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Can Goats Eat Cauliflower

By MrAnimal Farm

goats grazing in field

Whether you have extra cauliflower from your garden or a big sale at the grocery store you might want to know if you can share it with your goats. Before you just go take it out to your herd you’ll want to ask yourself, can goats eat cauliflower?

Goats cannot eat just anything. There are certain foods that are toxic to them and other foods that while not toxic are not good to feed to them

Continue on to find out all the details about feeding cauliflower to your goats.

goats grazing in field

Can Goats Eat Cauliflower

Yes, goats can eat cauliflower. In fact goats can eat raw, cooked, roasted and all parts of the cauliflower plant.

While goats can eat cauliflower without any issues, it is important to know that it should be a small part of their diet and fed only as a treat. In addition to the fact that all treats should only be fed in a 10 to 20% of the daily diet anyways, cauliflower contains glucosinolates which can cause goats some issues when eaten in excess.

In fact, all plants in the brassica family ( such as broccoli) contain these glucocinolates.

It has been shown that these glucosinolates when not fed in moderation can cause issues in livestock. Some of these issues include  goiters, GI upset, decreased appetite as well as stunted growth in addition to others issues.

Despite these potential issues, cauliflower is still a healthy and nutritious treat to feed your goats with many benefits.

Cauliflower is packed with a variety of different nutrients including vitamin c, vitamin k, iron, magnesium, potassium, and fiber (source). Is nutrients can provide a variety of health benefits including increased immune system function, improved digestive health, decreased inflammation, and even reduced risk of cancer.

In addition to these very nutrients, cauliflower is actually also high in water content. Which means that it can help to keep your goats hydrated. This is great to know especially in hot summers or when your goats are not wanting to drink as much water as they should.

Can Goats Eat Raw Cauliflower

Yes, goats can eat raw cauliflower. In fact, goats love to crunch on their treats and so raw cauliflower can be a good choice to feed them.

Just make sure if feeding raw cauliflower, that you make the pieces small enough that your goats do not choke on them.

Can Goats Eat Roasted Cauliflower?

Yes goats can eat roasted cauliflower. In fact goats can eat any type of cooked cauliflower including steamed, boiled, or baked.

One thing to remember though, is it if you’re cooking the cauliflower you do not want to include any type of seasonings or other additives.

Can Goats Eat Cauliflower Plants?

Yes, goats can also eat cauliflower plants and leaves. So, if you have leftovers in your garden or if you’re sneaky ghost just break into your garden it’s okay if they get a hold of your cauliflower.

Additionally, there’s no need to waste the leaves are stems on the cauliflower that you buy from the store, as you can feed this to your goats.

Need some help to keep your goats healthy and maintained? The G.O.A.T Herd Management Binder has you covered from supplies to routine care reminders.

How to Feed Your Goats Cauliflower

First, you want to make sure that your cauliflower is fresh ripe and doesn’t have any mold or rot on it. Once you know that the cauliflower is okay to eat, you can start getting it prepared for your goats.

If you are feeding raw cauliflower, all you need to do is wash the cauliflower with water and then chop it up. Do make sure that you make the pieces of cauliflower small enough that the goats can shoot them without choking on them.

It is important to note that ghosts can be overzealous when eating treats so air on the side of smaller rather than larger. Especially until you know how your goats are going to react.

If you are feeding some version of cooked cauliflower then you again want to start by washing it. Once a cauliflower is washed you can go ahead and cook it in the manner that you want such as steaming, boiling, baking or roasting.

Been feeding cooked cauliflower, again, you want to make sure that the pieces are small enough that your goats don’t choke. However cooked cauliflower is a lot softer than raw cauliflower and is less of a choking hazard.

as always, make sure to start with just a small amount of cauliflower to see how your goats do with it. Once you know that they both like the cauliflower and do well eating it you can start to feed them a little more over time. Again, it should only be fed as a treat not as a diet replacement.

FAQ

What vegetables can goats not eat?

There are some vegetables that goats cannot eat like kale. Additionally, there are many vegetable plants that goats can’t eat while they can eat the flesh or fruit of those vegetables like tomatoes.

What vegetables can goat’s eat?

Goats can and will eat an entire variety of different vegetables. They enjoy lots of different vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, lettuce and more.

If you are feeding vegetables to your goats as treats it’s good to try to feed them a mix of different kinds so they get a variety of textures and nutrients added to their diet.

Overtime and with some trial and you will inevitably figure out which vegetables your goats like the best.

If you need more help keeping your goats healthy and well taken care of, check out the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System – worksheets, calculators, supply management and more to keep your goats in tip top shape while cutting down on time.

Access the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System Here

Can Goats Eat Cantaloupe

By MrAnimal Farm

goat eating grass

Goats love to get special treats. In the summer it can help keep your goats hydrated to give them treats that have a high water content. One such food is a Cantaloupe. So, can goats eat cantaloupe?

An old fallacy if it go to have iron stomachs and can eat anything and everything. Quite frankly this is not true. You must be careful the only feed your goats treats that are safe for them to eat.

Keep reading to find out all the ins and outs of feeding cantaloupe to your goats.

Can Goats Eat Cantaloupe

Yes, goats can eat cantaloupe. In fact they can eat cantaloupe rinds seeds and plants without any issues.

Cantaloupe is a healthy and hydrating tree to give your goats. Like other treats such as watermelon, bananas, pineapple, cantaloupe should only be fed in moderation.

Cantaloupe is high in sugar like most other fruits and so you want to make sure you don’t overfeed it to your herd.

This fruit is particularly high and several different nutrients that are very beneficial for your goats. In cantaloupe you will find nutrients such as beta carotene, vitamin c, folate, fiber, and potassium. (Source)

These nutrients play a variety of important roles such as eye health, immune system support and health, electrolyte balance, and even prevention of certain cancers.

Can Goats Eat Cantaloupe Rinds?

Yes, good can eat cantaloupe rinds. Plain rinds are not their favorite things. As they are kind of tough and bland.

However, it is perfectly safe for them to eat the rind. And you can certainly leave rind on with some of the flesh and they will Chow down.

Can Goats Eat Cantaloupe Seeds?

Yes, those can also eat cantaloupe seeds. If you are feeding cantaloupe to your goats there is no need to remove the seeds.

Can Goats Eat Cantaloupe Plants/Vines/Leaves?

Yes, goats can eat cantaloupe plants Vines and leaves. These are not the most tasty parts of the plant of course. And they do not have the majority of the nutrition.

However, if you are growing your own cantaloupe in your garden and your goats get into the garden and eat the plants that is totally safe. 

Additionally, it’s good to use your goats to clean your garden out. And so if you have cantaloupe plants left in your garden at the end of the season it’s totally fine to let your goats go in and graze.

Need some help to keep your goats healthy and maintained? The G.O.A.T Herd Management Binder has you covered from supplies to routine care reminders.

How to Feed Your Goats Cantaloupe

Feeding your goats cantaloupe is done just like you would do most other goat treats. The first thing you want to do is make sure that your cantaloupe is right and free of mold or other potential issues.

Once you’ve identified that you have a fresh and ripe cantaloupe, you can prepare it to feed it to your goats. You can include the rind and seeds when feeding to your goats so there’s no need to scrape the seeds out or separate the flesh of the fruit from the rind.

You will want to make sure that you cut the cantaloupe carefully into bite-size trunks so that the goats do not try to bite off more than they can chew. Go ahead and make sure to also wash the rind with some water to be sure to wipe off any pesticides.

Once you have washed and chopped your cantaloupe into bite-sized chunks you can take it out to your goats to feed to them. You can either put the cantaloupe into a feed bucket or you can feed them this treat by hand.

when feeding the cantaloupe to your goats and sure that they are not having trouble chewing the size chunks you have made. If they seem too big you want to cut them into smaller pieces.

As with and any other treat that you feed to your goats, you want to make sure that you feed this in moderation. It’s generally accepted that treats should make up no more than 10 to 20% of your goats overall diet.

FAQ

What fruits are healthy for goats?

There are whole variety of fruits that are healthy for goats to eat. Whenever feeding any fruits keep in mind that most do have a high sugar content so they should be a low percentage of your goats overall diet.

However, when fed in moderation, fruits can make a great healthy treat to include in your goat’s diet. Goats can eat many fruits such as apples, bananas, pineapple, and a variety of melons.

What fruits can goats not eat?

Most fruits are actually safer goats to eat. Some though you need to be more cautious with than others.

For example, citrus can affect their rumen more than some other fruits so should be fed sparingly. Additionally, the leaves and plants of some fruit such as cherries are poisonous to goats. Although the cherry fruit itself is not.

Do goats eat melons?

Yes goats can and do eat melons such as watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew. These melons are a great hydrating and vitamin rich snack to provide your herd.

If you need more help keeping your goats healthy and well taken care of, check out the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System – worksheets, calculators, supply management and more to keep your goats in tip top shape while cutting down on time.

Access the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System Here

Can Goats Eat Tomatoes

By MrAnimal Farm

tan goat in pasture with tall weeds

Tomatoes are a common plant that many people grow in their gardens. And, they are pretty easy to grow. Whether you have excess tomatoes or, perhaps your goats broke into your garden, you may find yourself wondering can goats eat tomatoes?

After all, it’s been a joke for decades that goats will eat anything. You probably even remember cartoons that show goats eating parts of clothes. This couldn’t be further from the truth though as goats, like most mammals, don’t actually have an iron stomach that can tolerate poisonous or foreign substances.

Keep reading for all the ins and outs about safely feeding tomatoes to your goats.

tan goat in pasture with tall weeds

Can Goats Eat Tomatoes 

Yes, goats can eat ripe tomatoes, but it shouldn’t make up a large percentage of their diet. Goats should not eat unripe tomatoes or any part of the tomato plant as it can be toxic.

Just like with other treats like celery, asparagus and broccoli, tomatoes should be given in moderation. But ripe tomatoes in moderation can provide a healthy and delicious snack that your goats will enjoy.

Can Goats Eat Tomato Plants? 

No, the tomato plant itself should not be consumed by your goat. In fact, the tomato plant is even considered to be toxic to humans. You will even find on the ASPCA’s website that these plants can affect other mammals due to the fact that they are part of the nightshade family and produce solanine.

Solanine is an alkaloid that can cause serious damage to a goat’s body. The only reason the ripened fruit is edible is because its solanine level greatly reduces as it becomes ripe. Even humans can’t take eating a large portion of a tomato plant without facing issues such as an upset stomach and heart damage.

If you are growing tomato plants, be sure to keep them far away from your goat enclosure. If you let your goat wander, place your tomatoes inside of a fence that your goat can’t access. The best way to ensure that your goat isn’t eating something that will make them sick is by putting in preventive measures.

Goats can’t recognize that tomato plants are toxic on their own and will likely take a bite if given the chance.

Can Goats Eat Tomato Flowers? 

No, goats cannot eat tomato flowers. The flowers are not safe to eat as they still contain toxins.

Can Goats Eat Tomato Vines? 

No, goats cannot eat tomato vines. The vines contain solanine as well and should be avoided.

Can Goats Eat Tomato Leaves? 

No, goats cannot eat tomato leaves. Even the tomato leaves themselves are dangerous.

Signs Your Goat Has Eaten Tomato Plants? 

If you suspect your goat has consumed a tomato plant, then there are several signs that you should watch out for.

  • Fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargic behavior
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Trouble breathing
  • Seizing
  • Coma
  • Death in rare cases

If you suspect your goat has eaten a tomato plant, don’t panic. Check the plant to see how much they have consumed. If they have only plucked a couple of leaves, they should be fine, but still keep a close eye on them.

Do keep in mind that veterinary costs for a house call, much less saving a goat’s life from poisoning, can be quite costly. The best medicine is always prevention.

Need some help to keep your goats healthy and maintained? The G.O.A.T Herd Management Binder has you covered from supplies to routine care reminders.

How to Help Your Goat If they Eat a Tomato Plant 

If you have found that your goat has consumed a tomato plant. Try to seek out veterinary help if possible. If you can’t get in touch with a vet, then there are quite a few steps you can take to try and help your goat through the process of expelling the toxins.

  • Immediately check your goat’s mouth for any remaining plant. If you see some, remove it.
  • Keep water available.
  • If possible, get your goat to a safe area to rest. This is extremely important if bad weather is approaching or it’s getting dark.
  • You can try giving your goat one teaspoon of baking soda every hour to try and dilute the toxins in their body.

Keep in mind that your goat is likely stressed, and you will need to be cautious when handling them, especially when checking their mouth. Even a gentle animals can become hostile when they are in pain or not feeling well. Be sure to wear thick gloves and keep a close watch on the animal’s temperament while interacting with them. Never let small children interact with a sick or injured animal.

How to Feed Your Goats Tomatoes 

Ripe tomatoes, like any other treat, should not make up more than 20% of your goat’s diet at any point in time. There are a variety of ways you can feed a goat Tomatoes depending on the size.

You can blend it up into a sauce, cut it up into small pieces, or, if you are dealing with a smaller tomato, give it to them whole. Just be sure to wash it off to get rid of pesticides.

Tomatoes do contain several beneficial vitamins like folate, Vitamin C, and potassium. Potassium is good for tissue, folate helps with red blood cell formation, and Vitamin C helps with collagen and tissue repair. When given the correct amount of treats like tomatoes, you can actually help your goat live a healthier life.

If this is the first time you have ever fed your goat tomatoes, then be sure to monitor them for any adverse effects. Once you know your goats handle the tomatoes well, you can feed as a regular treat.

FAQ 

Can goats eat cherry tomatoes? 

Yes, as long as the cherry tomatoes are ripe, your goat can eat them.

Can goats eat grape tomatoes? 

Yes goats can eat grape tomatoes are safely as long as they are ripe.

Can goats eat tomato sauce? 

Yes, goats can eat tomato sauce, IF it is just mashed up tomatoes that you made yourself. Avoid tomato sauces your purchase from the store as they can have other ingredients mixed in like high amounts of sugar that aren’t healthy for your goat.

What vegetables can goats not eat?

The biggest thing you need to avoid is feeding your goat unripe fruits and veggies. Raw potatoes can also cause an issue, as can the popular superfood kale. Even avocados shouldn’t be given to goats. When in doubt, do some research to ensure that you are feeding your goat a safe treat.

If you need more help keeping your goats healthy and well taken care of, check out the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System – worksheets, calculators, supply management and more to keep your goats in tip top shape while cutting down on time.

