wild bird feed

[tntpeeps]

my new pullets got into my wild bird feeder and had a feast.....is this ok???

 

[WhoopiePie]

they should be fine, some people give bird seed as a treat (like scratch). they just had a pig out moment, now you can secure the feeder so they don't get in there again

 

[BitsyB]

It's fine- Mine run over whenever I fill the birdfeeders, and I throw some on the ground for them. They eat sunflower, safflower, cracked corn and peanuts like it was their last meal. They even chase the squirrels away from the seeds on the ground!

I have heard that we're supposed to keep wild birds away from our chickens to prevent disases. But I've never had a problem with that and it's been almost 2 years now that the girls free range in the yard right along side lots of birds.

 

[halo]

I use wild bird seed in my scratch mix.

 

[abhaya]

That is basically what is in a flock block and lots of people feed those as a treat. I wouldnt make it thier main diet but it is fine as an occasional goody. It will not hurt them unless it is all they eat.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I use millet, thistle seeds, and BOSS (all are birdseed) in my homemixed feed recipe.

The only reason people would want to keep their chickens away from a birdfeeder is that wild birds carry lice, mites, and other diseases. The mites might be sitting on the birdfeeder waiting for a chicken to come by.

Don't laugh- mites DO hop onto me when my chickens have the northern fowl mite and I open and close the coops.

 

[johnschiks]

they'll be fine, i give mine a jar full every morning.