Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[sparkysmum]

A friend who keeps a few ex batts was recently told that the addition of coal shavings (they look like granules) to their feed would be beneficial for them. She swears that her hens have never looked better & the quality of their egg shells is much improved. I find this all rather strange as coal is no more than carbon but I wondered if anyone else has heard of this. I have googled with no success

[Redwing]

Funny you should say that...

 

I just bought some very expensive feed that has black bits in which are apparently the 'miracle' ingredient and they look like coal...

[Egluntyne]

Never heard of coal shavings.

[The Dogmother]

Nor me.....

[Saronne]

Ohhh, is that what those small black bits are in their mixed grit?!

[The Dogmother]

I'll check for you; I have a friend who is an animal nutritionist, will ask her. I am loath to recommend it as coal contains tar, which can be carcinogenic

[The Dogmother]

I have had this back from my nutritionist firend:

 

Charcoal is a good digestive absorbent, for example we are currently looking to add it to some of our equine supplements – and it’s probably this they’re talking about. It does mop toxins up, and I’m sure chickens are probably subject to their fair share of gut stress – especially considering some of the things they eat!

 

She doesn't see why charcoal shouldn't be fed to them, but definitely NOT house coal as it contains tar!

 

She's a chicken keeper herself, so understand their dietary needs.

[Redwing]

ahh that makes sense Claret thanks thats useful info

[The Dogmother]

No worries

[sparkysmum]

Claret, thanks for asking around I guess charcoal makes sense as your friend says. I will pass this on to my friend