Access the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System Here

Can Goats Eat Celery

By MrAnimal Farm

young goat eating grass

Looking for a fun and easy snack for your goats? There are so many to choose from. You might find yourself thinking can goats eat celery? They might enjoy it as a crunchy snack.

As an owner, it’s up to you to be aware of what foods your goats can and can’t consume. Celery has long been known as a healthy food for humans, so it’s no surprise that you may want to feed it to your four-legged friend. Before doing so though you need to know just how good or bad celery is for your goat.

Keep on reading to find out all the details on feeding your goats celery in a safe way.

young goat eating grass

Can Goats Eat Celery 

Yes, goats can eat celery as a treat. In fact, your goat can eat every part of the celery plant without having any ill effects occur, making it one of the safer plants to feed them out there.

You can choose to let them eat the stalks or leafy top, either way nothing bad will happen. Just keep in mind that celery doesn’t give them all the nutrients they need.

To keep them healthy, you will need to limit just how much celery they are taking in their bodies. Even healthy vegetables can cause problems when given in large doses.

How to Feed Your Goats Celery 

You should feed your goat no more than 20% of their diet in treats and this includes celery.   

Before you go throwing in a whole stalk though, you’re going to want to rinse the plant off as it’s likely that pesticides were used in growing it. Once you have thoroughly washed the celery off, begin cutting it up into small bite-sized chunks for your goat to snack on.

Need some help to keep your goats healthy and maintained? The G.O.A.T Herd Management Binder has you covered from supplies to routine care reminders.

If you have bought celery sticks, you may still want to cut them up depending on how long they are to avoid any choking potential. Goats can get overzealous when eating, which can lead to choking. The best prevention is to prepare their food in a safe manner, especially if it’s a treat they get excited over.

You should also look out for any signs of mold or rotting on the celery. Giving your goat bad food can cause them to get sick and even lead to a costly vet bill once everything is said and done.

Celery contains several vitamins that are good for your goat (source: WebMD). Celery has Vitamin A, which helps to keep the immune system up and running.

It also contains Vitamin C, which helps with tissue repair, and Vitamin K, a vitamin that helps the blood to clot when there is an injury. You will also find folate in celery which helps with the formation of red blood cells, and potassium which helps with tissue health.

Celery is also rich in water but does have a large amount of sodium in comparison to other vegetables. This makes it all the more important to sparingly feed this treat to your goat.

If a goat happens to eat too much celery, they will likely end up with an upset stomach. If they continue to eat too much of the plant, then they can have a deficiency in the nutrients they need as celery isn’t a natural food for goats. While it is rich in fiber, it’s not going to replace their hay.

 As with any food, if this is your first time giving your goat celery, monitor them closely and start with a small portion. Once your goat is cleared and decides they like the snack, you can begin giving them larger portions to snack on.

FAQ 

What vegetables can goats not eat? 

Goats should avoid vegetables that aren’t ripe like tomatoes as they have toxins. You will also want to avoid kale, which is another poisonous plant, even though you might have heard about how good it is for humans.

If you are going to feed your goat a new treat, do some research or check with a vet before giving it to them. There is both a large list of foods that goats can and can’t have.

Can goats eat celery leaves? 

Yes, the leaves of the celery plant are perfectly safe for your goat to consume. Even if your goat went into your garden and ate your celery up, you wouldn’t have much to worry about other than an upset stomach that they will naturally get from unbalancing their regular diet.

Can goats eat celery juice? 

Yes, goats can eat celery juice. If you blend up the celery yourself, then giving the juice to your goat shouldn’t be a problem. You should avoid giving them store-bought celery juice though, as there is a high chance that other ingredients that may be harmful to your goat have been added into the drink to better flavor or preserve it.

Can Goats Eat Celery sticks?

Yes, your goat can eat chopped-up celery sticks. Just make sure you wash them off before giving them the treat. If you have bought pre-prepped celery sticks at the store, you may still want to do a bit of trimming to make them bite-sized and wash them off just to ensure that they are healthy for your goat to consume.

If you need more help keeping your goats healthy and well taken care of, check out the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System – worksheets, calculators, supply management and more to keep your goats in tip top shape while cutting down on time.

Access the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System Here

Can Goats Eat Watermelon

By MrAnimal Farm

five goats eating tall weeds

If you have goats and are looking for a good summer treat for them, you might consider feeding them some watermelon. But, can goats eat watermelon safely?

It’s no secret that watermelons aren’t a part of a goat’s natural diet. But they are a delicious and refreshing summer treat. If you have a bit of watermelon during a hot summer day, then you may be wondering if it’s safe to share a bit with your goat.

Keep reading to find out all the details about feeding your goats watermelon.

goats eating tall weeds

Can Goats Eat Watermelon 

Yes, goats can eat watermelon. In fact, goats can eat all parts of the watermelon: flesh, rind, seeds, vine and leaves. It makes a wonderful and hydrating treat for your goats. Do be sure not to overfeed it though, as it is a fruit with a high sugar content.

Watermelon is not a fruit that will harm your goat in any way. You should still limit how much watermelon they eat though, as it should never make up the largest part of their diet. This is simply due to the sugar content as well as wanting your goats to keep a well balanced diet.

You may even be surprised to learn that some goat owners actually use watermelons to help keep their goats better hydrated during the summer months. This is because around 90% of a watermelon is made up of water.

Since the fruit still has a treat-like taste though, you can tempt goats into consuming it which will keep their bodies full of water on hot days. Just make sure that you keep their water bowls full as well, just to ensure they have access to all the water they need.

Can Goats Eat Watermelon Rind? 

Yes, goats can eat watermelon rind. The rind is the outer shell of the watermelon and it’s surprisingly rich in nutrients. Rind is a great treat for your goat but some owners have pointed out that their goat will just pluck off the flesh and leave the rind alone.

If you are worried about the toughness of the rind, your goat should be able to chew through it with ease. Just make sure to give them smaller chunks so that they don’t try to down it all at once.

Keep in mind that the rind likely has pesticides sprayed on it as it’s the outer protective shell of the fruit. Be sure to thoroughly wash it off before letting your goat consume it. The best way to encourage them to eat the rind is by leaving the flesh on it and letting them naturally take some extra bites.

Can Goats Eat Watermelon Vines? 

Yes, unlike some other plants (like tomatoes and potatoes), the watermelon vine is completely safe to eat. In fact, they may even enjoy munching on them.

Like the rind, the vine is likely to have pesticides so you will want to wash them off. If your goat ends up loving watermelon vines, then the safest thing to do would be to grow some melons of your own.

If your goat accidentally breaks into your watermelon patch then there isn’t much to worry about aside from an upset stomach from consuming too much of a treat. 

Can Goats Eat Watermelon Seeds? 

Yes, goats can eat watermelon seeds. You don’t need to scoop all of the seeds out of the watermelon’s flesh before giving them to your goat.

Feel free to give your goat chopped-up watermelon as is, no need to waste your time trying to get every little seed out. Keep in mind that watermelon seeds aren’t going to help your goat keep hydrated or even be an incredibly nutritious snack.

Need some help to keep your goats healthy and maintained? The G.O.A.T Herd Management Binder has you covered from supplies to routine care reminders.

How to Feed Your Goats Watermelon 

While you may just want to place a watermelon down and let your goat go to town, you should chop up the fruit and portion it. Be sure to thoroughly wash off the outer layer of the watermelon and then begin cutting it up with a clean knife.

Bite-sized chunks are best and if your goat is picky, then you can even go the extra mile and just make chunks of the flesh.

While your goat isn’t likely to choke themselves on large chunks, some animals do get overzealous while eating and a watermelon is a larger plant in general. Even some of the mini watermelons can be a choking hazard especially if you are feeding it to a kid.

You should make sure that the watermelon you have chosen is ripe and doesn’t have any signs of rot or mold. If you see anything that makes you question whether the watermelon may have gone bad or not, you probably shouldn’t feed it to your goat. 

Try not to feed your goat any more than 20% of its diet in watermelon. No matter how healthy this fruit may seem, it should never become a huge part of your goat’s diet. It will not provide their bodies with the nutrients they need and will eventually lead to an upset stomach and a deficiency in vitamins.

Watermelons, in general, are a healthy treat and has fiber in it, a vitamin that should make up a large portion of a goat’s diet. There is also Vitamin A that can help with the immune system and Vitamin C that helps with tissue repair.

Potassium is also present, which can help with the operation of tissues in your goat’s body. These benefits can all stack on top of the fact that the watermelon can help keep your goat hydrated, as mentioned above.

The flesh and vines aren’t going to be that stacked with nutrients, especially due to the flesh’s high water content but the rind is a great snack if your goat will eat it. If this is your first time feeding your goat watermelon, then be sure to observe them.

It’s always best to start out feeding your goat a small amount of a new treat to see how they like it before giving them a large portion.

FAQ 

How much watermelon do goats eat? 

Try not to give your goat more than 20% of its daily diet in treats. Of course, if it’s an extremely hot day and watermelon can help keep your goat hydrated, there can be a small bit of wiggle room until you figure out how to get them to drink more water.

Can Goats Eat Watermelon candy?

No, you should not give your goat any watermelon candy. For starters, the watermelon flavoring used in many popular candies is artificial and the candies themselves are made of tons of ingredients that aren’t healthy for goats to consume. A candy can even cause a goat to get sick if it contains the wrong type of ingredients.

Even if it says it’s made with natural watermelon, check the label 99% of the time. It’s going to have a list of other ingredients mixed in.

Can goats eat other watermelon-flavored food?

Like with candy, you should never trust flavored foods. They tend to have a whole slew of added ingredients most of which aren’t healthy for your goats. This is especially true for watermelon flavored drinks which have high amounts of unhealthy ingredients like sugar and sodium.

If you need more help keeping your goats healthy and well taken care of, check out the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System – worksheets, calculators, supply management and more to keep your goats in tip top shape while cutting down on time.

Access the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System Here

Can Goats Eat Oranges

By MrAnimal Farm

black and tan goat in tall weeds

If you have goats, you may want to give them something a little extra as a treat now and then. Whether you are just looking for a sweet treat for your herd, or maybe you grew a large harvest of oranges on your own, you may wonder: can goats eat oranges?

Goats, like any other type of animals, have their typical diet and then they have other foods they can have as treats. However, they also have foods that can be dangerous as well. So, before you start handing out any non-typical goat foods to your herd you need to be sure they are safe to eat.

Below we go over everything you need to know about whether you should or should not feed your goat oranges.

black and tan goat in tall weeds

Can Goats Eat Oranges 

Yes, goats can eat oranges and orange peels. Oranges are a safe, healthy and nutritious treat for your goats.

You’re goats probably aren’t going to encounter oranges while grazing about unless you live somewhere nice and warm and have some of these citrus trees on your property. However, they are a nice treat to buy and share with your goats occasionally. Goats tend to really enjoy the sweet and juicy taste of the orange.

Like with any type of treat out there, you will need to limit consumption. Goats who have their diet thrown off will end up with an upset stomach.

Can Goats Eat Orange Seeds? 

Yes, goats can eat orange seeds. There is no reason for you to try and scoop the seeds out. They won’t harm your goat. 

Can Goats Eat Orange Peels? 

Yes, goats can eat orange peels. In fact, the orange peel actually contains a higher dose of Vitamin C than the flesh of the fruit does. Orange peels are the healthiest part of the Orange. If you can get your goat to chow down on them, it’s a huge plus.

As you can probably tell from the answers above, it’s safe to let your goat eat every part of an orange. Just remember that too much of a good thing will upset their stomach.

Can Goats Eat Orange Leaves? 

If your goat somehow manages to chow down on leaves from your orange tree, there is no need to worry. Unlike some other types of plants like potatoes, the orange tree is safe to consume and won’t place toxins inside of your goat’s body.

With that being said, the leaves aren’t the most nutritious thing that your goat could be eating, and their munching can damage your tree.

It’s best to keep your fruit trees, and your goats separate when possible. If you let them wander around, consider keeping a fence around your tree to discourage any midday snacking that might occur. Trust me, they will devour your fruit trees, we have a lot of experience with this!

How to Feed Your Goats Oranges 

If you would like to treat your goat to some oranges, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. For starters, while a goat can safely consume all parts of the orange, many fruits are sprayed with pesticides that are harmful to both humans and goats when they are ingested.

The best way to ensure that your goat isn’t taking in any toxins is to thoroughly wash the orange off. You should also make sure to remove any stickers that have been placed on the fruit and get off any sticky residue they leave behind.

Once you are done washing the fruit, you should cut it into slices to serve to your goat. While they can and will eat an orange whole, this is a choking hazard.

Dividing the orange into bite-sized chunks is also a good way to make your goat think that they are getting more treats.

Oranges should never make up more than 20% of your goat’s diet, and you need to be careful as they are quite high in sugar. You may actually want to try feeding your goat a bit less as citrus fruits are known for easily upsetting a goat’s stomach.

Oranges contain a large boost of vitamins that can help keep your goat healthy when fed in an appropriate amount. Vitamin A is present, which helps boost the immune system, and so is Vitamin E, which helps increase the health of your goat’s body. Vitamin C is what oranges are best known for and can help remove free radicals from your goat’s body as it’s actually an antioxidant.

Oranges also have Fiber and Folate Acids that helps cells to divide. Calcium is also present, which can help with your goat’s bone health. Finally, oranges have Potassium, which helps with heart and muscle functions.

Keep in mind that the orange peel has the highest concentration of vitamins and if you can get your goat to snack on them, it is a great way to keep them healthy.

If it’s your first time feeding your goat an orange, give them a small piece and monitor them closely. Once you verify that your goat isn’t having an adverse reaction to the fruit, feel free to start feeding them more.

Need some help to keep your goats healthy and maintained? The G.O.A.T Herd Management Binder has you covered from supplies to routine care reminders.

FAQ 

Can goats eat orange trees? 

Yes, goats can eat orange trees. If a goat somehow decides to start munching on the bark of a tree, they should be ok. Of course, this isn’t preferable due to the fact that they can easily kill a tree off if left to eating it too long.

If they are just eating the leaves or plucking off oranges, they should be fine. You just want to ensure that they aren’t eating enough to upset their stomach. Fencing is a great way to keep goats out of your produce.

Can goats have orange juice? 

If you make the orange juice yourself, everything should be fine. Steer clear of any store-bought juices as even the organic ones usually have preservatives or extra sugar added in. These ingredients aren’t made for goat consumption and should be avoided at all costs.

You also will want to be careful with the amount of juice they ingest as it can be easy to lose track of how much sugar they are taking in.

Can goats eat mandarin oranges?

