The enjoyment of keeping chickens in the backyard often is accompanied by a constant concern: what to feed chickens? While your chickens free-range or pounces on their coop, you may be tempted by sharing different kitchen scraps, particularly in the heat of summer. Although chickens are omnivores, and have a varied diet It is essential to understand what foods are safe and what could be hazardous. Some human food products are not appropriate, and some of the most popular foods that are popular during summer can be harmful.
This guide will help you answer popular questions like ” can chickens eat peaches,” ” can chickens consume potato,” and ” do chickens eat strawberries?,” ensuring you ensure your chickens are healthy and happy all through the year.
The Golden Rule of Chicken Treats: Moderation is Key!
Before getting into the details take note of the most important rule that treats must be enjoyed in moderate amounts. Make sure that the treats you give be no more than 10 percent of your chicken’s diet. Their primary food source should be derived from a high-quality and healthy commercial layer feed that contains all the required nutrients, vitamins, minerals and protein. Treats are not replacements for meals.
Safe & Delicious Summer Treats: Yes, Chickens Can Have These!
The summer months are full of fresh vegetables which your chickens will enjoy. Here are some well-known and safe choices for your chickens:
- Can chickens have Strawberries? Yes, chickens are able to be a part of strawberries! The ripe fruit are a delicious snack. Clean them thoroughly, then chop larger pieces into smaller, more manageable pieces to avoid choking especially with bantams.
- Can chickens eat Cabbage? Yes, chickens are able to safely consume cabbage. It’s a nutritious green vegetable. You can cut it into pieces or hang a whole head of it in the coop for them play with, providing the nutrients and fun.
- Can Chickens Eat Spinach? Yes, chickens can eat spinach. Although it is healthy, spinach should be consumed in moderate amounts, since excessive quantities can hinder calcium absorption. A small amount in a few places is acceptable.
Other great, healthy summer treats include:
- Cantaloupe and Watermelon: High in water content, ideal for hydrating on hot days. Serve them the flesh and they’ll also like pecking the rinds.
- Berries Blackberries, blueberries and blackberries are nutritious and safe.
- Cooked Rice or Pasta: Plain, cooked grains in small quantities can be a delightful treat on occasion.
- Cooked Oatmeal A warm snack on colder mornings, or a refreshing dessert if chilled a little.
- cooked corn on the cob (in the moderation): A fun pecking exercise, but do not consume excessive quantities because of its fat content.
- leafy greens Many other types of garden vegetables such as lettuce, kale (in moderation) and collared greens are healthy.
Always make sure that any food item is free of pesticides.
Toxic Summer Foods: What to Absolutely Avoid
While many vegetables and fruits are safe, certain summer food items contain substances which are harmful to chickens. Understanding these ingredients is essential to avoid illness or even worse.
- Can Chickens Eat Potatoes? (And that includes the potato Plant) The question is frequent question which is complex, but generally chickens should not consume raw potatoes, or any other green portion that are part of the potato plant. The skins of a potato (especially those that are green) sprouts, as well as the potato plant itself are a source of solanine an extremely toxic glycoalkaloid. The cooked potatoes (plain without sugar or butter) in moderation are usually considered safe, however it’s generally best to stay clear of them completely to avoid confusion and accidental consumption of harmful components.
- Can chickens eat Avocado? No, it is best not to feed chickens avocado particularly in particular the pit and the skin that contain persin. Although the flesh of certain avocado varieties may contain less persin, it’s best to refrain from giving avocado to your chickens in order to avoid any chance of heart discomfort or other symptoms triggered by persin.
- Can Chickens Eat Peaches? (And other stone fruits) Chickens are able to eat the fleshy portion of peaches, but in moderate quantities. But, it is imperative to get rid of from the pit (stone). The pits of peaches cherries as well as plums and many other stone fruits are laden with substances that transform into an acid called cyanide after being processed. Even tiny amounts of cyanide could be harmful.
- Rhubarb Every part of the plant, particularly the leaves, have Oxalic acid. It is harmful to chickens and may result in kidney injury.
- Tomato The stems, leaves and leaves Similar to potatoes Tomato plants (leaves stems, stems and not ripe tomatoes) contain solanine, a chemical that is harmful. Red tomatoes that are fully ripe are generally safe when consumed in moderation.
- Onions Garlic, Leeks, Chives: These alliums contain Thiosulphates, which may create hemolytic anemia among chickens. It is recommended to stay clear of these.
- Citrus Fruits: Although they are not toxic in the extreme however, excessive quantities of citrus may cause digestive discomfort and affect calcium absorption, which can lead to soft-shelled eggs. Use in small quantities in the event of any.
- Dried or uncooked beans: Raw or undercooked beans are a source of phytohaemagglutinin which is extremely toxic. Beans need to be cooked thoroughly to neutralize the compound.
- Chocolate and caffeine: These contain theobromine which is extremely toxic to chickens and can lead to seizures and heart problems.
- Salty/Sugary/Processed Foods: Avoid anything with excessive salt, sugar, unhealthy fats, or artificial ingredients. This includes the majority of human junk food items.
Clarifying Other Chicken Terms
When discussing the best way to feed chickens Other terms frequently pop up that don’t have a food value, but are essential for anyone who loves chickens:
- “Fluffy Chicken” It’s not a food item or a name for a product, but rather a description commonly used to describe breeds that have distinctive, soft, and feathers that are downy, like that of the Silkie Chicken. Silkie chickens are a popular breed. Silkie Chicken can be described as an elegant breed that is known for its unique fluffy design, its black-colored skin with five toes. They are extremely docile pet and excellent brooders.
- “Orange chicken”: As mentioned earlier, this is the popular Asian-inspired dish not a breed of chicken or an item of food that is safe for chickens to eat in its cooked in its current form.
Ensuring a Balanced Diet
While sweets are enjoyable but remember that the diet of a chicken should consist of the following:
- Commercial Layer Feed It is essential to provide balanced nutrition for eggs and general well-being.
- Clean Water All the time available neat and cool.
- Grit It is essential for digestive health particularly if chickens do not have a free-range area on dirt.
- Oyster Shell: For laying eggs for hens, this shell provides additional calcium to make eggshells more durable.
