Can chickens safely eat canned cat food?

[kubotafoot]

I have two 3 month crossed beak chickens and I am trying to get more protein into them. I thought about adding a bit of canned cat food to their diet. Right now, I make a mush with goat milk, chopped peanuts, flax seed and their crumbles and they eat that fairly easily, but I would like to get more protein into them. Any thoughts on canned cat food? Any other suggestions other than culling which is NOT an option right now. Both of them have way too much spirit and life in them! Thanks. Paula in NW CT.

 

[Elsveta641]

Just use high protein poultry feed, like game fowl food or mana pro conditioner. I mean I dont see why a chicken couldn't eat canned cat food, but it seems an odd choice. Theres lots of things they could have .How about scrambled eggs or that tofu stuff? Or if you really want to try cat food get kitten chow of a good brand , kitten chow has extra protein

 

[Zodiac Acres]

I feed seafood flavored canned cat food to my baby quails during the first week to help them build up their strength. I use one of the small fancy feast sized cans and they (15-20 quails) get about 1/2 a tablespoon twice a day. Anything in the can uneaten at the end of the 5 days goes to the older chickens. They go crazy for it! I wouldn't recomment using it long term, but canned cat food is great for a boost.

 

[Folly's place]

Using a good quality grower or all flock feed, or higher protein game bird feed, in deep dishes, works well. They can't bill stuff off the ground, or eat out of a normal chicken feeder. Use deeper dishes!
If they eat moist food better, just moisten their diet, and again use deep dishes.
It is difficult to keep these birds well fed and healthy. Staying will a balanced diet will fulfill their nutritional needs better than mixing random ingredients.
Mary

 

[kubotafoot]

Thanks for the positive answers. Mush is easier for them to eat. Both are still going strong. Afraid of the winter cold temperatures for them, tho, as they make such a mess eating and get pretty wet and dirty. Maybe a bib???