Yes, if you bought the oranges yourself and washed them off, it should be fine. Avoid canned mandarin oranges, though, as these will have a high amount of sugar and will likely have harmful preservatives that your goat shouldn’t ingest. 

You also may still want to slice small oranges up, to ensure there is no choking risk.

What fruits can goats eat?

Goats can actually eat a large range of fruits without worry. Some fruits goats can are are:

Blueberries

Pineapple

Watermelon

You do need to make sure to wash them off and be careful of the amount of fruit you are feeding them, especially if they are high in sugar. Avoid giving your goat fruits that aren’t ripe, especially if you are giving them something like a Tomato that has toxins in it until it fully ripens.

If you need more help keeping your goats healthy and well taken care of, check out the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System – worksheets, calculators, supply management and more to keep your goats in tip top shape while cutting down on time.

Access the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System Here

Can Goats Eat Potatoes?

By MrAnimal Farm

goats eating long weeds

Potatoes are known for being a healthy dish when eaten in moderation by humans. In fact, the potato is one of the most common vegetables to be made into human snack food. Goats, with their ravenous hunger, would surely enjoy potatoes too right? But can goats eat potatoes safely?

As with many food items, you can’t just start feeding your goat potatoes without a bit of research to ensure they are safe and how to prepare them. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about goats and potatoes.

goats eating long weeds

Can Goats Eat Potatoes 

Yes, goats can safely eat potatoes as long as you cook them first. While they are able to stand a small bit of raw potato, this isn’t recommended as it can easily upset their stomach.

This means that your goat can enjoy a serving of plain mashed potatoes without a problem. You should also never feed your goat a green potato as they contain Solanine, a toxin.

Can Goats Eat Potato Plants? 

No, goats cannot eat potato plants. Potato plants are toxic and should never be in an area where your goat can reach them. If you grow potatoes make sure they are in a safe or fenced-in area. Goats can be sneaky eaters and will munch down on the plants if they are not kept out.

If you suspect that your goat has gotten into your potato plants monitor them closely for toxicity signs and get into contact with your local vet.

Can Goats Eat Potato Leaves? 

No, goats cannot eat potato leaves. Potato leaves (just like the rest of the plant) are toxic to goats. Goats can’t tell that potato leaves are toxic, and if they have access to a garden with potato leaves, there is a decent chance that they will eventually make their way over to them.

Can Goats Eat Potato Skins or Peels? 

Goats can eat potato skins and peels if the skins are cooked. There’s no guarantee that a goat will want to eat cooked potato peels that don’t contain the fleshy part of the vegetable, so it may not be easy to feed them any leftover scraps.

We have found these to be hit or miss with our herd. But it’s always worth a try to get your goats an extra treat.

Signs Your Goat Has Eaten Potato Plants? 

If your goat has gotten into a potato plant, then there are probably going to be some signs of poisoning these are:

  • Lethargic Behavior
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Confusion
  • Breathing issues
  • Seizure
  • Coma
  • Death in rare cases

If you suspect your goat has consumed a potato plant, contact your vet immediately. Be sure to keep them well hydrated, especially if they are vomiting, and provide a quiet place for them to rest.

It’s best to choose a place that is warm, dry, and where they can easily reach the water. If they aren’t able to move around easily, use a bowl to give them easy and constant access to a water source. You should also check their mouths and remove any leftover parts of the plants that you see.

Need some help to keep your goats healthy and maintained? The G.O.A.T Herd Management Binder has you covered from supplies to routine care reminders.

How to Feed Your Goats Potatoes 

If you want to feed your goat potatoes, you will want to start by thoroughly washing off the vegetable to ensure that there are no pesticides left over. Once it’s washed, you will want to cook the potato by either baking or boiling it until it is no longer raw. You can choose to leave the peel on or remove it depending on the preference of your goat.

 If you cook the potato whole, make sure to chop it up into small bite-sized chunks before serving it to your goat to avoid a choking hazard. Make sure to avoid giving your goat any cooked potato dishes that you’ve made for your family unless they are butter and salt-free. You will also want to be careful to ensure that you aren’t using canned potatoes or store-bought potatoes as a treat, as they usually contain extra ingredients.

Potatoes should never make up more than 20% of your goat’s diet. Potatoes contain several vitamins that can be beneficial to your goat’s body.

Vitamin C is present, which can help to boosts your goat’s immune system. Vitamin B6 is a lesser-known vitamin that is a pyridoxine. It helps with metabolism and the creation of red blood cells. Potassium is also present, which helps a goat’s tissues, and potatoes also contain fiber.

If this is your first time feeding your goats, give them a small bit of cooked potato and monitor them closely. Once you verify that it’s safe, you can continue to feed your goat more cooked potatoes.

FAQ 

What should goats not eat? 

Goats should not eat any plants that make Solaine, like potato and tomato plants. You should also avoid feeding your goat any crops that aren’t ripe, as they are likely to contain toxins or make your goat sick. 

Keep in mind that goats are herbivores and shouldn’t be eating anything outside of the plant family. Meats and sweets should be avoided. Before feeding your goat any new food, be sure to ask a vet or do research to verify that it is safe.

What vegetables can goats eat? 

Goats can eat several different types of vegetables like celery, corn, pumpkin, broccoli, asparagus, squash, and lettuce. Make sure that these veggies are always ripe, as raw vegetables can hurt your goat and upset their stomach.

Can goats eat mashed potatoes? 

Yes, as long as you make the mashed potatoes yourself and don’t add in any additional ingredients. Canned mashed potatoes should be avoided as they often contain butter and other extra ingredients that can be harmful to goats. You may also notice that there is a high amount of salt present in many store-bought mashed potato dishes.

If you need more help keeping your goats healthy and well taken care of, check out the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System – worksheets, calculators, supply management and more to keep your goats in tip top shape while cutting down on time.

Access the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System Here

Can Goats Eat Asparagus?

By MrAnimal Farm

Despite their reputation for having iron stomachs there are plenty of food that you need to avoid feeding your goat. While vegetables and fruit may seem like a safe choice to feed your goat, not all of them are going to be safe. So what about plants that are known for being extremely healthy for humans, like asparagus? Can goats eat asparagus, or will it end up making them sick?

Goats are happy to eat any plant that they can get their mouths around. It’s not surprising that they will gleefully accept any type of treat you are trying to give them. So keep reading to see if asparagus is something your goats can handle.

two goats eating food our of hands

Can Goats Eat Asparagus 

Yes, goats can eat asparagus. It can be a nutritional treat when given in small amounts. In fact, if you find that your goat has made their way into your garden and eaten your asparagus crops, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about.

Remember that while it isn’t harmful in small amounts, giving a goat too much of any food outside of their regular diet will cause an upset stomach.

As with other veggie treats like celery, broccoli and lettuce, you should feed asparagus in moderation. Always measure out the treats that you are giving your goat each day to ensure that they don’t exceed 20% of their diet.

Can Goats Eat Asparagus Leaves 

Yes, goats can eat asparagus leaves. In fact, goats can eat the whole asparagus plant. It does seem a bit common for goats to not enjoy eating this part as much as the main plant. Your mileage may vary when trying to figure out which part of the asparagus is your goat’s favorite.

Can Goats Eat Canned Asparagus 

Goats should not eat canned asparagus. You should avoid feeding your goat anything you buy from the grocery store in a can. If you look on the nutritional label, you will likely see salt, sugar, or preservatives listed.

These are harmful to goats and should be avoided at all costs. Even the cans that say all organic may use preservatives, so it may be best to avoid using canned vegetables as treats altogether.

Can Goats Eat Frozen Asparagus 

Goats can eat frozen asparagus, if it doesn’t have other added ingredients. You should be careful when feeding your goats any food you buy from the grocery store that isn’t fresh. Preservatives or salt are often added into frozen dishes, so you need to check the ingredients label before thawing the asparagus out and giving it to your goat.

Make sure to properly warm up the asparagus if it’s safe to share with your goat. They likely won’t appreciate biting into a partially frozen snack.

If you freeze your own asparagus, double check to make sure there is no freezer burn and that the vegetable is still good to eat.

Can Goats Eat Grilled Asparagus 

Goats can eat grilled asparagus if it doesn’t have other ingredients added to it. If you have grilled the asparagus yourself and haven’t added in any seasoning, including salt, then it should be safe to give to your goat.

You will also want to ensure that the cooking surface you are grilling on doesn’t have any residual charcoal that is going to cling to the asparagus. Don’t be surprised if they aren’t too keen on the taste, though. After all, grilled veggies aren’t natural parts of their diet.

Need some help to keep your goats healthy and maintained? The G.O.A.T Herd Management Binder has you covered from supplies to routine care reminders.

How to Feed Your Goats Asparagus 

Before feeding your goat any asparagus, there are some rules that you need to know. For starters, never give your goat a vegetable that you haven’t personally grown without washing it off first. This ensures that all the harmful pesticides are washed off and don’t make their way into your goat’s body.

Next, you should ensure that you don’t ever feed your goat more than 20% of their diet in treats.

You may want to cut the asparagus up into bite-size chunks depending on the stalks size. This ensures that your goat won’t have a chance to choke if they get a little too excited about treat time. Having smaller chunks also encourages your goat to eat slower and may make them think that they are getting more food than they really are.

If you are planning to boil or grill the asparagus, make sure not to add anything else in. Seasoning as simple as salt will upset your goat’s stomach is not good for your goat’s body in general. Asparagus is not a vegetable that you need to cook to give to your goat, and they may not appreciate the change in taste.

Asparagus is a healthy treat rich in fiber, but it does not meet the everyday nutritional needs of a goat, and if fed in excess, will make them sick. Some benefit that they will receive from eating asparagus as a treat is a healthy boost of vitamins.

Asparagus has Vitamin A, which helps to boost the immune system, and Vitamin C, which helps protect cells from free radicals. This can be beneficial since goats spend a lot of time in the sun. Asparagus also has Vitamin K, which helps blood clot and which helps red blood cells form. 

As with any new food, make sure to observe your goat closely after giving them the first piece of asparagus. Once you verify that your goat doesn’t have a negative reaction to the asparagus, you can give them a larger portion.

FAQ 

Can baby goats eat asparagus?

Generally, you should avoid giving a baby goat any type of treats until they are between 6 to 8 weeks old. Before this point, they are still developing teeth and getting milk from their mom. You should also be working on getting them onto a normal diet before trying to feed them treats.

Once you have your baby goat eating solid foods, you can slowly start to introduce treats to their diet. Make sure to chop the asparagus up into tiny chunks to make sure there isn’t a choking risk, as baby goats may be even more excited over a treat than their parents.

If you need more help keeping your goats healthy and well taken care of, check out the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System – worksheets, calculators, supply management and more to keep your goats in tip top shape while cutting down on time.

Access the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System Here

Can Goats Eat Blueberries

By MrAnimal Farm

goats eating from a bowl

Blueberries are healthy fruit snacks, and if you are eating them, you may wonder about sharing a few with your goat. Goats love to eat all kinds of treats even ones that aren’t good for them. So, can goats eat blueberries?

.It’s important to know which foods you can safely feed your goat and which ones you should avoid. Keep reading to find out just how safe are blueberries for your goat to eat, and will they end up making them sick?

goats eating from a bowl

Can Goats Eat Blueberries 

Yes, goats can eat blueberries and, in fact, love them. Blueberries are a healthy treat full of antioxidants and a variety of vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin K and Potassium. Fruits like blueberries have a lot of sugar, so ensure they don’t overeat them. 

Just like other treats goat should never eat more than 20% of its diet in blueberries. And you need to be cautious, just like with other fruits like watermelon, oranges and pineapple that they don’t get too much sugar.

Can Goats Eat Blueberry Plants or Bushes? 

Yes, goats can eat blueberry plants or bushes. Unlike some other plants in the fruit family like tomatoes, blueberry plants are safe to eat.

One year, our herd got into our berry patch and quickly plucked EVERY SINGLE berry off the bushes and then also promptly chopped the bushes themselves down.

If your goat happens to break into your blueberry patch, then you don’t need to worry too much as there isn’t anything that is going to poison your goat. The biggest worry you should have is if you sprayed pesticides on the plant, as you don’t want those toxins making their way into your goat’s body.

The plant part of the blueberry probably won’t be your goat’s favorite part, and they will be more interested in consuming the fruit itself.

Can Goats Eat Blueberry Leaves? 

Yes, goats can safely eat the leaves of a blueberry plant without worry. Like with the plant itself, though, you need to be cautious if you have used pesticides on your plants.

Make sure to wash any leaves off thoroughly before giving them to your goat. Like with the plant itself, your goats will likely prefer the fruit over chowing down on the leaves.

If you do use pesticides, make sure to use fencing to ensure that your goat doesn’t get into your plants. This can save you a trip to the vet if things take a turn for the worse after your goat treats itself to a plant buffet.

Need some help to keep your goats healthy and maintained? The G.O.A.T Herd Management Binder has you covered from supplies to routine care reminders.

How to Feed Your Goats Blueberries 

Blueberries will need to be thoroughly washed off before you give them to your goat. This is due to the fact that most plants you buy in the grocery store have had pesticides used on them.

Pesticides are toxic to goats, so you will want to avoid allowing them to ingest these chemicals at all costs. You will also want to be careful of what type of blueberries you are feeding to your goats.

Canned blueberries, as well as frozen ones, will likely contain extra ingredients like salt or preservatives that can further upset your goat’s stomach. In addition, there are tons of blueberry fillings that are made for making sweets like pies. These are not suitable for goat consumption and often contain chemicals that can lead you to visiting the vet.

If it’s made to be a sweet snack, then you shouldn’t give it to your goat. Goats aren’t able to identify which foods they should and shouldn’t eat. If you put something in front of them that looks tasty, they will eat it regardless of the eventual outcome.

This also extends to blueberry-filled products like pastries and items like muffins that contain blueberries. These also contain other ingredients that won’t agree with your goat’s body.

A blueberry pop-tart is extremely high in sugar, for example, and even humans shouldn’t be eating a large quantity of them or even trying to consume them every single day.

Watch out for any signs of an upset stomach and your goat getting diarrhea when you are feeding them berries. This is a good sign that they are eating too many or that the amount of sugar they are intaking is too much for their body to handle.

If you see either of these signs, make sure to dial back how many blueberries you are giving them and give them some time to let their tummy calm down before trying to feed them treats again. Generally, this isn’t a huge sign for concern. Just provide your goat with plenty of water to keep them hydrated and give them time to recover.

