The Red Pepper Experiment!

[Wolf-Kim]

I think I may have had a stroke of genius. I suggested someone put a chicken safe pepper into their chicken feed to deter a ravenous sheep.

Well, I got to thinking. Could I add red pepper to my chicken feed to deter rats and mice?

If rats get red pepper on them, it causes their eyes and nose to run as well as a stinging sensation, or so the website said. BUT, if I remember correctly, chickens are unaffected by the negative affects of pepper, right?

So, it makes me wonder, if I were to lace the chicken feed with red pepper powder; if it would make it inpalatable to the chickens?

I have rat poison out now, but if I can make the chicken feed inpalateable, I could possibly prevent a future reinfestation. The only time rats and mice have access to the feed, is in the chicken run and coop when I feed it to the chickens.

Once I make sure that the red pepper is safe for the chickens, I am going to try this out.

-Kim

 

[enola]

red pepper is safe for chickens

 

[kingmt]

I seen a few days ago that someone suggested red pepper as a wormer.

 

[Wolf-Kim]

Awesome. I'm going to have to try this.

I just have to figure out some controls. I don't exactly want to buy a rat for experimenting. LOL I suppose I could use two measuring cups. Place the same amount of chicken feed in each, then mix red pepper into one.

Then over the course of a week each, see if they leave the one with red pepper alone. Chemical warfare..*buahahaha*

-Kim

 

[Wolf-Kim]

Quote:
Just another upside to adding it to their feed.

-Kim

 

[kingmt]

Interesting topic. I will be checking back in. Please keep us posted of your findings.

I do recall someone pointing out that it raised there metabolism & they may get to hot in the summer.

 

[Rootball]

I dont know if it has any bearing on the subject but parrots love red peppers, they're often given as treats. The chickens might love the taste.

 

[ibpboo]

Hey Kim, good to see you again!! Are you on summer break now?

Thanks for the red pepper tip!

 

[Mary Of Exeter]

Red pepper is actually very beneficial to birds.
Scroll down and see what it says about it

http://www.holisticbirds.com/pages/phytonutrition0202.htm

 

[Wolf-Kim]

Quote:
Yeah, I'm back.

As for the experiment, I will definately look into it.. Just wished I thought of it BEFORE I set out poison.. Now I'll have to wait for new subjects or buy some feeders rats... Won't the mother-in-law be pleased..

I did read about the red pepper and parrots. While looking up the reaction rats would have to it, they posted advising against feeder parrot feed with red pepper in it, because if the rats got it on them it had a ill-affect. Nothing life-threatening, but it certainly left an unpleasant affect.

I'm hoping it will help keep the population in check. It's hard free-feeding your chickens, without free-feeding the rodents.

-Kim