

Flax Seed?

Discussion in 'Feeding & Watering Your Flock' started by keaniebeanie, Jun 16, 2010.

  1. keaniebeanie

    keaniebeanie In the Brooder

    May 18, 2009
    I just bought some whole organic flax seed from the bulk section in my grocery store. I am guessing that I can give some to the girls, just wanting your opinions. How much, how often? Thanks [​IMG]

  2. Akane

    Akane Crowing

    Jun 15, 2008
    A little goes a long way and too much will give you fishy tasting eggs. I'm not sure exact amounts for chickens. For dogs it's 1-3tablespoons daily and for horses it's usually measured by ounces in a range of 2-8oz. You are unlikely to harm them even if you let them have all they'll eat. It is possible to off balance the fatty acids but I doubt they'd willingly eat enough over long enough time for that and you'll get bad tasting eggs long before it happens.
  3. shopchicks

    shopchicks Songster

    Sep 4, 2009
    Boise, Idaho
    I was told that flax can be up to 10% of the diet. I just mix it in with their scratch.
  4. OrpingtonManor

    OrpingtonManor Building the Castle

    Nov 15, 2008
    Martinez, CA
    I feed my little flock of 3 BO's about 2 tablespoons of flax seed about 3 times a week. I never had fishy eggs from it.
  5. Jeremy Parker

    Jeremy Parker In the Brooder

    May 25, 2010
    Omega 3 eggs MMMMMMMMMM [​IMG]

  6. Chris09

    Chris09 Circle (M) Ranch

    Jun 1, 2009
    When using Flax seed/ Linseed (as a seed) it is no more than 10% of there feed.
    I use Linseed in my scratch mix it is a whole lot cheaper in price (at around $25.00 a 50 pound bag rather than $50.00 an 50 pound bag for Flax) and is the same thing just go's by a different name.


    Quote from--
    Poultry Foods and Feeding [​IMG] 1912
    The best method is to use it as the well-known Linseed
    " tea" 1 part clean seed to 6 or 9 parts water. Let
    it simmer slowly for some hours until the whole is reduced
    to a jelly. At first only a small quantity must be used,
    otherwise the birds will object. At all times it is preferable
    to use only small quantities spread over a long
    period. The general effects are marvellous.

    Last edited: Jun 17, 2010
  7. Akane

    Akane Crowing

    Jun 15, 2008
    Soaking or cooking flaxseed is highly debated. Soaking it mixes the chemicals in it to make cyanide which would otherwise not mix in the body. Boiling it gets rid of those chemicals but destroys a good portion of the nutrients. It is suggested to feed it whole to animals that can digest it (chickens should be able to grind it up) and use it ground for animals that can't. Ground flaxseed must either be stabilized or used within 24-48hours or it loses nutrients. The fatty acids are not very stable and one of the first things to break down in animal feeds.

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