and the tingly sensation on our skin from it may burn on theirs. I usually try a small area on them to see the reaction first

 

[stonykill]

GG - no - allowing your chickens to eat garlic or other strong herbs will not make the eggs taste funny. It's a very common misnomer.


Stony - I think it would be a great idea if those who have good "recipes" like this start a thread. We can post regular reminders on this thread so new folks with their own chicken care recipes to share can add to the collection. How about it? Who can start and manage the natural remedy recipe thread?

great idea.

 

[rowerjen]

Interesting question, since feeding my dogs garlic they smell like they may have come out of an Italian restaurant .

I've never tried feeding garlic to my dogs on purpose. They have gobbled down the occasional runaway clove on their own.
Worst. Garlic breath. Ever.

Good to know it won't affect the eggs - as for chicken garlic breath, who knows...I don't get that much into their personal space.

BDM - thanks for starting this thread, and good to see so many familiar faces, as it were, even if I mostly lurk. Also glad I've caught this thread before it got away from me. Starting to feel like Lucy in the chocolate factory if you know what I mean.

 

[gg706]

Thank You...yes that would make good sense I have used a menthol lotion before....I would NEVER advise this!

 

[Ashdoes]

I like the idea of remedies and recipes on a separate but linked thread. I'm sure we'll end up with a pretty huge collection, since there are so many people contributing to the natural chicken keeping.

 

[maidenwolfx80]

Also keep in mind to make sure you are getting REAL essential oil. Some places sell diluted oils which are proccessed and the properties are weak. If anyone doesnt know this is how you tell if it is a true essential oil, all the different oils will be different price. If lavender and white pine are the same price they are not pure. Hope that helps

 

[stonykill]

I steer clear of mint on chickens unless extremely diluted because it is strong and the tingly sensation on our skin from it may burn on theirs. I usually try a small area on them to see the reaction first

I have lots and lots of mint on the property. Full grown chickens walk through it. 3 day old chicks walk through it. But that is the extent. They walk through it showing no interest in it what so ever.

 

[stonykill]

I like the idea of remedies and recipes on a separate but linked thread. I'm sure we'll end up with a pretty huge collection, since there are so many people contributing to the natural chicken keeping.

I like the idea....IF they are recipes that the person has USED and knows works. Not just random recipes found on the web. But tried and true recipes. Anything short of that would not be helpful and if anything can do damage. I see it on all of the really popular FB chicken sites. They are always posting bad information on those sites. We do not want to be like that

 

[Bulldogma]

Ok great lets do it, just give me direction

OK - Here's a start. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/729825/all-natural-herbal-remedies-and-recipes-for-chickens
I don't know much about this (but I'm eager to learn) so please start posting. Discussions should be welcome as to the effectiveness of certain ingredients. Looking forward to seeing what is contributed!!

Also glad I've caught this thread before it got away from me. Starting to feel like Lucy in the chocolate factory if you know what I mean.

Totally got the giggles thinking of Lucy stuffing the chocolates into her mouth when she couldn't keep up with the conveyer belt!