Luckily, Blueberries tend to be a small food, so you don’t need to worry about cutting them up unless you want to. This does help to get your goat to consume the blueberries slower and will make them think they are getting more treats than they actually are.

You should never surpass 20% of your goat’s diet in treats. If you feed them more and continue to do so each day, then they will have a nutrition deficiency which will eventually cause you to need to call a vet and most likely cut out treats altogether for quite some time. You also need to be cautious of blueberries and other high sugar fruits in particular.

In addition, blueberries have antioxidants. These help to stop free radicals from having reign in your goat’s bodies. In fact, blueberries are well known for the fact that they contain antioxidants, and it’s one of the reasons why they are always presented as a healthy fruit choice.

Keep in mind that several other treats like broccoli and spinach also contain antioxidants and can be a great treat.

Blueberries do contain a high amount of nutrients that can be beneficial to your goat when fed in proper portions. For starters, blueberries do contain fiber, which is a natural part of your goat’s normal diet.

Blueberries contain Vitamin C, which helps to boost the immune system, and Vitamin K, which helps your goat’s body to make proteins needed for causing blood clots. Potassium is also included in blueberries which is needed to help keep tissues in your goat’s body healthy.

Blueberries are also extremely low in fat, which means you don’t need to worry about having an overweight goat.

As with any new food that you are feeding your goat, you should be cautious. When you first give your goat any new treat, only give them a small portion and keep a close watch on them for any signs of sickness.

Once some time has passed without any type of negative reaction, you can begin to feed your goat more blueberries without worry. Also, keep in mind that blueberries should not be given to a goat below six weeks of age, as their diet is extremely limited.

FAQ 

What fruits can goats eat? 

Goats can eat a large variety of fruits like oranges, apples, bananas, and peaches and pineapples. Before feeding your goat any new treat, make sure to double-check with your vet and do your own research to ensure that they can eat it.

Some healthy food items like potatoes can be deadly when given to your goat before they are ripe and when they are still raw. Prior research is the best way to ensure that your goat is healthy.

If you need more help keeping your goats healthy and well taken care of, check out the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System – worksheets, calculators, supply management and more to keep your goats in tip top shape while cutting down on time.

Access the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System Here

Can Goats Eat Lettuce

By MrAnimal Farm

goats standing on hay bale

Goats are curious creatures that love nothing more than snacking the day away on any plants that they can find. You can quickly become best friends with your goat by feeding them and giving them treats on the side. So, you may wonder, can goats eat lettuce?

Many of the veggies and fruits that are healthy for us will seem like a great source of food for your goat as well. The truth is that goats have a very particular diet, whether they want to admit it or not, and a lot of foods don’t agree with their stomachs.

Keep reading to find out all the details on what lettuce goats can or cannot eat.

goat standing on hay bale

Can Goats Eat Lettuce 

Yes, goats can eat lettuce without you having to worry. In fact, there are several different types of lettuce out there that you can choose from as a treat for your goat. Just remember that despite lettuce’s healthy nature, you should never feed your goat more than 20% of its diet in lettuce.

Lettuce has a variety of different nutrients including fiber, water and several vitamins that help them maintain a healthy diet. You can feed lettuce to your goats as a treat on it’s own, or you can mix it with other vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, celery or tomatoes for a more well-rounded treat.

Can Goats Eat Iceburg Lettuce? 

Yes, Iceberg lettuce is perfectly safe for you to feed to your goat. Sadly, it is made up of a high percentage of water, so it’s not going to be as nutritious as some other types of Lettuce.

This shouldn’t deter you from sharing some with your goat, though. This type of lettuce may be good for giving your goat a small boost in hydration, though.

Can Goats Eat Romaine Lettuce? 

Yes, goats can eat romaine lettuce. Romaine lettuce is actually considered by many to be the healthiest type of lettuce out there. This is because it has the highest nutritional value out of the other types of lettuce you will encounter.

So, this lettuce variety would be a top choice to give to your goats.

Can Goats Eat Bibb Lettuce? 

Yes, goats can eat bibb lettuce. Like butter lettuce, bibb lettuce has a unique butter-like texture that your goat may enjoy. Bibb lettuce has been noted to have a sweeter taste, so if you have a goat with a sweet tooth, this may be their new favorite snack.

Other Types of lettuce goats can eat.

Goats can eat plenty of varieties of lettuce, including:

  • Arugula
  • Butterhead
  • Leaf
  • Stem

Many of these are named from the texture or look of the lettuce and are not just special names for parts of the plant, no matter how silly they may sound. Be sure to check the nutritional value of the different lettuce types, so you know which ones are best to feed your goat.

It may take a while for you to determine which type of lettuce is your goat’s favorite. Feel free to experiment with the different types until you find one that your pet truly starts to fall in love with.

Need some help to keep your goats healthy and maintained? The G.O.A.T Herd Management Binder has you covered from supplies to routine care reminders.

How to Feed Your Goats Lettuce 

If you are going to feed your goat lettuce, then you need to properly wash it off before preparing it. Many types of products that you pick up from the grocery store have had pesticides used on them.

Pesticides are toxins that are harmful when ingested and can ultimately make your goat sick. You will also want to check to make sure the lettuce isn’t rotting and that there is no mold hiding in the leaves. Lettuce is a leafy plant, so if you’ve had it for a while, this should be a concern as the leaves can hide decay and mold.

Lettuce is easy to portion for your goats, just pull the leaves off and don’t try to give them the entire head of lettuce. Make sure to portion it so that they never receive more than 20% of their diet in lettuce.

Although it is a healthy vegetable, it is still a treat and does not meet a goat’s daily dietary needs. If you only feed a goat lettuce or give them too much, then they will have a nutrition deficiency.

Never give your goat lettuce that you buy in salad bags without first checking the nutrients. Many store-bought salad mixes will have extra sugar and salt added in for taste. While many store bought pre-packaged produce may seem like a good idea, it’s made for human consumption and ease without taking animals into account.

Lettuce does contain plenty of vitamins and is a fibrous food. Lettuce has the immune-boosting  Vitamin C and Vitamin K, which helps your goat’s blood to clot when they get cut or injured. It also contains Vitamin B9 which helps with the formation of red blood cells in your goat’s body.

Of course, some varieties of lettuce, like romaine, are more plentiful in vitamins than others. If you want to know the nutrition value of new types of lettuce, then read up on them to see just how healthy they are for your goat.

As with any new food, you should be careful when giving lettuce to your goat for the first time. The first time you give your goat lettuce, only give them a small portion and watch closely for any adverse reactions.

Once you have verified that it is safe to feed your goat lettuce, you can give them a much larger portion. Keep in mind that goats younger than six weeks old shouldn’t be given treats. They have special dietary needs that don’t include treats.

FAQ 

Can baby goats eat lettuce? 

No, you should avoid feeding baby goats lettuce until they are around six weeks of age. Baby goats have very specific nutritional needs, and their bodies are still developing.

Can goats eat whole salads?

It depends on what type of salad you are making and what’s in it. You will want to avoid giving goats salads with cheese mixed in or that have dressing already on them.

In addition, you will want to double-check that all the ingredients that are in it are safe for goat consumption. Never give a goat a salad with meat, and if it’s store-bought, you will likely want to avoid it as extra additives like sugar and salt aren’t good for your goat’s body.

If you want to give your goat a salad as a treat, it’s best that you make it at home with fresh vegetables yourself.

If you need more help keeping your goats healthy and well taken care of, check out the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System – worksheets, calculators, supply management and more to keep your goats in tip top shape while cutting down on time.

Access the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System Here

Can Goats Eat Broccoli?

By MrAnimal Farm

goat standing in long grass

Perhaps you have a garden full of broccoli and need to do something with the excess. Or, maybe you are just looking for some healthy treats for your goats. This may lead you to asking: Can goats eat broccoli?

Goats are known for their insatiable appetites. Many people believe that goats are bottomless pits that can consume any type of food or material without any adverse effects. This couldn’t be further from the truth, though, and even some healthy vegetables can be dangerous for goats to consume.

Before you go trying to feed your goat a plate of broccoli, there are a few things about the treat that you need to know.

goat standing in long grass

Can Goats Eat Broccoli 

Yes, goats can eat broccoli in small portions without you having to worry about issues. This is a treat that should be heavily portioned, though, as Broccoli is part of the brassica family of plants. This plant family is known to be harder to digest for goats, so depending on the individual, it may not make the best treat.

Broccoli also naturally contains sulfur. As you probably already have guessed, ingesting too much sulfur isn’t healthy for your goat and should be avoided. If your goat ends up having too much sulfur in its body, then they want to be able to digest it. This will lead to the sulfur becoming toxic and can cause some major issues.

These issues can range from something as small as a stomach aches to tissues in the goat’s brain dying, depending on the amount of sulfur that was ingested.

Broccoli also contains glucosinolates that, when consumed in excess, can lead to thyroid problems and goiters. It’s extremely important to not feed your goat too much broccoli and never exceed more than 20% of their diet in this treat.

If your goat has consumed a large amount of broccoli, then keep a close watch on them. If they show any signs of sickness like vomiting, then contact your vet and provide them with plenty of clean water.

If you are planning to grow broccoli, then make sure your goat can’t get into your crops. To do this, put a fence around the broccoli.

This will ensure that you don’t have any mishaps on your hand and will most likely save you a ton of money in the long run, as you won’t need to get your vet to make a house visit to treat your sick goat.

Can Goats Eat Cooked Broccoli 

Yes, goats can eat cooked broccoli as long as you haven’t added anything extra in. You should never serve broccoli with additives such as salt or cheese. If you have a broccoli dish with seasoning from the grocery store, do not give it to your goat, chances are that they can’t digest the seasoning well.

Can Goats Eat Raw Broccoli? 

Yes, raw broccoli is usually what goat owners give to their goats as treats. Just make sure to clean it off before giving it to your goat.

Can Goats Eat Broccoli Stems? 

Yes, goats can eat the stems of broccoli, just ensure that they are free from pesticides. You will need to experiment to figure out what your goat’s favorite part of the broccoli plant is.

Need some help to keep your goats healthy and maintained? The G.O.A.T Herd Management Binder has you covered from supplies to routine care reminders.

Can Goats Eat Broccoli Leaves? 

Yes, the whole Broccoli plant, including its leaves, can safely be eaten by your goat. Once again, make sure to wash the leaves off if they are bought from the store or if you used pesticides on your plants.

How to Feed Your Goats Broccoli 

Before you feed your goat broccoli, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. First off, remember that they contain sulfur and glucosinolates, which can be toxic if your goat builds up an excess in their body.

Next, you will want to thoroughly wash off the broccoli before you give it to your goat. Many types of store-bought produce has had pesticides used on it, which is also toxic to goats.  You will also want to check to make sure that the broccoli isn’t rotting and that there isn’t mold hiding anywhere.

Once the broccoli is cleaned, you will want to begin cutting it up into smaller pieces, especially if you bought a larger piece. By cutting the broccoli up, you can ensure that there isn’t a choking risk.

This can also help the treat last a little longer and trick your goat into thinking that they are eating more. Some small pieces of broccoli will come in bags. These can be easier to give to your goat as they are already bite-sized.

Be cautious of things like canned or frozen broccoli, as these may contain preservatives or extra seasoning that are harmful to your goat. Many of these foods will contain extras like salt or sugar, so you always need to closely check nutrition labels.

In addition, frozen dishes, especially those that are seasoned, are not good for goat consumption. Broccoli and cheese is a popular dish, but your goat’s stomach isn’t made to digest the cheese, and they will likely get sick from eating it.

It’s best to feed your goat plain broccoli that you buy from the produce aisle to be on the safe side.

Broccoli does contain a high amount of vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to your goat. Here is a list of the vitamins in broccoli:

  • Iron: Important component of hemoglobin.
  • Phosphorous: Helps with bone health.
  • Vitamins A: Helps with vision and cell growth.
  • Potassium: Helps goat’s tissues stay healthy.
  • Calcium: Helps with bone growth and strength.
  • Vitamin K: Helps blood clotting.
  • Zinc: Increases a goat’s metabolism and helps with the immune system.
  • Vitamin B12: Helps keep blood cells and your goat’s nerve cells healthy,
  • Thiamin: Helps your goat absorb nutrients from food.
  • Vitamin D: Helps with bone health.
  • Riboflavin: Helps with the formation of coenzymes.
  • Vitamin E: Helps keep muscles and nerves healthy.
  • Niacin: Helps with cholesterol and brain functions.
  • Vitamin B6: Helps metabolism and the nervous system.
  • Folate: Helps with cell growth and to form red blood cells.

As you can see from the long list of vitamins and minerals, broccoli is a very nutritional treat when given to your goat in the proper portions. No treat, including broccoli, should ever make up more than 20% of your goat’s diet.

If this is the first time you have ever given your goat broccoli, then use caution. While it is rather rare, a goat can have allergies to foods like broccoli. Start by giving them a small piece of broccoli and watch for any adverse reactions.

Once some time has passed, and you have verified that your goat can stomach the plant, feel free to feed them a larger portion.

Keep in mind that broccoli and treats, in general, shouldn’t be fed to a goat until they are at least six weeks of age. Young goats have very specific nutritional needs and are still developing their teeth.

FAQ 

Can goats eat vegetable scraps? 

The answer is that it depends on the scraps. For example, you can’t give your goat pieces of raw potato without them getting sick. On the other hand, you can feed them cucumber scraps without having to worry about them getting sick. You will also only want to give your goat plain scraps. Scraps that have seasoning on them will only serve to upset your goat’s stomach or make them sick.

What veggies are good for goats? 

There are plenty of different vegetables that are good for your goat to eat. These include; celery, lettuce, spinach, asparagus and cabbage. Before feeding your goat any new types of food, make sure to do thorough research or check with your vet to ensure they are safe.

If you need more help keeping your goats healthy and well taken care of, check out the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System – worksheets, calculators, supply management and more to keep your goats in tip top shape while cutting down on time.

Access the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System Here

Can Goats Eat Pineapple?

By MrAnimal Farm

goat standing on hay bale eating hay

Goats are curious animals that are happy to taste just about any food item they can get their mouths around. It’s not surprising that they will love you when you give them treats, so it’s important to know what foods are safe for them. If you love pineapple and have it around the house, you may wonder, can goats eat pineapple?

Goats are herbivores and love nothing more than to receive tasty plants like pineapple as a treat. Before you go feeding your goat fruit, though, there are quite a few things you need to know. If you feed your goat too much of a good thing, they can get sick, and there are some fruits that are potentially toxic to goats.

goat standing on hay bale eating hay

Can Goats Eat Pineapple 

Yes, goats can safely eat pineapple without you having to worry. Pineapple contains a lot of healthy vitamins and minerals for your goats.

