What your chickens can and can't eat!

[BigBlueHen53]

Except that is not necessarily true.

If someone is butchering an animal, and tosses scraps to the chickens while they work, those scraps will be fresh (some people do this.)

And the list does not have any warnings about mice or rodents needing to be fresh. Someone could easily set traps, then take the dead mice out of the traps and give them to the chickens (so the mice would probably have been dead for some hours, or longer, at that point.)

If the issue is how long the creature has been dead, the list should say that.

I offered my hens a mouse previously caught in a trap and they were decidedly uninterested. They likewise were not interested when a fresh, live mouse ran right out under their feet from the well house, zigzagged among them and departed to parts unknown. Where is the owner's manual they need to read to learn that they are supposed to catch and eat mice?

 

[Nym]

so, is this an advertisement?

It's information from a website here in australia. I'm not affiliated with it in any way other than to buy their products, which my animals and I enjoy daily.

Effects of hemp seed and flaxseed on enzyme activity in the broiler chicken digestive tract | Science Direct

 

[Perris]

Where is the owner's manual they need to read to learn that they are supposed to catch and eat mice?

It is in a free ranging broody hen.

 

[Perris]

Milk, cheese and other dairy is still missing from the list, despite Saysfaa pointing it out on page 1. Dairy is the most accessible, cheapest, easiest source of complete protein for chickens available. Don't take our word for it - try some with your chickens. And the comment about fat is ridiculous - 'full fat' milk is 4%, semi-skimmed is 2%, skimmed is 1%. Compare commercial feed.

 

[RoyalChick]

I soak my dried leftover bread and pizza crust in milk and sprinkle sunflower seeds and chopped nuts on top as well as chopped scraps like kale and cauliflower, I add apple cores and over ripe bananas.
They love that platter of goodies.

 

[NatJ]

I'll edit the list later and add the layer feed to it

Fix the uncooked rice, too.

Milk, cheese and other dairy is still missing from the list, despite Saysfaa pointing it out on page 1.

The original poster is probably not able to edit the list by now. For people without a PFM, the edit window only lasts 24 hours.

(Yes, this would be a reason to make lists like this in article format instead of in a thread.)

 

[JacinLarkwell]

It is in a free ranging broody hen.

Mine need to be returned then. I have specific hens that will take adult mice, even in my free ranging flock. They'll all gobble down pinkies when I find a nest, but fuzzies and older are ignored by most.

 

[PMD PerformanceHorses]

Why a maybe with the kale? Just wondering, been feeding my babies kale as a snack since they were chicks with no problem they actually go pretty crazy for it

Some kale that you buy is already salted, seasoned etc. Some seasoning aren't good for chickens

 

[SiDaStuff]

It looks like you've provided a list of various foods and whether they are suitable for chickens or not. It's a good reference for chicken keepers to ensure they are providing safe and nutritious options for their poultry. Here are a few additional comments:

1. Amaranth, raw: You've mentioned that raw amaranth contains growth-depressing antinutrients. It's essential to note that cooking or extruding it makes it suitable for chickens.

2. Eggplant: You've mentioned that there's much debate about whether raw eggplant is safe for chickens. It's good to highlight that cooked eggplant is considered safe.

3. Maggots: You've mentioned that maggots are not suitable due to the risk of botulism. It's crucial to avoid feeding any spoiled or decaying food to chickens to prevent health issues.

4. Mushrooms, wild: You correctly pointed out that wild mushrooms can be potentially toxic. It's essential to avoid giving any wild mushrooms to chickens.

5. Onion: While you've stated that onions can flavor eggs in smaller quantities, it's important to note that in larger amounts, onions can cause anemia in chickens, so it's best to limit their intake.

6. Popcorn, unpopped: It's mentioned as a "Yes," but it might be better to avoid giving unpopped popcorn to prevent any potential choking hazards.

7. Raw chicken: You've correctly mentioned the risk of salmonella associated with raw chicken. It's crucial to avoid feeding raw meat to chickens for their safety.

8. Rice, uncooked: It's marked as a "No," which is correct. Raw rice can expand in a bird's stomach, potentially causing digestive issues.

9. Rodents: While you've mentioned that chickens naturally eat rodents, it's crucial to emphasize the importance of keeping poisons away to prevent chickens from consuming poisoned rodents.

10. Xylitol: You've marked it as a "No," which is correct. Xylitol is toxic to many animals, including chickens, and should be avoided.

Overall, it's a comprehensive list with helpful information!

 

[casportpony]

8. Rice, uncooked: It's marked as a "No," which is correct. Raw rice can expand in a bird's stomach, potentially causing digestive issues.

This is a myth. Look it up.