Crayfish and Chickens??

[LunaMarieWolf]

Hi!

I let my chickens free range an area that a small stream flows through.

It has been raining a lot here and when I went to go put up the chickens. I saw a little rooster running around with a crawfish in his mouth.

Is it okay for chickens to eat them?

Are there any diseases these crawfish can spread?

I haven't noticed a problem the past 2 years I've kept chickens out there. But I am just worried about crawfish maybe clamping onto a curious chicken and maybe hurting them.

The crawfish are about 3inches to 4 inches long with huge claws.

 

[centrarchid]

I would not be worried about mechanical damage. Parasites picked up from crayfish would be bigger concern. I have research experience with crayfish, but have no direct evidence their consumption by chickens would be a problem. For humans, consuming some raw crayfishes from north america can be bad owing to flukes that infect brain of consumer.

If you see bird having problem holding head in normal position a few days after consuming crayfish, then let us know.

 

[ColtHandorf]

I keep waiting for a similar occurance at my place. We've had so much rain there are crawfish everywhere. So far the dogs and the chickens have ignored them.

 

[Harley Chick]

Our chickens LOVE the yard crabs. It's a hoot to watch them chase each other when they've found one. So far they have had no issue's?

 

[Fairview01]

They can pick up parasites from being confined in a concrete run; they can pick up parasites free ranging; they can pick up parasites from the droppings of wild birds while free ranging. They could probably pick up parasites if they lived in a vacuum.

Appreciate the free protein. Chickens are garbage disposals with feathers. I'm more concerned about what they eat that I dont see.

 

[centrarchid]

They can pick up parasites from being confined in a concrete run; they can pick up parasites free ranging; they can pick up parasites from the droppings of wild birds while free ranging. They could probably pick up parasites if they lived in a vacuum.

Appreciate the free protein. Chickens are garbage disposals with feathers. I'm more concerned about what they eat that I dont see.

I know what free-range truly is. Consumption of live crayfish tissue is pushing limits. Eat a bunch raw yourself and keep us updated with your typing skills for a proper experiment. Or do some of your chickens that way.

 

[Fairview01]

I know what free-range truly is. Consumption of live crayfish tissue is pushing limits. Eat a bunch raw yourself and keep us updated with your typing skills for a proper experiment. Or do some of your chickens that way.

When it rains you have to deal with the mud. When you free range you have to deal with the risks. Simply free ranging allows the birds to eat a common source of protein - earthworms. Earthworms are prime carriers of tape worms. Doesnt that qualify as a parasite. If the flock is free ranged the flock will have tape worms.

Living in reality versus living in fantasy.

 

[centrarchid]

Tapeworms do not infect your brain. My birds eat insects and earthworms a lot. I do not deworm unless a bird is showing issues and then it is culled once weight restored.

You are making a huge number of assumptions about my approach and thinking, most appear wrong.

 

[LunaMarieWolf]

I was just worried about any type of diseases/parasites that could carry on to my chickens.

I use my chickens solely for eggs and chicks in the late winter/early spring (or late spring since one of my hens went broody).

I am moving here before the end of the month and I won't have to worry about the crayfish. My chickens turn their beak away from earthworms.

I used to cultivate earthworms and threw them out to the chickens, but they were not intrested in them.

I just don't want my chickens to get anything from these crayfish. I can move them here in the next few days if the crayfish are harmful.

I just would hate to move my chickens and them have to be quickly killed or killed off because of something I could have prevented.

 

[centrarchid]

Just watch and see. There maybe no issues. Be on your toes and report issues if they arise.