Keep in mind that pineapples, like other fruits such as oranges, blueberries and watermelon, have a high sugar content compared to your goat’s normal diet. To keep their stomach from getting upset, be sure to never feed your goat more than 20% of their diet in treats, especially when it comes to fruit.

While it’s unlikely that most goat owners are growing a pineapple tree, if you are in an area where you can grow one and your goat eats a pineapple, you don’t need to worry unless it wasn’t ripe.

Can Goats Eat Pineapple Rind? 

Yes, goats can eat pineapple rind. As long as you make sure to clean the rind to get pesticides off, you can feed it to your goat. Generally, though, a goat’s favorite part of the pineapple will be the flesh.

Also, make sure the spikes on the rind aren’t too big or hard as it might injure their mouths.

Can Goats Eat Pineapple Tops? 

Yes, goats can eat pineapple tops. The top of the pineapple won’t give your goat a lot of nutrients, but it is perfectly safe to eat.

Can Goats Eat Pineapple Juice? 

Yes and no, if you buy the pineapple juice from the store, there is a high chance it’s full of sugar and has tons of additives that can be harmful to your goat’s body. If you want your goat to have pineapple juice, then it’s best you make it for them yourself, so you know that it is 100% safe for goat consumption.

Can Goats Eat Canned Pineapple? 

No, goats cannot eat canned pineapple. The general answer is no. This is because canned pineapple usually has additives and preservatives. Many types of canned pineapple are made for human consumption and used as dessert toppings.

Need some help to keep your goats healthy and maintained? The G.O.A.T Herd Management Binder has you covered from supplies to routine care reminders.

How to Feed Your Goats Pineapple 

Before you give your goat pineapple, there are a few things that you should do. For starters, you need to make sure to thoroughly wash off the outer part of the pineapple if you are going to feed it to your goat.

Make sure to thoroughly check the pineapple for signs of rot both on the inside and the outside. Once you have verified that the pineapple is fresh and free from mold, you can begin to cut it up.

Pineapples are larger fruits, so you will want to cut them up into small bite-sized pieces for your goat to eat. This ensures that your goat won’t have a chance of choking when they start chowing down on the pineapple.

If you are giving them the rind, this rule applies even more as it is the harder outer shell of the pineapple and much more of a choking risk to your goat than the flesh is.

If you have picked up pineapple from a grocery store, whether frozen or in a can, be cautious. These usually have additives and preservatives added in that will upset your goat’s stomach.

Likewise, you will want to avoid giving your goat pineapple that came out of a dessert (like pineapple upside down cake) as they are high in sugar. Unless you got your pineapple from the produce aisle, it’s probably best to skip giving it to your goat.

Pineapples do contain several different vitamins that are great for your goat’s body. Here is a list of the vitamins and minerals that are in pineapples:

  • Vitamin C: an antioxidant that among other things helps a healthy immune system.
  • Vitamin B6: Helps with keeping the immune and nervous systems healthy, as well as brain development.
  • Thiamin: This helps your goat’s body absorb energy from the nutrients they ingest.
  • Niacin: Helps to lower cholesterol and helps with brain function.
  • Folate: Helps your goat’s cells to grow and their red blood cells to form.
  • Potassium: Helps to keep tissues healthy.
  • Iron: A component needed for hemoglobin.
  • Vitamin D: Helps to provide a boost to your goat’s immune system.
  • Copper: Helps to connect your goat’s tissues, gives them energy and helps with blood vessels.
  • Magnesium: Helps with nerve and muscle functions in your goat’s body.
  • Riboflavin: Helps coenzymes form.

As you can see from the list above, Pineapples can be extremely healthy when given to your goat as treats. You should make sure that no treats, including pineapples, exceed more than 20% of your goat’s diet.

If you feed your goat too much pineapple, then they will have too much sugar in their body and suffer from nutrition deficiencies.

While rare, goats can have allergies, so you should be cautious when providing them with a new treat. Only give your goat a small piece of pineapple to start with and closely watch them to ensure they don’t have an allergic reaction.

Once you have verified that it’s safe, you can feed your goat a larger serving of pineapple. Keep in mind that goats younger than six weeks of age shouldn’t be fed pineapple. Baby goats have specific nutritional needs that need to be met and are still developing their teeth.

FAQ 

Can goats eat unripe pineapple?

No goats shouldn’t eat unripe pineapple. Unripe fruits, in general, can be dangerous for your goat to eat as they are much more likely to contain toxins. If the pineapple you bought is unripe, do not feed it to your goat.

Can baby goats eat pineapple?

Goats that are younger than six weeks of age should not be consuming pineapple or any other treats. Baby goats have nutritional needs that are met by milk and may not be able to safely chew up the pineapple if their teeth haven’t developed far enough, making pineapple and other solid foods a huge choking risk.

If you need more help keeping your goats healthy and well taken care of, check out the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System – worksheets, calculators, supply management and more to keep your goats in tip top shape while cutting down on time.

Access the G.O.A.T. Herd Management System Here

Can Chickens Eat Zucchini?

By MrAnimal Farm

zucchini in wooden basket sitting in the grass

We love to grow zucchini. It’s a great crop for beginning gardeners, it’s prolific, and you can make a tone of delicious recipes with it. With all the love zucchini deserves, can chickens eat zucchini too and share in the joy or will they take an unknowing bite into their last meal?

Keep reading and find out if zucchini is the awesome treat we want it to be!

zucchini in wooden basket sitting in the grass

In This Article

  • Can Chickens Eat Zucchini?
    • What is zucchini?
    • Is zucchini safe for my chickens to eat?
    • What about zucchini plant flowers, leaves, and seeds?
    • Is zucchini healthy for chickens?
      • What are the nutritional benefits of zucchini for chickens?
      • What do these nutrients do?
    • How do you feed zucchini to chickens?

Can Chickens Eat Zucchini?

Chickens can absolutely eat zucchini. In fact, they will love eating it AND it is good for them too! Generally speaking, zucchini, fruit, leaves, flowers, and seeds, are all safe for your chickens to eat.

On occasion there can be dangerous substances called cucurbitacins that will give the zucchini a bitter taste. You can feed zucchini a couple of times a week but we would recommend no more than three times. A single zucchini, when cut in half or into cubes, can feed at least 5 chickens.

What is zucchini?

The zucchini, or courgette, is the long and green edible part of the zucchini plant. Zucchini is part of the summer squash family. A fun little fact is that while zucchini can be found on a ton of different “top vegetables to grow” lists, it is actually technically a fruit. Chickens love it so much for a couple of reasons.

One, zucchini, when harvested in time, is very soft and easy for them to eat and digest. We technically harvest the zucchini prior to it being fully ripe which is why the outer skin is still soft enough to penetrate with your fingernail. The other reason is that zucchini has a very mild, yet sweet, flavor. The lack of bitterness keeps chickens coming back for more and more of this squash.

Is zucchini safe for my chickens to eat?

Zucchini is very safe for chickens to eat. Despite having a sweet flavor there is, surprisingly, not too much sugar. Unlike when chickens eat peaches, nectarines, cranberries, and raisins, which have a lot of sugar and can cause a ton of health issues, like obesity, sugar addiction, and hypoglycemia.

We all want to keep our chickens well taken care of and safe and feeding them zucchini is a treat that can help you do that.

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

There is a possibility that zucchini can have cucurbitacins in them. Cucurbitacins are believed to be a naturally occurring substance that some plants use ad a means of pest control. In higher concentrations it will give the fruit or vegetable a bitter taste.

For people, cucurbitacin poisoning, otherwise known as toxic squash syndrome, can result in diarrhea, nausea & vomiting, and in some cases, hair loss. You can imagine if this is the impact on a full grown adult, what it can do to a chicken who is only a fraction of the same size and weight.

What about zucchini plant flowers, leaves, and seeds?

Unlike peach, nectarine, mango, and tomato plants, the entire zucchini plant is safe for your chickens to eat. Most likely they will want to stick with the fruit of the plant, but, if they do eat the plant, rest assured they will be just fine. Also, as a side note, it is possible there is a higher concentration of cucurbitacin in the rest of the plant, so do take a bit of caution if feeding them zucchini greens.

Is zucchini healthy for chickens?

Zucchini is full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients your chicken needs to live a happy and healthy life. Because it has so much water in it, it will also help keep them hydrated. Water, as well as fiber, also helps aid in digestion too.

Additionally, while we could not find any scientific studies or sources saying this is true, there are anecdotal experiences of zucchini being used as a natural dewormer, along with pumpkin seeds and some other gourds. Again, we have not been able to confirm this so keep in mind, if you do consider trying it out, your experience may vary from the experiences of others.

What are the nutritional benefits of zucchini for chickens?

Below, You’ll find the USDA FoodData Center nutritional analysis on a serving size of 1 raw, skin-on, medium size zucchini (196g).

NameAmountMeasurement
Water186.000g
Energy33.300kcal
Protein2.370g
Fat0.627g
Carbohydrate, by difference6.100g
Fiber, total dietary1.960g
Sugars, total including NLEA4.900g
Calcium, Ca31.400mg
Iron, Fe0.725mg
Magnesium, Mg35.300mg
Phosphorus, P74.500mg
Potassium, K512.000mg
Sodium, Na15.700mg
Zinc, Zn0.627mg
Copper, Cu0.104mg
Manganese, Mn0.347mg
Selenium, Se0.392µg
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid35.100mg
Vitamin B-60.319mg
Folate, total47.000µg
Vitamin A, RAE19.600µg
Carotene, beta235.000µg
Vitamin A, IU392.000IU
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)0.235mg
Vitamin K (phylloquinone)8.430µg

What do these nutrients do?

Here are what some of those nutrients mentioned above do to keep your chicken’s body running right.

  • Antioxidants: repair damage from free radicals, fight off/prevent future damage, protect from oxidative damage, anti-inflammatory, lower blood pressure, improve heart health in high enough doses, development and health of tissue, skin, and feathers
  • Vitamin A: eye, skin, respiratory, and digestive health
  • Vitamin B6: healthy blood vessels, eye/vision health, nervous system , immune system
  • Carbohydrates: give chickens energy
  • Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
  • Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; energy, growth, and digestive health
  • Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative

How do you feed zucchini to chickens?

If you did not grow it yourself without pesticides or buy it from a pesticide free farm, make sure you thoroughly wash the zucchini to remove any potential residue. It’s always a good idea to wash your fruits and veggies anyway but especially so if they have been exposed to pest control sprays.

You can feed zucchini whole, if you like but most likely some chickens will eat too much while other will not get much, if any, at all. What we recommend is to either cut it into small cubes or cut it in half and put down a pair of zucchini “troughs”.

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

Can Chickens Eat Rhubarb?

By MrAnimal Farm

Edible rhubarb stalks on the wooden table.

Rhubarb pie is an American staple. It is super tasty and that is in large part because rhubarb on it’s own is very good. Unfortunately, rhubarb gets a bad rap sometimes because people believe it to be toxic for them AND their animals. So, can chickens eat rhubarb or will they eat it and end up plant food themselves?

Still along to find out just what happens when chickens eat rhubarb!

Edible rhubarb stalks on the wooden table.

In This Article

  • Can Chickens Eat Rhubarb?
    • Can Chickens eat rhubarb stalks?
    • Can chickens eat rhubarb pie or crumble?
    • Can chickens eat rhubarb flowers?
    • Can Chickens eat rhubarb seeds?
    • Can Chickens eat rhubarb leaves?
      • Oxalic Acid
    • Is rhubarb healthy for chickens?
      • What are the nutritional benefits of rhubarb for chickens?
      • What do these nutrients do?
    • How do you feed rhubarb to chickens?
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Q1. Can I overfeed my chickens rhubarb?
      • Q2. How much rhubarb can I feed to my chickens?
      • Q3. How often can I feed rhubarb to my chickens?
      • Q4. Can chicks eat rhubarb?
      • Q6. What other fruits and vegetables are safe for chickens?
      • Berries

Can Chickens Eat Rhubarb?

Yes, chickens can eat rhubarb stalks in very small amounts. However, they cannot eat rhubarb leaves due to oxalis acid contained in them. Oxalis acid can possibly lead to kidney failure and, in some cases, death.

When feeding the stalks, it’s best to cut them into smaller, bite-size pieces and scatter them for your chickens. Rhubarb can be a good supplemental snack but only in tiny amounts fed only occasionally.

Can Chickens eat rhubarb stalks?

Yes, chickens can eat rhubarb stalks if fed in significant moderation. They contain many healthy vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A and Vitamin C.

Can chickens eat rhubarb pie or crumble?

They can eat rhubarb pie and rhubarb crumble but they really shouldn’t. The amount of sugar is much to high for your chickens and can be a potential health risk.

Can chickens eat rhubarb flowers?

No, chickens cannot eat rhubarb flowers due to the oxalic acid content. More information on that below.

Can Chickens eat rhubarb seeds?

Again, chickens cannot eat rhubarb seeds, due to the oxalic content.

Can Chickens eat rhubarb leaves?

Nope, chickens cannot eat rhubarb leaves. Unlike plants like zucchini which the whole plant is safe for chickens to eat, only part of rhubarb is considered somewhat safe. The rest of the rhubarb plant all fall into the potentially dangerous category.

Oxalate poisoning, or rhubarb leaf poisoning, in humans will present itself initially through symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Your chickens aren’t going to vomit but they can get diarrhea.

It is also sometimes possible to tell when your chickens are experiencing pain. You may also be able to carefully palpate their abdomen and see if they are tender; but this is difficult to really tell.

Other, more chicken specific, signs you may notice during your routine health checks are lethargy, puffed up feathers, abnormal movement, or just acting differently in general. 

Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/rhubarb-leaves

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Oxalic Acid

Oxalic acid, while also found in rhubarb stalks, is much more prevalent in the leaves which is what makes them so dangerous. 

For people, our bodies eliminate about 40 to 50 mg per day and only around 10” of that comes from what we eat. In general, humans take in, through diet or other means, between 200 and 300 mg a day. More than this can cause oxalate to buildup and lead to a variety of health issues. Specifically, buildup of oxalate in the kidneys can cause kidney failure. 

Cooking will reduce the amount of oxalate content as will soaking it raw; but soaking will can also reduce other nutrients, as well.

