Solving Omlet Smart Auto Door Timing Issues with Alexa Routines

[RubyandRosie]

I am going away for 2 days and leaving my 2 girls for the first time. I have only had them for 2 weeks so am a bit anxious. They have a Cube all to themselves and when I am here every day I usually throw some long grass over their droppings so they don't make too much of a mess in their "garden" area, and they seem to love it, pecking around in it and even rolling in it when the weather is dry like a dust bath I guess.

However, as we have so many grass clippings from the mower, I wondered if this is safe for them (I know it is dangerous for some animals like horses if they eat too much). If I threw in quite a bit of grass clippings, is this safe for them? I thought it might help keep their area tidier for them until I return, but wanted to make sure it is safe first. Many thanks.

[munkee1965]

When I got mine the breeder said not to give them grass cuttings

[RubyandRosie]

Thanks Sharon - did they say why not? I wonder if I should also be avoiding throwing long grass in too now that you have said that, but then they are eating so much grass anyway! Also do you know if GRASS SEED is dangerous for them? I let mine out a couple of times a day for some foraging, and they go mad for the long tender stalks of grass with the seed on it.

[Geoid]

They can eat grass, but you need to provide other food too. Also it has to be short, as long grass can cause sour crop.

[RubyandRosie]

Thanks Fred...am realising I have so much to learn. I don't know what Sour Crop is but will look it up. So is it safe for them to eat the grass seed they peck at themselves from the long stalks in the garden? Thank you for any advice.

[Geoid]

Yes, chickens wont eat plants that are poisonous, they are quite clever.

[Redwing]

I think the logic behind not giving them lawn mowings is that they are stodgy and start fermenting quickly (not sure thats the exact right word but I am sure you get my drift!)

 

Pulled grass can be dangerous if its long as it can wind round in the crop and block it

 

Short hand cut/pulled grass is fine though but do provide some grit in their run

[Lavenders_Blue]

I do give my girls grass clippings, but only a handful at a time between them. It's usually gone in record speed, so no time to hang around and ferment. I also don't give them any clippings that are very long. I think as long as you are sensible about it, it should be fine.

[RubyandRosie]

Thanks everyone for your advice. I want to give my girls a fab life! So happy to have them, and to know you all on this forum.

Kind regards

Kim

[chris170284]

i know that if you give horses grass clippings they have to eat it the day the grass is cut if they eat it when the grass is dead it will make them very sick mabey this is the same with chickens the grass itself cant make them sick as my hens eat grass all day

[Cheeky Chooky]

I've always given my chickens (past and present) grass clippings; they love 'em