Chickens and privet

Re: Chickens and privet

CatherineThomas — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 21:52:53 GMT

Thanks. The owner is going to be more careful with the privet from now on. As the others seem healthy at the moment I've told the owner to monitor them carefully and bring them in if there are any problems.

Re: Chickens and privet

Mark Rowland — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 18:02:14 GMT

Hi Catherine, Common privet can be toxic to chickens, make sure the source is removed and I wold watch the others for any signs of malaise. Supportive care for sick birds would be indicated. Goodluck

Re: Chickens and privet

Ian Mostyn — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 18:00:16 GMT

[quote user="Anthony Dennison"]

I'm no chicken expert, but the fact all of them are quite thin makes it sound like a chronic problem rather than something acute like poisoning?

[/quote]

All laying birds are a little thin due to the metabolic cost of laying eggs. They shouldn't be very thin and certainly the keel shouldn't feel sharp in anyway but there is no way you would want to eat a roast layer, not enough meat at the best of times. Oyrs are always thin despite eating loads and laying eggs regularly.

I would have thought that a chicken wouldn't be daft enough to eat enough privet to die as we don't see mass culls of wildlife around privet hedges normally or even yew trees. It is possible there was something mixed in with the privet but otherwise you would need a PM to go any further, too many options. If another one dies she may be persuaded that the cost is worth it.

Ian

Re: Chickens and privet

Anthony Dennison — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 17:50:51 GMT

I'm no chicken expert, but the fact all of them are quite thin makes it sound like a chronic problem rather than something acute like poisoning?