Rhubarb is not the only vegetable that contains Oxalic acid. There are many others, to varying degrees. Typically, you will find it in their leaves and not the vegetable itself, or at least not in very high quantities. This chart show some vegetables that contain oxalic acid and what levels.

Vegetables Oxalic Acid (g/100g)
Asparagus 0.13
Beans, snap 0.36
Beet leaves 0.61
Beetroot 0.06
Broccoli 0.19
Brussels sprouts 0.02
Cabbage 0.10
Carrot 0.50
Cassava 1.26
Cauliflower 0.15
Celery 0.19
Chives 1.48
Collards 0.45
Corn, sweet 0.01
Cucumber 0.02
Eggplant 0.19
Garlic 0.36
Kale 0.02
Lettuce 0.33
Okra 0.05
Onion 0.05
Parsley 1.70
Parsnip 0.04
Pea 0.05
Bell pepper 0.04
Potato 0.05
Purslane 1.31
Radish 0.48
Rhubarb leaves 0.52
Spinach 0.97
Squash 0.02
Sweet potato 0.24
Swiss Chard, green 0.96
Tomato 0.05
Turnip 0.21

Is rhubarb healthy for chickens?

Rhubarb can be healthy for chickens, assuming they are eating a moderate amount and avoiding the leaves, flowers, and seeds of the plant. This veggie is packed with many vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to keep them running smoothly.

What are the nutritional benefits of rhubarb for chickens?

The table below, courtesy of the USDA FoodData Center, has a breakdown of the nutritional analysis based on a serving size of 1 rhubarb stalk (51g).

Name Amount Measurement
Water 47.700 g
Energy 10.700 kcal
Protein 0.459 g
Fat 0.102 g
Carbohydrate, by difference 2.320 g
Fiber, total dietary 0.918 g
Sugars, total including NLEA 0.561 g
Calcium, Ca 43.900 mg
Iron, Fe 0.112 mg
Magnesium, Mg 6.120 mg
Phosphorus, P 7.140 mg
Potassium, K 147.000 mg
Sodium, Na 2.040 mg
Zinc, Zn 0.051 mg
Copper, Cu 0.011 mg
Manganese, Mn 0.100 mg
Selenium, Se 0.561 µg
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid 4.080 mg
Folate, total 3.570 µg
Vitamin A, RAE 2.550 µg
Carotene, beta 31.100 µg
Vitamin A, IU 52.000 IU

What do these nutrients do?

Here is a brief rundown of what some of nutrients on the table above mean for your chickens’ health.

  • Antioxidants: repair damage from free radicals, fight off/prevent future damage, protect from oxidative damage, anti-inflammatory, lower blood pressure, improve heart health in high enough doses, development and health of tissue, skin, and feathers
  • Vitamin A: eye, skin, respiratory, and digestive health
  • Carotene, Beta (Beta Carotene): egg, feathers, skin, beak, and comb color; converts to Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
  • Carbohydrates: give chickens energy
  • Vitamin E:
  • Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; energy, growth, and digestive health
  • Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
  • Iron: prevents anemia; assists in blood circulation
  • Vitamin K: blood clotting, bone metabolism
  • Manganese: bone development, immune system, breaks down carbs, cholesterol, and amino acids; controls blood sugar
  • Protein: muscle growth and development
  • Selenium: Boosts their immune system and helps with over nutrient balance in selenium deficient areas (most of the US)

How do you feed rhubarb to chickens?

Remove all of the leaves, strings along the stalk, and the tough ends of the stalks. Cut into small pieces and scatter. You can feed raw or cooked (boiled).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I overfeed my chickens rhubarb?

We recommend only feeding nectarines around 1 to 3 times a week. This will give them all of the health benefits while also minimizing the risks that come with too much sugar.

Q2. How much rhubarb can I feed to my chickens?

A single rhubarb stalk, when cut into small cubes, can probably feed around 4 or 5 chickens.

Q3. How often can I feed rhubarb to my chickens?

We recommend no more than 4 times a week; reducing if you start to notice a change or decline in their health and temperament. We like to go by the 90/10 rule which says 90% of their diet should come from free ranging and a chicken feed with only 10% coming from other sources like snacks, treat, and supplements. 

Q4. Can chicks eat rhubarb?

We do not recommend feeding rhubarb to your chicks. Until they are old enough to join the rest of the outside flock, it’s best to keep them on a good quality starter/grower feed.

Q6. What other fruits and vegetables are safe for chickens?

Here are some popular foods that your chickens can eat.

Fruits

  • Apples (not the seeds)
  • Bananas
  • Cantaloupe
  • Cherries
  • Figs
  • Kiwi
  • Peaches
  • Watermelon

Vegetables & Gourdes

  • Asparagus
  • Pumpkin
  • Radish
  • Sweet Potato
  • Tomatoes
  • Yellow Squash
  • Zucchini

Berries

  • Blackberries
  • Blueberries
  • Mountain Ash Berries
  • Mulberries
  • Raspberries
  • Rowan Berries

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

Can Chickens Eat Lemons?

By MrAnimal Farm

If you are at all familiar with the Southern US, you know that sweet tea may as well be our national drink. Add a lemon wedge to it and you can make even the hottest of summer days a little bit cooler. Lemon is like that with many foods and drinks; a small squeeze and a whole new world of flavor is brought to life. So, can chickens eat lemons and also enjoy those sweet, yet sour, benefits or will your chickens suddenly sour on life…permanently?

Keep reading and find out if you should bring out the cutting board for your lemons or the chopping block for your chickens!

orange and orange slices on a bamboo cutting board

In This Article

  • Can Chickens Eat Lemons?
    • Is it safe for a chicken to eat lemons?
    • Can chickens eat lemon peels or lemon rinds?
    • Can chickens eat lemon leaves?
    • Are lemons healthy for chickens?
      • What are the nutritional benefits of lemons for chickens?
      • What do these nutrients do?
    • How do you feed lemons to chickens?
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Q1. Can I overfeed my chicken lemons?
      • Q2. How many lemons can I feed to my chickens?
      • Q3. How often can I feed lemons to my chickens?
      • Q4. Can chicks eat lemons?
      • Q5. What other things are safe for chickens?

Can Chickens Eat Lemons?

Yes, chickens can eat lemons. They can be a safe and healthy snack for your chickens when fed in moderation. Lemons have tons of health benefits (like lots of Vitamin C) and your chickens will love to peck away at them.

Despite what you may have heard about citrus fruit being toxic for chickens, there is no evidence that actually says that. The truth is, lemons acidic and sour flavor, some chickens will love them while others will not give them more than a single peck.

Is it safe for a chicken to eat lemons?

As we mentioned, lemons are completely harmless. For some reason, lemons, and other citrus fruits like limes, oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, and mandarins, have gained a reputation for being deadly if chickens eat them. Some of this is likely due to anecdotal evidence of lethargy, obesity, and excessive preening or loss of feathers.

The truth is, those are all common signs associated with any fruits, or other foods, that have a higher than normal amount of sugar in them. In fact, sugar is really, the main concern we have about the safety of lemons and citrus fruit, in general. So, if you are feeding your chickens treats, make sure to do routine health checks to keep tabs on your birds.

So, as long as you are watching the amount and feeding in moderation, you chickens can eat citrus fruits without issue.

Whether they are eating lemons, peaches, nectarines, cranberries, or raisins, consuming too much sugar can cause any of those symptoms and more; like hypoglycemia.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Can chickens eat lemon peels or lemon rinds?

Yes, chickens can eat lemon peels or lemon rinds. They are perfectly fine for your chickens to eat.

They are a bit tough so they likely won’t want to eat them, but it is safe for them to do so. We just recommend that you make sure to wash them thoroughly to remove any excess pesticide residue or display wax from the grocery store.

Your chickens may enjoy using lemon peels as a toy and peck at it or scratch it around.

Can chickens eat lemon leaves?

Yep, chickens can eat lemon leaves. If you have lemon trees on your property (or other citrus fruit trees), then your chickens are totally fine to get into them.

Are lemons healthy for chickens?

Lemons are absolutely a healthy snack choice for your chickens. Assuming you are feeding lemons sparingly and in moderation, your chickens will enjoy a boost in their immune system from the vitamin C and other antioxidants packed into lemons.

What are the nutritional benefits of lemons for chickens?

The table below, courtesy of the USDA FoodData Center, has a breakdown of the nutritional analysis based on a serving size of 1 lemon wedge (8g).

Name Amount Measurement
Water 7.1 g
Energy 2.3 kcal
Protein 0.1 g
Total lipid (fat) 0.0 g
Carbohydrate, by difference 0.7 g
Fiber, total dietary 0.2 g
Sugars, total including NLEA 0.2 g
Calcium, Ca 2.1 mg
Iron, Fe 0.0 mg
Magnesium, Mg 0.6 mg
Phosphorus, P 1.3 mg
Potassium, K 11.0 mg
Sodium, Na 0.2 mg
Zinc, Zn 0.0 mg
Copper, Cu 0.0 mg
Selenium, Se 0.0 µg
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid 4.2 mg
Folate, total 0.9 µg
Folic acid 0.0 µg
Vitamin A, RAE 0.1 µg
Carotene, beta 0.2 µg

What do these nutrients do?

Confused about what the table above mean? Check out these examples of what role these nutrients play in your chickens’ health.

  • Antioxidants: (Beta Carotene, Lycopene) repair damage from free radicals, fight off/prevent future damage, protect from oxidative damage, anti-inflammatory, lower blood pressure, improve heart health in high enough doses, development and health of tissue, skin, and feathers
  • Vitamin A: eye, skin, respiratory, and digestive health
  • Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
  • Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
  • Carbohydrates: give chickens energy
  • Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; energy, growth, and digestive health
  • Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
  • Magnesium: bone strength and development, cellular metabolism, heart health, muscle function
  • Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative

How do you feed lemons to chickens?

The best way to feed lemons to your chickens is to, first, cut them into wedges and remove the seeds, if you like.

The seeds are safe but you may want to remove them. Next, you can use the same sharp knife to remove the lemon peel from the fruits. Again, the peel is safe but can be tough to eat and may be a deterrent for some less determined chickens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I overfeed my chicken lemons?

Absolutely chickens can be overfed lemons. Stick to feeding them a small amount a few times a week or run the risk of potentially preventable health issues further down the line.

Q2. How many lemons can I feed to my chickens?

A lemon, when cut properly, will give you about 8 wedges. If you cut each of those in half you can feed anywhere from 8 to 16 chickens with a single lemon. Since lemons do have a fair amount of sugar in them, we recommend only giving each chicken half a wedge; maybe a whole wedge if they are a bit larger.

Q3. How often can I feed lemons to my chickens?

We stick to only feeding lemons, and other sugar rich treats, about 1 day, and no more than 3 days, per week. This is so we can make sure they do not throw off their dietary balance. For the best health, stick to the 90/10 rule; 90% of their food is quality feed and bugs, 10% can be snacks and other things.

Q4. Can chicks eat lemons?

We recommend only feeding your chicks a quality starter/grower, or other chick-specific feed, until they are old enough to be introduced to the rest of the flock. While they are small chicks they are quickly developing and you do not want to throw off their dietary balance during this time.

Q5. What other things are safe for chickens?

Here are some things that your chickens can eat:

  • Bananas
  • Cantaloupe
  • Cherries
  • Figs
  • Radish
  • Sweet Potato
  • Tomatoes
  • Mulberries
  • Rowan Berries
  • Ticks

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

Can Chickens Eat Oranges?

By MrAnimal Farm

orange and orange slices on a bamboo cutting board

I don’t know about you but there are few things as delicious and satisfying as biting into a sweet, fresh orange. Oranges have just the right amount of sweet combined with tart to become one of our favorite fruits. Plus, it’s super healthy too. So, we have to ask, can chickens eat oranges and enjoy them the same way we do or will they end up being fertilizer under the citrus tree?

Keep scrolling and you will find out if it’s true when poultry farmers and other chicken owners say that oranges are deadly for their flock!

orange and orange slices on a bamboo cutting board

In This Article

  • Can Chickens Eat Oranges?
    • Is it safe for a chicken to eat oranges?
    • Can chickens eat orange peels?
    • Are oranges healthy for chickens?
      • What are the nutritional benefits of oranges for chickens?
      • What do these nutrients do?
    • How do you feed oranges to chickens?
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Q1. Can I overfeed my chicken oranges?
      • Q2. How many oranges can I feed to my chickens?
      • Q3. How often can I feed oranges to my chickens?
      • Q4. Can chicks eat oranges?
      • Q5. What other things can chickens eat?

Can Chickens Eat Oranges?

Yes, chickens can eat oranges as well as other citrus fruits. The peel can sometimes have residue from display wax and pesticides but citrus fruits, like oranges, are not actually harmful. However, some chickens do not like them due to their tartness.

Is it safe for a chicken to eat oranges?

Despite what you may have read on the internet, there is no evidence that citrus fruits, like oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, mandarins, lemons, and limes, are any more harmful than any other fruit. The only real danger, in our opinion, come from overeating and consuming too much sugar.

Of course, whenever you feed any treats, you want to do so in moderation and do regular health checks on your chickens to keep tabs on their health.. As with any fruit, especially those high in sugar, like peaches, nectarines, cranberries, and raisins, too much can become unhealthy with the large levels of sugar; which we will look at a little deeper in just a bit.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Can chickens eat orange peels?

Assuming the peel does not have any wax or pesticide residue left on it, the peel is perfectly fine to give to your chickens. However, because of it’s tough leathery texture, they will probably make use of orange peels as chicken toys rather than snacks.

Are oranges healthy for chickens?

In moderation, oranges can be very healthy. As you may already know, citrus fruits, including oranges, are rife with Vitamin C and, thus, can give your flock a HUGE boost in their immune systems.

The only major problems to look out for, assuming you are feeding oranges to your chickens without the peel, is the extreme amount of sugar. Excess sugar can lead to a multitude of problems including, but not limited too, heart disease, joint and muscle pain, a decline in an appetite for their regular feed, and low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia.

There is evidence to suggest that prolonged exposure to citric and absorbic acids can weaken the strength and thickness of their egg shells.

What are the nutritional benefits of oranges for chickens?

The table below, courtesy of the USDA FoodData Center, has a breakdown of the nutritional analysis based on a serving size of 1 naval orange (140g).

Name Amount Measurement
Water 121.0 g
Energy 72.8 kcal
Protein 1.3 g
Fat 0.2 g
Carbohydrate, by difference 16.5 g
Fiber, total dietary 2.8 g
Sugars, Total NLEA 12.0 g
Calcium, Ca 60.2 mg
Iron, Fe 0.5 mg
Magnesium, Mg 15.0 mg
Phosphorus, P 32.2 mg
Potassium, K 232.0 mg
Sodium, Na 12.6 mg
Zinc, Zn 0.2 mg
Copper, Cu 0.1 mg
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid 82.7 mg
Folate, total 35.0 µg

What do these nutrients do?

