Pinkybijou Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Hi there, I'm a regular lurker and mummy to three lovely chooks. My question is, on my drive to work I have noticed a kind of smallholding with about 6-10 chooks freeranging on the front grassed area. Yesterday I saw the chap put on the lawn what looked like an animal carcas (just bones and meat). I couldn't believe my eyes. So, I checked today when I drove by (slowly!) and yes, the chickens were eating what looked to be pig or lamb bones with red meat on, like a skinned and gutted carcas which you would see hanging up in a butcher's window. I'm sure I've read on here, or somewhere, that chickens shouldn't eat meat, but I can't remember the reason why? Is it simply because it is not good for them, in which case I should maybe just keep my nose out. Or is it more sinister, like introducing bad stuff into the food chain? On the one hand, this chap I suppose can feed what he likes to his chickens, but on the other hand I worry in case this is discouraged because of animal diseases getting into the food chain or something?? I don't know what to do, if anything? I know someone on here will know the answer. In the meantime, I will just have to drive past these poor chooks pecking away on a carcass every day Thanks, Kris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 It's not recommended, but the main reason is (I believe) things getting into the food chain - chickens are not naturally vegetarian, as anyone with mice, frogs or similar in their garden will tell you. Before layers pellets were readily available, most hens would have been fed on kitchen s"Ooops, word censored!"s - including meat - and the famous 'Tottenham Pudding' which was used during the war to feed hens included meat s"Ooops, word censored!"s I'm pretty sure. I choose not to feed mine on meat, but I don't think that eating the remains of the roast will actually do these hens any harm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 I dont know the legal answer to this I am afrais but can say that: Feeding s"Ooops, word censored!"s from the kitchen is not ok as per DEFRA but presumably the carcasse didnt go through the kitchen but came in from a place of slaughter Chickens can and do eat meat, they are omnivores not vegetarian. Common sense says not to feed them poultry products though I give my birds cat food and fish but personally would draw the line at a carcasse! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beulah59 Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 I gave my girls a few strands of fresh mince recently ... I didn't think anything could beat spaghetti as a favourite!! They like fish, too ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 You're right, DEFRA regulations (last time I looked) forbade the feeding of any animal products. In reality though....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margaret Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 Fish and Chips on a Friday Good Catholic Chickens mine are Must be warm though, dont like it if the left overs are cold !!! + WIR Lavender Mable Marjorie Violet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riven Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 Mine ate all the cat food having bullied the cat out of the way. Am now worried they will get mad chicken disease! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pinkybijou Posted February 26, 2010 Author Share Posted February 26, 2010 Thank you all for your words of wisdom! My chooks get the occasional bit of fish if we have some left over, but for some reason I thought there was a ban or something on feeding them red meat? I passed by again today and saw some very full looking chickens and the carcas is just bones! Thanks again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Shirl Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 Fish and Chips on a Friday Good Catholic Chickens mine are Must be warm though, dont like it if the left overs are cold !!! Falls about laughing. + WIR Lavender Mable Marjorie Violet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted February 28, 2010 Share Posted February 28, 2010 Mine like a cooked salmon carcass as an occasional treat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
