Turmeric and Organic kelp

[SA&P]

Newbie here.
I’ve ordered the above to add to my chickens feed. Does anyone else use this?
I’m slowly adding to my feed bins. I’ve got oyster grit, apple cider vinegar and mealworms.
I have a trio of Silkies, hoping to add 3 Buff Orpingtons this summer.
Thank you

 

[JaeG]

I use kelp as New Zealand soils are naturally low in iodine, making kelp a good supplement as any grains or produce grown here will also be low in iodine. Your Silkie is gorgeous!

 

[TwoCrows]

What a beautiful bird!

Yes both of these are wonderful for the immune system. I use natural products when possible to increase health too.

 

[SA&P]

Thank you so much @JaeG and @TwoCrows youve made my day

My Silkie eggs came from a couple who show them (very successfully) and they hatched in my kitchen.
I didn’t expect to love them as much as I do because I adore my dogs, but I am enjoying every aspect of them!
Studying this forum every night for information and advice. Watching ‘chicken tv’ and am so proud that ‘the girls’ are laying an egg a day which I believe is good going for a Silkie.
They are free range but because they’re laying so well I’m doing my homework on vitamins/minerals and anything that will help them stay strong and healthy!
Just loving having them

 

[Trish1974]

I can't speak for a chicken's system but I have taken both myself and they are very beneficial. You may want to research how iodine can effect chickens, since kelp is very high in iodine. It is also high in calcium, but again, I do not know how differently a chicken's system processes plant-based calcium as opposed to humans, so keep an eye on your egg shell quality and adjust your oyster shell (if you use it) as needed. I do know excess calcium isn't good for a chicken's system.

 

[Peckadoodle]

Your silkie is so beautiful. Yes, both herbs are great for your chickies. You might consider growing a "chicken garden" of greens and herbs. Use them in the nest boxes and for pecking. They love it. Right now our greenhouse is full of plants ready to go in the garden. The spring spinach is already planted, though it may get nipped by the cold. I particularly like the lemon fragrances in the coop (and for making tea)...have lemon grass, lemon balm, and lemon verbena. Have about 50 oregano sprouts in the greenhouse, as it has antibiotic properties, along lots of thyme. The garlic grows throughout the winter; good for an immunity boost. The chicks love all of the herbs and my cooking benefits, besides the garden is fun and easy to grow.

 

[SA&P]

Thank you @Trish1974 and @Peckadoodle this is so helpful
I’ve read about garlic. How do I add this to their diet?
Do I chop it or mash it? I put a little apple cider vinegar in their water so do I also mix the garlic in that or put it in their feed?
Thank you so much

 

[Peckadoodle]

Actually, I just slice the garlic and add it to their water. If you use a waterer that the slices would clog, add your garlic to a jar of water and let it stand, then strain it into your waterer. It gets stronger as it sits. Also add ACV to the water. Even the chicks have not minded the "garlicky" taste. This year I planted some Elephant garlic, so we will see how that works out. Oh, I planted a garlic pot as a gift for someone who cooks with lots of garlic and onions, and it was so pretty.

 

[SA&P]

Actually, I just slice the garlic and add it to their water. If you use a waterer that the slices would clog, add your garlic to a jar of water and let it stand, then strain it into your waterer. It gets stronger as it sits. Also add ACV to the water. Even the chicks have not minded the "garlicky" taste. This year I planted some Elephant garlic, so we will see how that works out. Oh, I planted a garlic pot as a gift for someone who cooks with lots of garlic and onions, and it was so pretty.

Thank you, I’ll do this

 

[JaeG]

Thank you @Trish1974 and @Peckadoodle this is so helpful
I’ve read about garlic. How do I add this to their diet?
Do I chop it or mash it? I put a little apple cider vinegar in their water so do I also mix the garlic in that or put it in their feed?
Thank you so much

You can chop it up and offer it free choice as they know how much they need. If you add it to their food you may overdo it and end up with garlicky tasting eggs. My girls went crazy for it the first time I have them some.

An egg a day is great going for a Silkie!