what can/can't they eat

[Saltiena]

i'm almost posotive that they can have apples, but they probably can't have apple seeds, i'm just guessing though

 

[w8tn4fresheggs]

Was wondering about fruits. I have read several places that if you give fruit that they will stop laying and it will take awhile for them to get back on track. One was from an old article. Anyone know if there is any truth in this?

 

[eggchel]

We have always given our hens fruit, including whole apples. Either the seeds dont bother them.... or they dont eat them. LOL The fruit has never effected their laying.

chel

 

[ozark hen]

mine fight over tomatoes and get out of the way if you give them grapes!! Must be the all-time favorite of theirs. LOL

 

[Saltiena]

awesome i heard that earth worms (Alot not just one or two) can hurt them, is this true

 

[ozark hen]

you know they probably ate earthworms way back before they had chicken feed don't you think? Mine will go after worms right after a hard rain but they don't seem to eat very many so maybe they just prefer a few?? ha I have no idea.

 

[Saltiena]

ya, may be thats what i heard

i just wanted to know b/c in the summer here we seem to get "clumps" of storms where it will rain for 4 days non stop, then clear up and be sunny for another 3 weeks

so i know that worms will also be and "easy access" food for them

 

[MTchick]

The apple seeds from a few apples would certainly not hurt them, but actually apple seeds are rich in cyanide forming compounds. I know, that sounds insane, but look it up if you doubt me. Therefore, if you have an apple mill or press for cider or apple sauce, you should not allow the chickens to eat the spare mash (which is made of sticky squishy skins, stems, and seeds). The thousands of seeds in the mash will be broken up and with that quantity you might be able to poison your birds. Apricot seeds pose the same problem if broken and eaten in large quantities.

-MTchick

 

[4H kids and mom]

MT is right about the cynide in apple seeds. I dont give the cores to my parrots because of that, although they would really enjoy it.

Saltiena...Sometimes earthworms can carry gape worms and infest your chicken with them, which is why some people say to be careful letting them eat alot of earthworms. My chickens eat all the bugs in our yard and we havent had a problem yet. I've personally seen them eat: mice, worms, grubs, beetles, ladybugs, moths, ants, etc.

 

[dlhunicorn]

I posted some links with lots of basic info in this thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=5891