Wondering what all of the things on the table above mean? Here are a couple examples of how those nutrients affect your chickens’ health.

  • Antioxidants: (Beta Carotene, Lycopene) repair damage from free radicals, fight off/prevent future damage, protect from oxidative damage, anti-inflammatory, lower blood pressure, improve heart health in high enough doses, development and health of tissue, skin, and feathers
  • Vitamin A: eye, skin, respiratory, and digestive health
  • Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
  • Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
  • Carbohydrates: give chickens energy
  • Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; energy, growth, and digestive health
  • Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
  • Magnesium: bone strength and development, cellular metabolism, heart health, muscle function
  • Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative

How do you feed oranges to chickens?

When it comes to oranges, and most other citrus fruits, you don’t really have a lot of serving options. You get to basically choose peeled or unpeeled.

We recommend peeling the orange first. That way you can eliminate any accidental exposure to pesticides or the wax they use to make produce look shiny in the grocery store. Plus, the peel is tough and will take your chickens more time and energy to get through it.

After peeling it, we like to seperate each of the wedges and then cut each of those in half. You will likely end up with around 20 or so orange pieces, give or take a couple. Then just scatter those pieces around the barnyard or wherever your chickens like to gather for snacktime.

A word of advice, though, keep an eye on how much they eat and if there are any leftovers. You will want to make sure no one is overeating, so you can avoid any of the health concerns mentioned earlier. The other reason is, if there are any leftovers, you don’t want to leave them lying around. They will quickly attract bugs and rodents; neither of which you want to be hanging around your homestead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I overfeed my chicken oranges?

Yes, you can overfeed oranges to your chickens. Some of the hazards can be heart problems, pain and discomfort, and blood sugar issues.

Q2. How many oranges can I feed to my chickens?

The average orange has around 10 segments. We like to cut each of them in half and scatter them in our barnyard. Given the high amount of sugar, half a slice to 1 slice is plenty for a chicken. So, a single orange can feed between 10 and 20 chickens.

Q3. How often can I feed oranges to my chickens?

We think it’s best to keep orange, or any citrus, treats to around 1 to, no more than, 3 times a week. If they start showing signs of poor health, try decreasing the amount of times or eliminating them altogether to determine if it oranges are the culprit or if it is something else.

Q4. Can chicks eat oranges?

It is not a good idea to feed oranges, or any non chick specific feed to chicks until they are a little bit older. We recommend sticking with a starter/grower feed until they are ready to join the rest of the flock outside.

You can, but the sugar can be even more dangerous to them, due to their small size. Instead of various treats, we find it best to stick with a good starter feed until they are able to handle a wider variety in their diet.

Q5. What other things can chickens eat?

Some other things chickens can eat are:

  • Apples (not the seeds)
  • Bananas
  • Cantaloupe
  • Asparagus
  • Pumpkin
  • Radish
  • Blackberries
  • Blueberries
  • Mountain Ash Berries
  • Mulberries
  • Ticks

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

Can Chickens Eat Nectarines?

By MrAnimal Farm

Large ripe and juicy nectarines on a wooden table. Healthy diet

Nothing feels more summery or satisfying than biting into a fresh, juicy, sweet nectarine on a warm afternoon. It’s such a pleasant experience, obviously, you will want to share it with your favorite feathered friend. But, can chickens eat nectarines or will your friendly gesture take a toll on your chickens health?

Keep reading to find out if your chicken can enjoy a tasty nectarine or if you will turn out to be the Brutus to their Julius Caesar.

Large ripe and juicy nectarines on a wooden table. Healthy diet

In This Article

  • Can Chickens Eat Nectarines?
    • Is it safe for a chicken to eat a nectarine?
    • Can chickens eat a nectarine pit?
    • Are the leaves and nectarine tree poisonous to chickens?
    • Are nectarines healthy for chickens?
      • Hypoglycemia in chickens
      • What are the nutritional benefits of nectarines for chickens?
      • What do these nutrients do?
    • How do you feed nectarines to chickens?
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Q1. Can I overfeed my chicken nectarines?
      • Q2. How many nectarines can I feed to my chickens?
      • Q3. How often can I feed nectarines to my chickens?
      • Q4. Can chicks eat nectarines?
      • Q5. Other things chickens can eat:

Can Chickens Eat Nectarines?

Yes, chickens can eat nectarines. Not only can they, but they will wholeheartedly devour any you offer to them. You should, however, feed them sparingly as they contain a high amount of sugar which can be harmful if fed too often.

But, when fed in moderation, your chickens will benefit from the vast amount of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients packed into nectarines. The only danger is the pit (like in peaches) can be toxic, but they are large enough that it’s unlikely your chickens will eat them; but you can always remove the pit before feeding anyway.

Is it safe for a chicken to eat a nectarine?

There is very little danger involved when feeding nectarines to your chickens. Overall, the entire nectarine is safe for them to eat; both the flesh and the skin.

Can chickens eat a nectarine pit?

Nectarines, like peaches, cherries, and apricots, are stone fruits. What that means is they have a large stone like seed, also called a pit. The reason being is because it contains amygdalin. Amygdalin is dangerous because it will turn hydrogen cyanide. Cyanide, in large enough quantities, can make your chickens very sick and even, in large enough doses, be fatal.

For the most part, this is just good information to have. It’s unlikely your chickens will try to eat the pit. It is very hard and not very flavorful, especially compared to the juicy nectarine surrounding it.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Are the leaves and nectarine tree poisonous to chickens?

Yes, everything other than the actual nectarine is toxic. The leaves, bark, and seeds, as we discussed above, all contain cyanide and are dangerous if consumed.

Are nectarines healthy for chickens?

Despite the leaves, tree, bark, and pit all being toxic, the actual nectarines are a good and healthy treat for chickens. Your chickens immune systems will definitely benefit, due to the high level of vitamin C and other antioxidants. Nectarines are also full of water and can help keep your flock hydrated.

Much like other fruits that chickens can eat like lemons, papaya and oranges, nectarines MUST be fed in moderation. Even though they have a ton of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients, they are also packed with sugar.

Too much sugar, just like with humans, can be very harmful to your chickens. Excess sugar can lead to many health issues; one of the worst being hypoglycemia.

Hypoglycemia in chickens

Most of the time we think of hypoglycemia as something that happens to people with diabetes. But that is not the case. It can happen to most of us and many animals, too. Essentially, hypoglycemia just means low blood sugar.

When your chickens eat sugar their body breaks it down and converts it into glucose. Glucose is one of the primary ways the body gets energy. By energy, we don’t just mean it in a sense of having the energy to run or jump. While those are ways the body uses energy, it also takes energy to keep their internal organs running, as well.

When the body has an overabundance of sugar, they will get a sudden spike of energy (hyper-glycemia). Think of a little kid the day after Halloween. But glucose burns very, very quickly leading to a sudden drop in their blood sugar level (hypo glycemia). Think of that same little kid about an hour later.

That sudden depletion of glucose, depending on how severe, can throw a chicken’s entire system out of whack. The result can be anything from being a little dizzy and disoriented all the way up to loss of consciousness and even death.

We don’t mean to scare you. It’s easy to avoid hypoglycemia. Just make sure you monitor what your chickens are eating and they will be just fine.

What are the nutritional benefits of nectarines for chickens?

The table below, courtesy of the USDA FoodData Center, has a breakdown of the nutritional analysis based on a serving size of 1 medium sized fresh nectarine (142g).

Name Amount Measurement
Water 130 g
Energy 67.6 kcal
Protein 1.34 g
Carbohydrates 14.8 g
Fiber 2.2 g
Fat .397 g
Sugars 12.3 g
Calcium 5.88 mg
Potassium 179 mg
Folate 8.82 µg
Vitamin C 6.03 mg
Vitamin A 35.3 µg

What do these nutrients do?

Here is a brief rundown of what some of nutrients on the table above mean for your chickens’ health.

  • Antioxidants: (Beta Carotene, Lycopene) repair damage from free radicals, fight off/prevent future damage, protect from oxidative damage, anti-inflammatory, lower blood pressure, improve heart health in high enough doses, development and health of tissue, skin, and feathers
  • Vitamin A: eye, skin, respiratory, and digestive health
  • Carotene, Beta (Beta Carotene): egg, feathers, skin, beak, and comb color; converts to Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
  • Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
  • Carbohydrates: give chickens energy
  • Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; energy, growth, and digestive health
  • Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
  • Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative

How do you feed nectarines to chickens?

Make sure you wash them thoroughly prior to feeding. This will make sure that any pesticide residue will be washed away. We recommend either growing your own or buying from a pesticide free farmer.

Nectarines are soft enough that you can just toss it on the ground and they will likely pounce it. This is definitely the easiest method but is not the most efficient way to feed them.

For one, you will run the risk of a single chicken or two fighting and getting the lion’s share of the nectarine. As we now know, if they eat too much they can develop some pretty severe health issues. Next, one or two nectarines for a whole flock of chickens is going to end up in a dogpiled mess of feathers, dirt, and squashed fruit. How do you eliminate both of those problems?

Cut it into very small pieces!

When you cut it up into, say, 1″ cubes, you can take a handful of nectarine and scatter it across a pretty wide area. That means your chickens will disperse and not get into a bare-cluckled beak fight. It’s also much easier to monitor how much each of your chickens are eating, thus, avoiding hypoglycemia and other health problems.

You can also mix chopped nectarines in with their feed and give that to them. This will make the food a little more dense and give them a larger range of nutrients when eating instead of just a huge sugar dump.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I overfeed my chicken nectarines?

We recommend only feeding nectarines around 1 to 3 times a week. This will give them all of the health benefits while also minimizing the risks that come with too much sugar.

Q2. How many nectarines can I feed to my chickens?

One nectarine, when cut into small cubes, can probably feed around 4 or 5 chickens.

Q3. How often can I feed nectarines to my chickens?

You will likely not want to feed nectarines to your chickens more than 1 to 3 times a week. It is also a good practice to intersperse them with other fruits, veggies, and supplemental feeds.

Q4. Can chicks eat nectarines?

You can, but the sugar can be even more dangerous to them, due to their small size. Instead of various treats, we find it best to stick with a good starter feed until they are able to handle a wider variety in their diet.

Q5. Other things chickens can eat:

Here are some popular foods that your chickens can eat.

  • Bananas
  • Cantaloupe
  • Figs
  • Tomatoes
  • Yellow Squash
  • Zucchini
  • Mountain Ash Berries
  • Mulberries
  • Raspberries
  • Ticks

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

Can Chickens Eat Pears?

By MrAnimal Farm

group of ripe pears lie on old planed wooden boards

Pears are a delicious and healthy fruit. They are stacked full of dietary fiber and lots of vitamins. Given this, you may wonder, can chickens eat pears or are they a forbidden fruit of the chicken world?

Will our fine feathered friends survive this fantastic feast or will their discovery become an unfettered fiasco? Keep reading to find out.

group of ripe pears lie on old planed wooden boards

In This Article

  • Can Chickens Eat Pears?
    • Can Chickens eat pear skins?
    • Can chickens eat pears whole?
    • Can chickens eat pears raw?
    • Can chickens eat pears cooked?
    • Can chickens eat pear seeds?
    • Are pears healthy for chickens?
      • What are the nutritional benefits of pears for chickens?
      • What do these nutrients do?
    • How do you feed pears to chickens?
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Q1. Can I overfeed my chicken pears?
      • Q2. Can chicks eat pears?
      • Q3. How many pears can I feed to my chickens?
      • Q3. How often can I feed pears to my chickens?

Can Chickens Eat Pears?

Yes, chickens can eat pears as a nutrient rich treat. Pears are safe for chickens to eat whole, raw, cooked. The entire pear is safe to eat (except the pit), flesh, skin, seeds, and stem, so no worries about accidentally feeding your chickens something dangerous.

In fact, not only will they find it delicious, but it is also nutritious for them too. Healthy treats are an important part of keeping healthy chickens and should be incorporated into their diet. You can feed them treats during their routine health checks.

Much like when chickens eat oranges and other fruits, pears area also high in sugar content. Due to the sugar content, you will only want to feed about one pear per five chickens and between two and four times a week.

Finally, pears are also soft enough to be given whole but are best cut into small cubes and spread in a wide area to avoid fights.

Can Chickens eat pear skins?

Yes, chickens can eat pear skins. If you are just feeding the skins, they may not enjoy those as much as the whole fruit. The skins contain a majority of the nutrients in the pear, so you certainly dont’ want to exclude it when feeding pears to your chickens.

Can chickens eat pears whole?

Yep, chickens can eat pears whole. Now, they aren’t going to just gobble it in it’s entirety. They will likely peck pieces off and eat it bit by bit.

Can chickens eat pears raw?

Yes, chickens can eat pears raw just like humans do. Raw pears are the most common way pears are eaten.

Can chickens eat pears cooked?

Yes, chickens can eat cooked pears. However, you want to ensure that they weren’t cooked with dangerous additives like sugar, alcohol or other foods that chickens cannot have.

Can chickens eat pear seeds?

No, chickens can’t eat pear seeds. You may have heard that their seeds are poisonous. And technically, like apples, they do contain a small amount of cyanide. However, if they get a seed or two, they will likely be OK.

It would probably take half an orchard to amass the quantity it would take to become dangerous. Maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but I think you get the point.

The only real safety concerns we would have are potential choking hazards and the high level of sugar. We’ll discuss how to avoid choking later when we review how pears should be served. Right now, though, let’s talk about the high sugar content.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Just like when chickens eat nectarines, raisins, and peaches which are also full of sugar, you need to be mindful of how much you are allowing your chickens to eat.

A single cup of Bartlett pear has a whopping 13.6 grams of sugar! That is a ton, especially when you consider the average hen weighs less than 3 kilograms.

Overeating sugar is just as bad for chickens as it is for humans. It can lead to obesity, putting excess strain on their heart, joints, and ligaments, sugar addiction, which can cause them to stop eating their regular food in pursuit of their next sugar fix (no, really), and hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, which can range from feeling a little dizzy all the way up to being fatal.

Are pears healthy for chickens?

Yes, pears can be a healthy snack when given in moderation. In spite of the high level of sugar, pears contain a ton of water which will help your chickens stay hydrated. They are a good source of dietary fiber which assists in digestion as well as improving their heart function with potassium.

