Why you can't give chickens milk

[bobbieguyette]

My neighbor up the road is a 3rd generation cow farmer and has always has extra dishes of milk around and the birds love it and his dont have any problems not starting a arguement just saying he does

 

[2mnypets]

Well, that's great for those chickens, I'm sure they love it. I knew that there had been some questions so I did the best I could at an explanation. Like everything in this world, you will have exceptions to the rule.

 

[njchicks]

I always thought giving my hens some leftover milk was good to help build up their calcium. So should I not do this? Is yogurt the only dairy product that is safe to give them. Thanks, 10 chicks here in central NJ

 

[arlee453]

Well, as a human who is moderately lactose intolerant, I can vouch for the yogurt vs milk thing. I can eat a cup of yogurt and it doesn't bother me at all, but a glass of milk can be killer...

Susan

 

[silkiechicken]

I'm sure you can give the chickens milk for the calcium. They just wont be able to digest the sugars and they sugars will exit unused. The calcium will be asorbed. Now if the milk causes discomfort in the hens and diarhea, then stop. Otherwise I bet they will be fine.

 

[Chickee's Mom]

I have a neighbour that milks a cow and always gives her chickens milk, sometimes she mixes it into the chop. (Barley)
They are the healthest chickens I have ever seen....
I was giving by baby chicks some milk mixed in with cornmeal, but when I read about milk I stopped...
I was also cooking the cornmeal and adding an egg, they just loved it, there was chicken starter mixed in...
Now I don't know what to do, my chicks are growing and healthy looking. ????? What to do????

 

[2mnypets]

I think it's a personal decision. I was just addressing a question about the difference between the yogurt and the milk. Whether it's been proven that chickens are lactose intolerant is another thread. People were trying to figure out how you could give one but not the other. I was just trying to clarify that question for them.

 

[siz8003]

my chickens get cottage chz. and love every last drop! dont know if there is a differance between the 2 but they are ok

 

[2mnypets]

That's interesting. I'm glad you brought that up. Will have to do some research to find if there are any differences or not.

 

[njchicks]

I think I will just continue to be sensible, and feed a little milk or left over cottage cheese from time to time. I have not had any problems so far, and I think it helps supplement the calcium. Rob in central NJ