Poo help please!

[3hens2cats]

Hello all

 

I found Meg in the house today, tucking into the wet cat food ,by the fact the dried stuff was also scattered around I assume she had also tried that too but prefered the wet variety

 

anyone else's do this

 

Naomi

[Ash]

Nope.... Most catfood contains chicken somewhere in it.

[wiblick]

I think some people have reported that their hens will make a dash for the cat/dog food if given half a chance - as far as they are concerned it is just like mushed up worms!

 

And others do feed it as a supplement during moult. If you are squeamish about feeding them a chicken based variety (or one that has some chicken in it, as they invariably do) there are chicken free varieties available although they are a tad expensive. Also it shouldn't be fed regularly. But if they are having the odd opportunistic feed it's nothing to worry about.

[Chickvic]

My chickens will eat the cat food - preferably wet but if dry is all that's down they'll eat as well They go mad for it and if given any chance will chase the cats off to eat it! We do keep them out of the house but they manage to get between your feet when you get through the door. Some people give organic cat food when they are moulting to give them a boost.

 

In fact the chickens get right up to the patio doors to watch the cats eat in the vague hope they will get some

[Janty]

My brahmas in particular love the cats' dried food.

[Olly]

my late lamented Yolko used to leg it through the back door if it was left open, the first I would usually know would be a mysterious tapping sound, which was her beak hitting the stainless steel bowl! The others don't seem to have worked out where the cat-food dishes are, and they're not allowed in the kitchen normally anyway.

 

I'm afraid they also love sicked-up cat biscuit, if they find it before I do!

[3hens2cats]

Thanks for your replies,

 

I was just worried that it may be harmful to them.

 

I would much rather they didn't eat it and her gorging was purely unintentional, happened due to the kitchen break in (she always manages to shoot in). This particular lady is faster that Usain Bolt! I have not yet managed to get out without her breaking in.

 

think I will cover their bowls up in future to avoid a repeat performance.

 

thanks again

Naomi

[*mummy_hen*]

My cat isn't allowed chicken cat food....in fact chicken is pretty much banned in our house now as neither me or my husband can eat it after getting the girls.

 

However.....my girls go nutty for fish flavoured cat food and given half a chance make a dash for it.

 

I also give it to my girls if they are under the weather, they have been poorly in the past and it is the only thing they will eat.

 

A little now and then will not be harmful to them.

[Hangman]

Any animal, expecially females much prefer meat due to the high protein content. Me personally, I'd keep them on especially formulated chicken food - bare in mind that when scratching they'll find bugs and worms which will keep them toppped up.

[sarahs]

Yes, my two girls love cat food too... if they are free ranging and the back door is open I can guarantee that they will both be in the kitchen munching at our long suffering cat Buster's food bowl. He just looks on, bewildered, poor love.

[cathybc]

I don't allow mine to eat the cat food - but the girls always try to sneak in the utility room when my back is turned. They all love the pouches - and Harriet even likes the Hills prescription (very expensive) cat food. But I really try and stop this, as it is chicken, which I don't feel comfortable about her eating at all.