patsylabrador Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 Considering the 'rhubarb' thread, I read recently, although I can't remember where, that spinach, chard and similar veg contain high levels of oxy-somethings that can cause chickens to lay soft shelled eggs. I have stopped feeding them those although I have more chard than I want so wondered if anyone else had heard of this. In truth they're not very enthusiastic about chard anyway, I was just curious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 Hmmmmmmm,haven't heard that one myself & mine have spinach at least once a week,with no problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 Mine eat spinach regularly! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roobaloo Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 Both do contain Oxalate, not as much as rhubarb, and should not be eaten in large amounts, by us or hens, especially if there is already concern for renel function...but a small amount would be ok for a healthy hen to cope with. I think the reason high levels of Oxalate in hens causes soft shells is because calcium is absorbed with the oxalate in the body, this forms crystals (that are usually responsible for gout and kidney stones!) and passes out the system! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 Mine love chard! But I don't give to them every day, probably a few large leaves twice a week at most. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
igobarefoot Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 Hmm interesting. I've feed my girls a bit of chard recently (they go mad for it!) and one if them has laid a few softies. I've been tying myself up in knots trying to figure out what's caused it but hadn't even considered the chard as the culprit! I thought it had high levels of calcium that would benefit them and guard against the softie thing, not make it worse Feel like a bad chicken mummy now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roobaloo Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 Hmm interesting. I've feed my girls a bit of chard recently (they go mad for it!) and one if them has laid a few softies. I've been tying myself up in knots trying to figure out what's caused it but hadn't even considered the chard as the culprit! I thought it had high levels of calcium that would benefit them and guard against the softie thing, not make it worse Feel like a bad chicken mummy now Don't feel bad! Many plants contain it in different levels...lots of veggies do, berries, nuts...even some fruits and grains!! It could be she had a bit more oxalate than usual...or more likely, it could just be a coincidence!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
igobarefoot Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 Thanks Roobaloo - it's easy to feel guilty quickly with this keeping malarkey! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
