YOGURT FOR CHICKENS ?

[RoseMarie1]

have read that chicks can't have much calcium because it would harm their legs. I was feeding mine some kefir in with some of their food and also some plain yogurt but not every day. Now I am afraid to do it even once every other day because I don't want it to harm their legs.

 

[Annabelleshome]

I have heard from the "Chicken Dr." guy via a online broadcast recently held by the "chicken whisperer" webpage and other blogs that chickens cannot process dairy and therefor do not benefit from the giving of yogurt. That it is needed to give them probiotic powder instead. Is there someone who can clarify?

I would think since there is a large group of folks who have had success with yogurt that it is indeed helpful.

Thank you,
Karen

 

[Annabelleshome]

Here is my 2 cents. I add organic plain yogurt to the bowl and put the feed on top of the feed once a week. I put organic apple cider vinager in the water once a week. I offer oregano oil once a week on a seperate day in the water feeder to assist as a natural antibiotic. I let them range as much as possible and offer treats once a week, like a huge zuccini or a box of fruit that is too ripe... nothing with oils however, so no cooked stuff. The once a week rule has kept my birds very happy and healthy. I have 23 chickens so I can offer larger amounts. For a few hens it should be sparingly or they may get sick from overly rich foods. Like giving children too much candy. Ducks should NEVER be fed bread only seeds and grasses. I also save the egg shells and wash them, dry them and crush them and put them in the feeder to help with calcium they need for healthy egg laying and healthy chickens/ducks. Karen

 

[thylton]

I use and recommend using plain organic yogurt for my chickens. They love it. Try mixing in a little cooked oatmeal for a wonderful treat!

Why does the oatmeal need to be cooked? Don't the eat raw grain?

 

[mskluck]

No, Genie!! Don't do it!

Make your own.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=9738

No, Genie!! Don't do it!

Make your own.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=9738

Too much work for me being so busy and all

 

[ealgiere]

I mix in about a tablespoon each chicken a day. They love it. If it is hurting them I don’t know how.

 

[trumpeting_angel]

Many comments from people here who are very knowledgeable (after awhile you can tell who really knows their poultry, and also the “Educator” badge is a good indicator) have convinced me that chickens don’t process dairy well. I’ve read that it should be infrequent. I’ve stopped giving my pullets yogurt except when I ran out of oyster shell and there was none at the feed store.

Just because we don’t see any I’ll effects doesn’t mean it’s fine. People who study chickens and their nutrition use more scientific methods to make their recommendations.

Never give the chickens yogurt with fruit in the container - it contains added sugar. Plain (not vanilla) is the only acceptable kind. And I would go with low fat. Always remember, treats (that’s everything besides chicken feed) should be no more than 10% of their diet.

 

[ChickenWaterer]

Chickens have trouble digesting milk products and can get diarrhea from them. Some people give their chickens a touch of yogurt because it contains some probiotic bacteria, but if you do want to do this, it would be best to go very sparingly or consider buying a probiotic supplement.