The Poultry Keeper

Sue B · Joined: 18 Oct 2005 Posts: 383 Location: Lincolnshire

Hi Does any one know anything about the claims that feeding flax to chickens will give eggs high in omega 3? If it's a good idea, how much should I be giving.

For someone who isn't the greatest fish fan this seems a good alternative or is it just a bit of hype Question

sue

Lisa · Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2006 5:21 pm Post subject:

Flax seed are one of the best vegetarian sources of omega 3. I think several of us on here already feed them.

Try using the search facility on "flax" - it'll bring up several threads where its been discussed before (flax, columbus eggs, linseed etc...)

Lis Smile

Sue B · Joined: 18 Oct 2005 Posts: 383 Location: Lincolnshire

Thanks for the quick reply Lisa. I'd not used the search before its really good isn't it?

Aren't flax seeds really tiny, do you feed the the seed separately or mixed up with the rest of their food?

Sue Smile

Lisa · Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2006 6:03 pm Post subject:

I've thrown them on the ground as part of a mixed scratch feed. Apparantly they are quite hard and difficult for humans to digest, but I reckon that if a chicken's digestive system can break down whole wheat grains, then it is likely to be able to digest whole flax seed too. No scientific research to back that up - just Lisa logic!

stephen · Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2006 8:26 pm Post subject:

We add a glug (a very scientific measurement, I know!) of linseed oil to their mash and corn treat in the evening. Can't say it works without sending an egg off to the lab for analysis, but I don't see any problems really with giving it to them.

stephen · Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2006 8:27 pm Post subject:

nigel · Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2006 8:29 pm Post subject:

We buy the Linseed Oil from equestrian suppliers. I think the Manufacturer is N.A.F. (Natural Animal Feeds)

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

My ACV was from NAF ~ but I was a bit disappointed I had expected it to be cloudy as I got it from a horsey place. Everyone seemed to be saying get the cloudy as it was better ~ and I ended up with virtually clear!

Aussie Chick · Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2006 9:33 pm Post subject:

I was hoping to add some Hemp Oil to their feed as well...are there any problems with this?

Aussie Chick · Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2006 10:55 pm Post subject:

http://www.votehemp.com/markets_oilseed.html

Found this on Hemp seed and oil if anyones interested.

richard · Joined: 14 Oct 2005 Posts: 258 Location: somerset

I've heard somewhere that feeding them olives makes their eggs high in omega 3.

Aussie Chick · Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2006 2:05 pm Post subject:

I heard that too! Smile

richard · Joined: 14 Oct 2005 Posts: 258 Location: somerset

In fact, can't you buy eggs in some supermarkets that say "from olive fed hens"? Maybe not??

Aussie Chick · Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2006 2:12 pm Post subject:

Don't know...but I think its a bloody good reason for more olives in the house! I just love them!

richard · Joined: 14 Oct 2005 Posts: 258 Location: somerset

my wife was addicted to them when she was pregnant, I was constantly being sent to the shop for jars of olives. I only like the black ones myself.