Will baking soda be ok around chickens?

[KimbosKluckers]

I like to use baking soda periodically in my pig yard which the chicks have access to, if they eat it is that ok?

 

[aart]

Curious why the baking soda in the pig pen?

Pigs can eat chickens, so beware.

 

[KimbosKluckers]

Curious why the baking soda in the pig pen?

Pigs can eat chickens, so beware.

He’s a pet mini pig. He has a certain area that he pees in so in summer it helps with the smell in the dirt. He’s been around chickens a lot in life and always does great, they seem to all be getting along for almost 2 months now. Chicks have an area that they can get to where he cannot.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I like to use baking soda periodically in my pig yard which the chicks have access to, if they eat it is that ok?

In the right amount.. increased carcass and egg weight, harder shells.

In the wrong amounts.. increased diarrhea, soft shells, metabolic alkilosis, and maybe dehydration or death IF water is restricted..

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1327426/

https://www.richimachinery.com/customer-guide/what-is-the-effect-of-adding-baking-soda-to-animal-poultry-livestock-feed.html#:~:text=Precautions for the use of baking soda:&text=The second is to pay,from eating too much sodium.

I'm not sure if it's "safer" than baking soda and it's not cheaper.. but Sweet PDZ (zeolite) is what I used in my goat barn for the same purpose.. amonia reduction. Many people do use it on their droppings boards.

My pet mini pigs now see the chickens and dogs as competition for food and my attention.. they're safe as long as they don't get cornered, caught off guard, or lose mobility. I no longer range them together.. Despite being great towards me my pigs are not laid back at all. Is that yours in your avatar pic with a chicken standing on top?!

I wasn't sure what alkalosis was so included a link..

https://www.fresheggsdaily.blog/2012/07/hot-weather-acidosis-and-homemade.html

Those were the best links I could find. I doubt they would be too interested in directly ingesting it. I'd probably avoid spreading any when they're paying attention and might accidentally attract extra interest.

Please use your best judgement!

Best wishes for continued thriving animals!

 

[KimbosKluckers]

In the right amount.. increased carcass and egg weight, harder shells.

In the wrong amounts.. increased diarrhea, soft shells, metabolic alkilosis, and maybe dehydration or death IF water is restricted..

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1327426/

https://www.richimachinery.com/customer-guide/what-is-the-effect-of-adding-baking-soda-to-animal-poultry-livestock-feed.html#:~:text=Precautions for the use of baking soda:&text=The second is to pay,from eating too much sodium.

I'm not sure if it's "safer" than baking soda and it's not cheaper.. but Sweet PDZ (zeolite) is what I used in my goat barn for the same purpose.. amonia reduction. Many people do use it on their droppings boards.

My pet mini pigs now see the chickens and dogs as competition for food and my attention.. they're safe as long as they don't get cornered, caught off guard, or lose mobility. I no longer range them together.. Despite being great towards me my pigs are not laid back at all. Is that yours in your avatar pic with a chicken standing on top?!

I wasn't sure what alkalosis was so included a link..

https://www.fresheggsdaily.blog/2012/07/hot-weather-acidosis-and-homemade.html

Those were the best links I could find. I doubt they would be too interested in directly ingesting it. I'd probably avoid spreading any when they're paying attention and might accidentally attract extra interest.

Please use your best judgement!

Best wishes for continued thriving animals!

Thanks so much for the links and helpful information! I think as small as his “potty spot” is, it should be ok when lightly dusted. Yesterday I used vinegar. Yes that’s Rufus in my photo, he absolutely loves when they stand on him and peck his skin. Free grooming, ha!