Are these safe for chickens?

[Laurie]

I just finished making two syrups and have some spent herbs leftover. I would like to know if they would be safe to give my chickens or my ducks.

One is thyme. I read it is fine for chickens. I have about 2 – 2 1/2 cups worth since it expanded in the water.

The others are (combined) calendula & red clover. I have about 1 1/2 – 2 cups of that combined, equal amounts of each. I am concerned about the coumarin content that I read is in the red clover.

It is very cold (snowy Canadian prairies) and only 1 coop is slightly heated. Either way, I doubt any will be conducive to growing mold right now.

Is there any danger of these chickens overeating on these things, especially since most of the properties should now be in my syrups? (chickens: one coop has 8, another has 3 separate sets of 2; ducks: 4 in another enclosure)

Would I feed it at the same time that I put the feed out for them in the morning to curb overeating these things, or does it not matter.

Thanks for any help.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Should be fine.

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[Laurie]

Thanks! 🙂

[IdahoHerbalist]

Thyme is WONDERFUL on chicken. There are probably several other herbs that would enhance the taste. Sorry, I don’t know the Colonel’s secret recipe.

[Laurie]

:notworthy: Hahaha! But not on my layers. Maybe on the meat ones. :thumb:

I know we had discussed “pre-seasoning” chickens on a poultry forum. I don’t know if it works like it can on pigs (some are fed a special wine pre-butcher)… I have never tried it, but it is supposed to be exquisite.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Maybe I should do a module on therapeutic Shake N’ Bake. :0)

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[Laurie]

:thumb: I bet that would be popular!

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