Can Chickens Eat Horsetail?

Horsetail plants are fern-like, spore producing plants commonly foraged by chickens whenever they see an opportunity to consume it.

However, most chicken owners are quite confused whether this specific plant will do good or bad to their chickens.

This article will let you find out the truth about feeding chickens this horsetail plant.

So Can chickens eat horsetail?

Unfortunately, horsetail plants are toxic to chickens due to its several substances that can even kill a horse when consumed in large amounts.

These toxic substances include enzyme thiaminase, alkalid nicotine, and piperidine alkaloids. 

The most dangerous component is the enzyme thiaminase which actually destroys thiamine in the body, causing an effect in brain function.

To keep your chickens in their optimum condition, it is better to remove all horsetails that they may find and consume. 

Is Horsetail Plant Poisonous?

Yes, horsetail plants are poisonous.

This plant contains toxic substances that may even impede a proper brain function.

This is because the enzyme thiaminase destroys vitamin B in the body, particularly thiamine, which plays an important role in keeping the brain healthy.

Once a chicken or an animal consumes too much horsetail plant, several symptoms may appear.

For instance, one will experience weight loss, diarrhea, loss of muscle control, seizures, and incoordination. 

Is Horsetail Safe To Eat? 

But one reason why many people are confused whether horsetail is safe or not is because some are still trying to feed their chickens or pets with it.

The truth is, horsetail can still be eaten as long as it is extremely limited and properly served.

In fact, it has been studied already regarding the effects of feeding horsetail to chickens to their egg productivity.

It has been revealed that feeding at least 0.50% of horsetail to chickens will significantly enhance the physical traits of eggs, mainly the eggshell thickness and strength.

One must be thorough and careful if a person is feeding horsetail plants to their flock.

Despite its benefits to the eggs, the toxins found in the plant are still potent enough to cause harm.

Is Horsetail Poisonous To Pets? 

Horsetail can be both safe and toxic to pets.

Truthfully, despite the toxins and possible harmful effects that the plant may cause, it is still considered as an excellent herb not only for animals, but even to humans as well. 

This herb contains minerals that aid the body function in many ways: helping bladder and prostate problems, aids in treating cysts and urethritis, great help for treating skin irritation, problems and wounds, and even a great supplement for bone strengthening. 

However, horsetail plants should never be consumed excessively especially for pets.

If you need to, it would be better to consult with a veterinarian first as this plant can still be toxic in large amounts.

There are instances where this plant is used for some treatments and supplements, but only with the advice of a veterinarian. 

Can Chickens Eat Ivy? 

The answer is no.

Similar to horsetail plants, ivy is toxic for them as well.

There is also no merit feeding ivy to your chickens as this plant is not really healthy for them at all.

It is not packed with nutrients needed to keep your chicken healthy, and it may even cause damage to their digestive system. 

Though chickens will ignore this plant on their own, some fowls may still attempt to eat it.

It is better to just remove these toxic plants and keep them away from your flock to ensure that they would never eat something bad and poisonous.

Here’s a similar article I think you’d find interesting – Can chickens eat poison ivy?

Wrapping Up

Horsetail and ivy are among the common plants that may be found in many places.

Naturally, chickens will attempt to eat these plants given that it is their nature to forage for food.

As their owner, it is highly suggested to keep these plants away from your chickens as it can be poisonous for them. 

 

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