[bluemaran]

ive just read cat food is a good source of protein and also helps with pecking problems, is this info correct

[Roughlee Handled]

ive just read cat food is a good source of protein and also helps with pecking problems, is this info correct

Cat food is a good source of protein. Correct
Also helps with pecking problems. Yes and No. A chicken could be pecking for a whole host of reasons.  To stamp authority.  Boredom.  ...A chicken may "feather peck" (peck and eat the feather) because it has a deficiency in its diet.  I have also heard of people giving it to a pecking (probably feather eating) bird and it stopped which would point to a lack in the diet.

Mainly I have heard of giving  cat food as a supplement when a chicken is in full moult and as a treat.

[poultrygeist]

As I understand it, chickens will feather peck for 2 main reasons.

1. Agression. Usually round the vent and back end. Over zealous stampign of authority on others.

2. Misplaced/Boredom pecking. usually on the back and aroudn the tail. Not enough to peck at so the pecking instinct looks for other things to peck at, usually other chickens.

basically what rough says. It didn't stop ours pecking so we've gone for te boredom option which needs a variety of methods to try and stop.
We're going to try beak rings and anti-peck spray following purple spray, stockholm tar and hanging food.

But cat food offered sparingly to help with feather re-growth is a good idea.

Rob

[danmegal]

Didn't know you could feed chickens cat food (you do learn something new everyday!) what food do 9 out of 10 chickens prefer? No seriously I'm interested?

[Roughlee Handled]

as a treat meal worms.

[poultrygeist]

Preferably soem thing fishy. Avoid chicken or other meat (they can tell you know ! ).

Only do it as a supplement. It's not good regularly.

Rob

[Rubellite]

I wouldn't feed mine cat food. The stuff stinks of ammonia. I seriously wouldn't want to eat the eggs - would rather eat worms!!!

[poultrygeist]

I wouldn't feed mine cat food. The stuff stinks of ammonia. I seriously wouldn't want to eat the eggs - would rather eat worms!!!

 

[Roughlee Handled]

I wouldn't feed mine cat food. The stuff stinks of ammonia. I seriously wouldn't want to eat the eggs - would rather eat worms!!!

I thought that most of the protein in dog and cat food was worms???