Phosphorus Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 Can chickens have watercress? Wanted to check - they might not even like it as quite a strong taste but picked some up at the grocers - thought I could hang it for them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 Mine love rocket which is also peppery, so I'm sure they will love watercress Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mutrix Farmers Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 the general rule seems to be if humans would eat it, then it's OK for chickens. If I've got this rule wrong (and I know there are bound to be exceptions) I would really appreciate some guidance. I know there are poisonous garden plants, I really mean human foodstuffs (fruit and veg that is) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phosphorus Posted April 28, 2008 Author Share Posted April 28, 2008 Thanks will tie some up with DD when she gets back from school Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 I wouldn't waste watercress on my hens...I love it....make some soup or have it on a chese sandwich yourself! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gamebird Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 the general rule seems to be if humans would eat it, then it's OK for chickens. If I've got this rule wrong (and I know there are bound to be exceptions) I would really appreciate some guidance. I know there are poisonous garden plants, I really mean human foodstuffs (fruit and veg that is) There is a list *here* of treats your chickens might like and a list of foods not to give. Hope you find this useful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessa the Duchess Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 I grow cress to go with my egg mayo sandwiches, the chickens often get some mixed in with their porridge, it's quite peppery but no complaints so far Tessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phosphorus Posted April 28, 2008 Author Share Posted April 28, 2008 I wouldn't waste watercress on my hens...I love it....make some soup or have it on a chese sandwich yourself! I'm not sure I'm a fan myself but just saw bunches in the shop and got carried away. Very sad I know - they won't be getting it regularly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph101 Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 the general rule seems to be if humans would eat it, then it's OK for chickens. If I've got this rule wrong (and I know there are bound to be exceptions) I would really appreciate some guidance. I know there are poisonous garden plants, I really mean human foodstuffs (fruit and veg that is) There is a list *here* of treats your chickens might like and a list of foods not to give. Hope you find this useful. What does 'spicy food' do to chickens? Mine have eaten a bean chilli without any side effects! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 It can taint the eggs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph101 Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 Just makes them taste strange? Does it harm the chickens though? I know avacado does. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phosphorus Posted April 28, 2008 Author Share Posted April 28, 2008 They do seem to like it - we have strapped some up to the tree branches Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiggy Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 weird about avacado, I love it, just as well I'm not a chook Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 Just makes them taste strange?Does it harm the chickens though? It could give them an upset tummy, eating pellets/mash then having a chickpea jalfrezi! Best to avoid anything salty/sugary or fatty too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph101 Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 It wasn't a 'blow your head off' one; but their poos looked fine the next day. I'll steer clear in future to be safe though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mutrix Farmers Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 Many thanks Gamebird, I knew there would be some exceptions. I don't like avocado much so I won't be feeding them that. Tried a new combination this evening - raisins, rice and yogurt. Some of the raisins got eaten but still not too keen. OH double checked it wasn't his dinner as I was mixing it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phosphorus Posted April 28, 2008 Author Share Posted April 28, 2008 They so liked the watercress that when I came to shut them up tonight it had completely disappeared. They must have pulled it completely out of the strap I had used to tie it to the tree. Now worried that one of them will get an impacted crop from the stems of watercress Aaaaaagh -someone tell me its not that easily done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 Now worried that one of them will get an impacted crop from the stems of watercress I would say highly unlikely, the stems on watercress arent that long are they? (no longer than a small piece of grass a hen would pick off your lawn). I just wouldnt give it to them all of the time!! All these treats in moderation and all that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phosphorus Posted April 28, 2008 Author Share Posted April 28, 2008 Thanks that will stop me panicing. They did love it but I can't afford to give it to them a lot anyway. Not keen on it that much myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...