Author Topic: is it ever OK to feed chickens dog or cat food? (Read 4290 times)

Perris · « **on:** February 05, 2018, 11:33:42 am »

someone told me that in an emergency (if I ran out of chicken food) I can give my chickens wet or dry dog or cat food. I assume that doing this on an odd occasion is not going to make much difference to anything, but could those more experienced than me offer some advice of the pros and cons variety please?

Steph Hen · « **Reply #1 on:** February 05, 2018, 01:16:58 pm »

No, in any rule book, it's not ok, it is meant to upset their gut pH and constitution. It is illegal to feed them meat.

However, some old timers have told me they feed it to show birds to get them in tip top condition. And I have watched hens kill frogs and eat them as well as scaring my cat off mice, dead birds, etc, so they can eat them. Do I think it will hurt your chickens; no, but it is illegal, and perhaps you have something more suitable like some rice you could cook (of course it would have to be rice kept out of your kitchen, and cooked in a pan which isn't used for human food).

bj_cardiff · « **Reply #2 on:** February 05, 2018, 01:28:17 pm »

I think if you ever run out of chicken food best thing to do is go to the shops and get some more!

Me · « **Reply #3 on:** February 05, 2018, 02:15:23 pm »

They would eat the dog and/or cat given half a chance.

Anke · « **Reply #4 on:** February 05, 2018, 02:36:22 pm »

Quote from: Steph Hen on February 05, 2018, 01:16:58 pm

It is illegal to feed them meat.

What category of protein come mealworms under.....

harmony · « **Reply #5 on:** February 05, 2018, 03:21:09 pm »

Mine sneak dry dog food at every opportunity. So, will the goat and sheep. Never killed anything but I can't decide which is worse, crowing or yapping at day break

!

Me · « **Reply #6 on:** February 05, 2018, 03:25:30 pm »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwtuoHyLEiw

Is it fair to feed them a vegetarian diet???

Fleecewife · « **Reply #7 on:** February 05, 2018, 03:54:06 pm »

That was quick ME!! Lightening cat

Chickens eat all sorts of natural meaty things, such as beetles, worms, caterpillars, as well as mice and frogs, and happily root around in animal dung if they come across any. They would also do so if they were still in their natural forest floor environment. So, they are not vegetarian by a mile. I think the legal reason behind banning them from eating things like pet meat, is because those foods are not prepared for, or guaranteed free from disease for, poultry. So it's not a natural thing to prevent them from eating meat (although most folk buying eggs don't have a clue) but for disease prevention in our farming environment.

Bionic · « **Reply #8 on:** February 05, 2018, 05:04:41 pm »

My chickens will come into the kitchen and clean out the dogs bowl. Not that he leaves anything but they like to peck the bits stuck to the bowl

Me · « **Reply #9 on:** February 05, 2018, 05:52:55 pm »

Are you going to turn yourself in or do I have to send the Fuzz round to pick you up?

Perris · « **Reply #10 on:** February 05, 2018, 06:24:46 pm »

Quote from: Me on February 05, 2018, 02:15:23 pm

They would eat the dog and/or cat given half a chance.

too true - my (excuse for a) terrier won't go out if they're by the door!

Eve · « **Reply #11 on:** February 06, 2018, 02:19:08 pm »

Perris, needs must if that's what you have at hand, you were talking about an emergency after all. Plus, if you have an ill bird you're tempting to eat or get meds in by mixing it in food and that's what she'll eat then so be it. Just not the variety that includes chicken in its ingredients

But if you ever unexpectedly run out of chicken feed, you can give them corn flakes, mashed weetabix, couscous, vegetables etc. Defra won't come knocking on your door because you've given your garden birds some boiled potatoes

sabrina · « **Reply #12 on:** February 06, 2018, 04:20:26 pm »

I feed my cats in the feed room in the stable barn. I can't let the chickens out until cats have eaten as they chase my poor cats and take their food. They have also stolen a mouse now and again from the cats . First thing every morning once they are out they run as fast as their wee legs can get them there to the garden to try and get any bird seed that may drop from the feeders. Sneaky wee devils !