IS CUTTLEFISH OKAY FOR CHICKENS?

[Olivia9801]

Walking down on our local beach last week caused me to wonder if my hens would like to peck away at the cuttlefish that had been washed up. I picked several pieces up and on arrival back home placed it in the run. A day later I could see that they they had managed to turn it the correct way up with the soft side uppermost and had pecked it all away.

I know people with budgies and other caged birds use it, but am wondering if this okay to continue doing this as I have managed to get some more.

Are there any other people who give this to their birds? Afterall, I should imagine there is a lot of calcium contained in this which would benefit the hens in their formation of shells for their eggs?

Please let me know what you think.

Regards

Olivia9801

 

[foxy]

Don't think it would be too much of a problem,in small amounts. I have never fed cuttlefish and don't know of anyone else that does routinely. A little can do no harm, wash thoroughly though first as they will have a high salt content otherwise.

 

[chrismahon]

Additional Calcium usually comes from additions in layers pellets and mixed grit anyway. I would be concerned about far too much calcium but my biggest concern is the salt Olivia. Chickens have a very low tolerance to salt, so low in fact I have always considered it poisonous.

 

[Olivia9801]

Thanks for your replies. I didnt think about the salt issue. I will retract it from the pen straight away because even if I wash it, this will just remove surface traces and not remove whatmay have been absorbed into the cuttlefish.

Many thanks.