Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) is a fragrant herb from Eurasia. It’s becoming popular in the US and elsewhere due to its culinary, natural medicine, and ornamental uses.
It contains low-essential oils, making it edible for humans and poultry. But, research suggests that it could have toxic effects if eaten in large amounts over a long time.
Experts recommend adding it to a chicken’s diet in small amounts. All chickens react differently to different foods.
So, introduce Cicely slowly and watch for any adverse reactions. This article gives more info about Cicely for chickens and tips for safely adding it.
Benefits of Cicely for Chickens
Cicely (also known as sweet Cicely) is an herb that benefits chickens! It helps keep pests away and provides essential vitamins and minerals.
Plus, it has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. This makes Cicely an essential part of a balanced diet for chickens.
Let’s take a closer look at the advantages of Cicely for chickens!
Nutritional Benefits
Cicely, also known as Sweet Cicely, is an attractive ornamental plant and an edible addition to culinary dishes. It is rich in nicotinic acid and dietary minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium, making it safe for chickens to consume.
- Vitamins: Vitamins A and C help with eye health, egg production, feather regrowth, and skin condition.
- Minerals: Calcium promotes bone growth; iron helps form red blood cells and gives immunity; magnesium helps keep the hen’s nerve functioning and provides energy.
- Antioxidants: Organic compounds like phenolics protect against diseases like avian flu or infectious bronchitis by strengthening the immune system. Flavonoids provide numerous health benefits by acting as antioxidants.
- Amino Acids: Lysine encourages normal tissue development, improving feather growth in young hens and egg production in older birds.
Including Sweet Cicely in the chicken’s diet offers multiple benefits. It helps with brighter eyesight, more robust feathers, extra strength, and regular digestion. Minerals from the root stalks, proteins, and amino acids provide a reserve tissue energy supply.
Mites are kept away, and breeds are kept successfully on organic, low-maintenance farms.
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Digestive Benefits
Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) is a perennial herb from the carrot family. It is used in traditional medicine and is known for its positive effects on human health and animal welfare. Cicely is an aromatic, nutrient-dense herb that can be used to improve poultry health and nutrition.
Digestive Benefits: Cicely contains high levels of antioxidants. This helps reduce cell damage, making it great for livestock diets. The essential oils also have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, helping gut health in chickens.
Cicely’s volatile oils may reduce mucous membrane inflammation. It has also traditionally been used as an asthma remedy, which may be helpful for poultry too. Finally, cicely leaves contain cucurbitacin compounds.
These help stop parasites from attaching to the digestive tract. Adding this herb to chickens’ diet can prevent internal parasites, which can cause poor egg production or slow growth in young pullets.
Immunity Benefits
Cicely is a medicinal herb from Eurasia and northern Africa, full of antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds. People often use it to make teas or tinctures, believing it has many health benefits. As a result, people have been feeding it to chickens.
Studies have revealed that Cicely helps boost chicken immunity, protecting them from respiratory infections and fungal issues. Plus, it reduces inflammation and strengthens their digestive systems.
These immuno-protective effects and free radical reduction make Cicely a popular chicken feed supplement. Feeding your flock cicely can help guard them against illnesses while providing other advantages such as better feather quality and digestion.
Potential Risks
Cicely is a well-known herb and medicinal plant. Is it safe for chickens to eat? Unknown if Cicely is toxic. Yet, there could be risks. This article will examine the potential risks of feeding Cicely to chickens.
Toxic Compounds
Poultry are incredibly delicate to Cicely (Apiaceae family) plants. These plants can be toxic if consumed. Essential oils and furanocoumarins in the plant can harm chickens’ livers and kidneys.
In addition, organisms like bacteria or fungus can be spread to chickens when they eat Cicely. Aspergillus species outbursts have been reported in European pheasant populations exposed to dried Cicely plants.
The composition of essential oils and compounds in Cicely varies based on light, soil conditions, and the plant’s maturity. Therefore, toxins can differ between individual plants even if grown in the same conditions.
This suggests it can be hard to know how much toxin a flock consumes unless the plants are tested.
Finally, Cicely can cause allergic reactions in some people sensitive to its pollen or contents. Therefore, caution should be taken when introducing anything new to a flock’s diet, as even small changes can increase their risk of harm.
Possible Allergens
Cicely can be a potential allergen for chickens and some other animals. Its pollen can create an allergic response in birds, causing skin irritation or respiratory distress.
Furocoumarins and glycosides are also present, which may cause photosensitivity and mild gastrointestinal disturbances, respectively.
Feeding in small amounts and monitoring the reaction before increasing the quantity is essential.
Potential Contamination
When it comes to adding Cicely to chicken feed, there are potential risks. Contamination is one of them. Pathogens like Salmonella spp., E. coli, and Listeria monocytogenes can contaminate Cicely through contact with poultry, wild birds, or contaminated soil/fertilizers.
Plus, Cicely may contain VOCs, which can be dangerous for chickens if ingested in large quantities over time.
Physical harm is another risk. Cicely contains tiny seeds and complex parts, which can be choking hazards. The tiny seeds may also cause blockages and other health issues in chickens.
To avoid any potential contamination or physical harm, take extra precautions during the product’s harvesting, storage, and preparation—appropriately size chunks of cut-up cicely so as not to create any hazards. Use fresh stock regularly.
Conclusion: Is Cicely Safe For Chickens
Cicely is good for chickens – but moderation is key! Too much of it can be toxic and cause digestive problems. So, feed your chickens, Cicely, in small amounts, and give them other nutritious plants. Monitor them after they have eaten new foods.
Contact your local vet or animal expert with any questions or worries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cicely safe for chickens?
A: Yes! Cicely is a safe herb for chickens, as it is high in calcium and other essential nutrients.
Q: How should Cicely be fed to chickens?
A: Cicely can be fed to chickens, either fresh or dried. If fresh, it can be fed as part of a salad or chopped into small pieces and added to their feed. If dried, it can be added to their feed in small amounts.
Q: Does Cicely provide any health benefits to chickens?
A: Yes! Cicely is high in calcium and other essential nutrients, which can help improve chickens’ overall health. It also helps to boost their immune system, helping them to fight off any potential illnesses or parasites.
