Yogurt, for Walking In?!?

[NewBoots]

In chatting with the guy that's going to build our new coop, he mentioned putting yogurt in a low pan and letting the chickens run through it. He said they can eat it too but that running through it will protect them from fungal infections of the feet. We live on the Oregon coast so wet conditions are something we're trying to design to avoid as much as possible but protecting the birds from fungal issues caught my attention. This is our first chicken adventure so I'm interested in what some more experienced folks have to say.

I've read that lots of people give their chickens yogurt to eat, but what about as a foot bath?

 

[FortCluck]

I've never heard of somebody putting yogurt on their chicken's feet to prevent fungal infections... Interested to see what others have to say

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Wow, I've never heard of that. @aart or @Kiki or someone might know. I'm interested too!

 

[Duck Hill]

Wow! What a strange idea! I have kept yogurt for extended time in my refrigerator. When not opened, it lasts a very long time past the due date. However, if opened, it quickly grows mold, because the milk in it is a great food for all sorts of organisms. So... while the yogurt may well have beneficial effects on their feet, I don't know that I would trust an open container of yogurt for an extended time, especially when it's going to get dirty.

I am interested in the idea, but I would imagine it would be preferrable to keep the yogurt in the refrigerator and just dip their feet once or twice a day?

 

[Kiki]

I'm sorry but....

 

[nuthatched]

Maybe dipping the feet in vinegar or strong cold tea.

 

[aart]

Wow, I've never heard of that. @aart

Makes no sense to me.

 

[Pork Pie]

I guarantee that the yoghurt will be eaten within seconds and there will not a trace to be had

 

[aart]

In chatting with the guy that's going to build our new coop,

I hope you give him very clear and detailed plans on what to build....
...or who know what you might end up with!!

 

[Duckfarmer1]

I just did a google search, just for the sake of it...it gave me lists of other things to do...and how yogurt is given to eat..even how to give it to lactose intolerant chickens....but nothing about feet...