Cicely, aka Myrrhis odorata, is an aromatic herb of the Apiaceae family. It is native to Europe and western Asia. Its strong aroma and nutritional value make it a popular ingredient in food and drinks.
It boasts antiviral, antiseptic, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Animal owners often wonder how Cicely can be beneficial to their pets. This article will focus on Cicely’s safety when feeding guinea fowls. It will cover side effects, advantages, dosage, and more.
Cicely
Cicely, or Myrrhis odorata, is a perennial from the parsley family. It is known as ‘sweet cicely‘ and is native to the Mediterranean. Settlers brought it to Europe and the US centuries ago.
The plant grows best in partial shade and well-draining soil. Its ferny foliage appears in spring and summer.
Cicely is used in herbal medicine. Its leaves can be cooked or made into tea. Its hollow stems are good for sauces and soups. White flowers are eaten raw as a garnish.
If chickens and guinea fowls eat cicely, they should get no more than 10% of their daily food as fresh plant matter.
This is to prevent intestinal upset and unbalanced nutrition. 5% of their diet should be frozen or dried herbs, as these have higher concentrations of essential oil than fresh herbs.
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Nutritional Benefits of Cicely
Cicely, or myrrhis odorata, is a fragrant herb found in Europe, Asia, and some parts of North America. It’s one of the safest plants for guinea fowls. Plus, it offers them a collection of nutritional advantages.
This article will explain the nutritional perks of Cicely for guinea fowls:
High in Vitamin C
Cicely is an Apiaceae (carrot) herb, also known as sweet chervil.
Cicely is rich in vitamin C, containing 187 milligrams per 100 grams of plant material. This is more than blackcurrant, which has only 122 milligrams per 100 grams.
Vitamin C is vital for health and immunity. It is especially essential for guinea fowls due to their feather composition.
Cicely also contains antioxidant flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol, which have anti-inflammatory properties. It contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, manganese, and zinc.
It offers dietary fiber, protein, vitamins A and K, and trace minerals like copper. All these are beneficial for guinea fowls when consumed in moderation.
Rich in Minerals
Cicely is a nutrient-rich herb. It has high quantities of calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, and phosphorus. A 1/2 cup serving offers 134% of the Daily Value for calcium.
It also offers 43% of the Daily Value for magnesium, 28% for iron, 10% for phosphorus, 8% for zinc, and nearly half for manganese. Guinea fowls can benefit from these minerals when they eat cicely.
High in Fiber
Cicely provides food for wildlife and birds, like guinea fowl. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, making it nutritious and healthy.
It has lots of dietary fiber. Fiber helps the digestive system by adding bulk and promoting regularity. This helps food move through the digestive tract quickly and can prevent constipation and hemorrhoids.
Fiber also lowers cholesterol levels by helping bile acid excretion. This guard against heart diseases caused by narrowed arteries due to plaque buildup.
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Potential Risks of Feeding Cicely to Guinea Fowls
Cicely can supply guinea fowls with minerals and vitamins. But there are risks. The stems are generally not toxic. But they could cause digestion issues. Cicely also has compounds that can be harmful if consumed in big doses.
This article looks at the potential dangers of feeding cicely to guinea fowl.
Toxic Compounds
Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) has potential risks when fed to guinea fowls. It contains compounds that can be toxic. These include alkaloids and cyanogenic glycosides.
- Alkaloids are nitrogen-containing compounds that can be dangerous.
- Cyanogenic glycosides release hydrogen cyanide when exposed to certain enzymes or acid conditions.
The seeds, fruit, and leaves have higher levels of alkaloids than the stem or root. So, guinea fowls should not eat large amounts of cicely seed, fruit, or leaves. This could lead to severe toxicosis or death.
However, small amounts of cicely in their diet are okay if it does not exceed 5%.
Digestive Issues
Feeding cicely to guinea fowls can be dangerous. The fat content of cicely is higher than other greenery. Overeating can lead to stomach discomfort and even vomiting.
It can also cause enteritis, an inflammation of the intestines due to bacterial or parasitic infection. In the worst cases, severe diarrhea and dehydration can lead to death.
Different types of cicely contain different levels of nitrogen and fatty acids, depending on what kind of soil it grows in. If you have guinea fowls, limiting their cicely intake is best.
Consider other greens like grasses or alfalfa, which are safer and still provide necessary nutrition.
Conclusion: Is Cicely Safe For Guinea Fowls
Cicely should be given to guinea fowls in moderation. This is because it contains Coumarin, a compound that can be toxic in high doses. Before feeding it to their flock, owners should research each plant separately.
This way, birds can be fed safe amounts and have a healthy, safe diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is Cicely safe for guinea fowls to consume?
A1: Yes! Cicely is safe for guinea fowls to consume. It is a natural herb that has many health benefits.
Q2: Are there any potential side effects of Cicely for guinea fowls?
A2: No known side effects are associated with Cicely for guinea fowls. It is a natural herb that is safe for consumption.
Q3: What are the health benefits of Cicely for guinea fowls?
A3: Cicely benefits guinea fowls as it helps improve their immune system and digestion and provides anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