Both copper and iron will help your chickens have a healthy circulatory system. And, finally, high levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and plenty of antioxidants keep their immune system running at peak performance.

What are the nutritional benefits of pears for chickens?

The table below, courtesy of the USDA FoodData Center, has a breakdown of the nutritional analysis based on a serving size of 1 cup (140g) raw Bartlett pear.

Name Amount Measurement
Water 118.0 g
Energy 88.2 kcal
Protein 0.5 g
Total lipid (fat) 0.2 g
Carbohydrate, by difference 21.1 g
Fiber, total dietary 4.3 g
Sugars, Total NLEA 13.6 g
Calcium, Ca 11.2 mg
Iron, Fe 0.2 mg
Magnesium, Mg 8.0 mg
Phosphorus, P 14.0 mg
Potassium, K 122.0 mg
Sodium, Na 9.8 mg
Zinc, Zn 0.1 mg
Copper, Cu 0.098 mg
Manganese, Mn 0.045 mg
Selenium, Se 0.280 µg
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid 6.160 mg
Vitamin B-6 0.036 mg
Folate, total 8.400 µg
Vitamin A, RAE 1.400 µg
Carotene, beta 11.200 µg
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) 5.3 µg
Vitamin B-6 0.2 mg
Vitamin A, IU 11,500.0 IU
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) 0.4 mg
Vitamin D (D2 + D3) 0.0 µg
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) 1.4 µg

What do these nutrients do?

Earlier we gave you a small list of how nutrients specific to pears affect your chickens’ health. Here are some more nutritional facts to help decode the above table.

  • Antioxidants: (Beta Carotene, Lycopene) repair damage from free radicals, fight off/prevent future damage, protect from oxidative damage, anti-inflammatory, lower blood pressure, improve heart health in high enough doses, development and health of tissue, skin, and feathers
  • Vitamin A: eye, skin, respiratory, and digestive health
  • Carotene, Beta (Beta Carotene): egg, feathers, skin, beak, and comb color; converts to Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
  • Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
  • Carbohydrates: give chickens energy
  • Copper: helps digestion and elevates the immune system
  • Vitamin E: immune system support, cell regeneration
  • Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; energy, growth, and digestive health
  • Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
  • Iron: prevents anemia; assists in blood circulation
  • Vitamin K: blood clotting, bone metabolism
  • Magnesium: bone strength and development, cellular metabolism, heart health, muscle function
  • Manganese: bone development, immune system, breaks down carbs, cholesterol, and amino acids; controls blood sugar
  • Phosphorus: bone formation
  • Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative
  • Protein: muscle growth and development
  • Zinc: immune system and mineral retention

How do you feed pears to chickens?

You can avoid the choking by making sure to cut your pears up before feeding them. A whole pear is soft enough that they will have no problem pecking through it. However, they will not have as much control over the size of the pieces they get and a single pear or two between a flock is going to provoke a lot of peck and run style and eating.

If you want to mix things up a little you can literally mix things up by making a fruit salad or chicken treat medley. Most likely, your chickens aren’t going to really care about clashing flavors so feel free to add in whatever snacks you like. You want to give them some blueberries, blackberries, radishes, rhubarb, and leftover unseasoned rice all stuck together with peanut butter? Go for it! They’re going to love it!

You can also take a mix of treats, like raspberries, peaches, and apples, and string them together with fishing line. Now, hang is somewhere your chickens like to hang out and watch them have one peck of a good time with their new chicken toy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I overfeed my chicken pears?

Just like most things in life, even too much of a good thing can be harmful. As we mentioned earlier, because of the amount of sugar, overfeeding your chickens pears can lead to some health issues like hypoglycemia, obesity, and even sugar addiction.

Q2. Can chicks eat pears?

Technically, yes, but it isn’t a great idea to feed your chicks pears. Keep them on a high quality starter/grower feed until they are a bit older.

Q3. How many pears can I feed to my chickens?

An average size pear, when cut into small chunks or cubes should be able to feed 4 or 5 chickens. The average backyard flock will probably be perfectly happy with one or two pears split between them.

Q3. How often can I feed pears to my chickens?

With the sugar content, we wouldn’t feed our chickens pears more than 3 or 4 times a week and would decrease that if they started to show any signs of poor health. We always advocate for the 90/10 rule when feeding our chickens. All that means is 90% of your chickens’ diet should come from free ranging and a high quality, chicken specific feed; like layer crumbles. The other 10% can then be reserved for other snacks, treats, and supplements.

It is good to mix up their treats, as well. Instead of giving them 4 days of pears, try adding in some cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, or asparagus, to keep things a little more balanced.

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

Can Chickens Eat Sweet Potatoes?

By MrAnimal Farm

Raw sweet potatoes on wooden background closeup

At MrAnimal Farm, we can’t get enough sweet potatoes. They are all the starchy, carby goodness of regular potatoes, baked or mashed, but with many more nutrients and much, much healthier. So, will those nutrients cross over to your livestock? Can chickens eat sweet potatoes or will they end up colder than a spud in the fridge?

Keep scrolling to find out if chickens can eat sweet potatoes and what happens if they do!

Raw sweet potatoes on wooden background closeup

In This Article

  • Can Chickens Eat Sweet Potatoes?
    • Are sweet potatoes safe for my chickens to eat?
      • Can chickens eat sweet potato skin?
      • Can chickens eat sweet potato flowers, leaves, or roots?
      • Can chickens eat white potatoes? What about other color potatoes?
    • Are sweet potatoes healthy for chickens?
      • What are the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes for chickens?
      • What do these nutrients do?
    • Should you feed them cooked or raw?
    • How do you feed sweet potatoes to chickens?
      • Whole or cut?
      • Raw
      • Cooked
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Q1. How often can I feed sweet potato to my chickens?
      • Q2. How many sweet potatoes can I feed to my chickens?

Can Chickens Eat Sweet Potatoes?

Yes, chickens can eat sweet potatoes. And, boy, do they love them! In fact, making sweet potatoes a regular part of your chickens weekly diet will help them stay happy and healthy.

Are sweet potatoes safe for my chickens to eat?

Sweet potatoes are 100% safe for your chickens to eat. In fact, at one point in time, sweet potatoes were used in chicken feed and as a supplement.

Feeding highly nutritious treats to your chickens can help them maintain their health and will make their regular health checks go much smoother.

Can chickens eat sweet potato skin?

Yes, chickens can eat sweet potato skin, unlike white potato skins which contain solanine and are toxic. You might be surprised to find out that sweet potatoes are not in the same family as white potatoes and, therefore, do not contain the toxic solanine.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Can chickens eat sweet potato flowers, leaves, or roots?

Yes they can eat sweet potato leaves, flowers, roots, as well as stems, and vines, too! The entire sweet potato plant is perfectly safe, nutritious, and delicious for your chickens to eat/

Can chickens eat white potatoes? What about other color potatoes?

You will want to avoid raw potatoes, potatoes with green skin, any part of the potato plant, including the seed pods and even the flowers. Like tomatoes, they are part of the nightshade family and contain solanine, which can be harmful for your chickens.

They also contain some other substances that can affect their heart function, how well they can absorb nutrients, digest their food, and even cause chronic discomfort like itchiness and pain.

Essentially, sweet potatoes are okay but any other kind, whether white, yellow, blue, or red, should be avoided. Technically, the real danger lies with potatoes that have green skin but the others can be harmful, in large quantities.

Are sweet potatoes healthy for chickens?

As we mentioned earlier, sweet potatoes, skin, leaves, roots, and all are a great and healthy snack for your chicken flock. Sweet potatoes are chock full of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients essential to good health.

What are the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes for chickens?

Below, You’ll find the USDA FoodData Center nutritional analysis on a serving size of 1 small (60 g), baked sweet potato with skin.

Name Amount Measurement
Water 45.500 g
Energy 54.000 kcal
Protein 1.210 g
Fat 0.090 g
Ash 0.810 g
Fiber, total dietary 1.980 g
Sugars, total including NLEA 3.890 g
Calcium, Ca 22.800 mg
Iron, Fe 0.414 mg
Magnesium, Mg 16.200 mg
Phosphorus, P 32.400 mg
Potassium, K 285.000 mg
Sodium, Na 21.600 mg
Zinc, Zn 0.192 mg
Copper, Cu 0.097 mg
Manganese, Mn 0.298 mg
Selenium, Se 0.1 µg
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid 11.8 mg
Vitamin B-6 0.2 mg
Folate, total 3.6 µg
Carotene, beta 6,900.0 µg
Carotene, alpha 25.8 µg
Vitamin A, IU 11,500.0 IU
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) 0.4 mg
Vitamin D (D2 + D3) 0.0 µg
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) 1.4 µg

What do these nutrients do?

If you are interested to know what all of those nutrients listed actually do for your chickens, this list will help give you some more understanding.

  • Vitamin A: eye, skin, respiratory, and digestive health
  • Carbohydrates: give chickens energy
  • Copper: helps digestion and elevates the immune system
  • Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
  • Vitamin D3: improves bone health along with calcium
  • Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; energy, growth, and digestive health
  • Iron: prevents anemia
  • Vitamin K: blood clotting, bone metabolism
  • Magnesium: bone strength and development, cellular metabolism, heart health, muscle function
  • Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative
  • Protein: muscle growth and development
  • Starch: assists with digestion & energy
  • Zinc: immune system and mineral retention

Should you feed them cooked or raw?

The truth is, chickens will eat them either way. Our personal recommendation is to cook them, ideally boiled, which we will get to in a moment, as cooked sweet potatoes are much softer and much, much easier for your chickens to eat.

How do you feed sweet potatoes to chickens?

Your choices really break down to raw or cooked and whole or cut/sliced/diced. Let’s look at the options.

Whole or cut?

Regardless of if you cook your sweet potatoes first or leave them raw, we recommend cutting them up before giving them to your chickens. Cutting them into slices or dice will make it a lot easier for them to break up and eat. Plus, when cut into small pieces, you can scatter a single potato in a much larger area and avoid any chickens fighting over a single sweet potato.

Raw

Raw sweet potatoes are perfectly fine for chickens to eat. They are going to be tough for them to break up, though. You can help them out a little by cutting them up first, but even then, your chickens will have a difficult time eating and may even be at risk of choking.

Cooked

There are actually several different ways to make cooked sweet potatoes for your chickens; boiled, baked, roasted, or fried.

Boiled

Boiling sweet potatoes is our favorite method of preparation when feeding them to our chickens. The reason is because it’s really easy to do. Just cut your sweet potato into cubes and put them in a pot of boiling water; 12-15 minutes for 1″ cubes and 20-25 minutes for 2″ cubes.

When they’re finished, just toss the cubes to your chickens, spread out so they don’t dog pile on each other, and watch them enjoy.

Additionally, you can also mash the sweet potatoes after boiling them and serve them that way. However, that can get unnecessarily messy AND adds in an extra step. We just wanted to give you the option but we don’t think it’s a very practical way to feed your chickens.

Baked

Baked sweet potato is probably the most common way they are prepared. They have all the same advantages of boiled except, it’s a whole potato which does not spread as far, baking generally takes longer than boiling, and, can sometimes, caramelize in the oven.

If your sweet potatoes caramelize, make sure to remove those pieces before giving them to your chickens. The extra concentration of sugar can be too much of a sugar overload and make your chickens feel really bad.

Roasted

Roasted is like a combination of boiling and baking. Since you typically cut them into cubes before cooking them, they will be soft enough for your chickens to eat. They do, however, run the same risk of caramelization that baking does, so be on the lookout for that. And, roasting will likely take longer than boiling.

If you do decide to roast them, only roast the sweet potatoes. Skip grandma’s secret recipe and don’t use any seasonings.

Fried

We added this here to address things like sweet potato fries. While, they likely won’t hurt them if they just have a single fry, we still do not recommend it. Fried sweet potatoes are going to have way too much fat and generally have a lot of salt on them too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How often can I feed sweet potato to my chickens?

We recommend between 3 to 5 times a week, if it’s a regular treat. Generally, we stick to making 10% of a chicken’s diet snacks and treats while the other 90% should be quality feed and bugs, insects, and stuff like that. However, sweet potatoes have been used as a supplemental feed in the past. You can likely get away with feeding sweet potatoes more often than, say, watermelon, cantaloupe, or radishes.

Q2. How many sweet potatoes can I feed to my chickens?

If you cut them into cubes, a single sweet potato can feed around 5 chickens, give or take a chicken. Obviously, this is just a guideline and you will know for sure once you feed them the first time.

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

Can Chickens Eat Asparagus?

By MrAnimal Farm

fresh asparagus on cutting board with knife

Asparagus is one of those vegetables that you either love it or you hate it. We fall firmly on the loving it side of the divide (in spite of some of it’s…aromatic drawbacks). It’s great grilled and one of the healthiest, not to mention easiest, crops you can grow. So, do any of those benefits ring true for your chickens too? Can chickens eat asparagus or will this snack just turn into one, big, stinky mess?

Let’s dive in and see!

fresh asparagus on cutting board with knife

In This Article

  • Can Chickens Eat Asparagus?
    • Types of asparagus
      • Green asparagus
      • White asparagus
      • Purple asparagus
    • Is asparagus safe for my chickens to eat?
    • What about canned asparagus?
    • Is asparagus healthy for chickens?
      • What are the nutritional benefits of asparagus for chickens?
      • What do these nutrients do?
    • How do you feed asparagus to chickens?
      • Raw
      • Cooked
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Q1. Can I overfeed my chicken asparagus?
      • Q2. How much asparagus can I feed to my chickens?
      • Q3. How often can I feed asparagus to my chickens?
      • Q4. Can I feed asparagus to my chicks?

Can Chickens Eat Asparagus?

Yes, chickens can eat asparagus. It may take them a little bit of time to test it out, but once they do, they will absolutely love it! Which is fantastic because asparagus is chock full of life giving nutrients that every chicken needs to live a long, happy, and healthy life.

Healthy treats are important in keeping your chickens in tip top shape, so adding asparagus to their diet is a good idea.

Types of asparagus

We all know of asparagus as the long, thin stalks we’ve seen bundled with a rubber band. Some of us know it only by it’s reputation for making certain functions have a very strong distinct smell. In fact, that same phenomenon plays a bit of a role in how much or how often you should feed your chickens asparagus.

But, did you know that asparagus is not only found as the traditional green veggie we all think of? There are actually quite a few different, and colorful, varieties.

Source: https://www.thespruceeats.com/white-vs-green-asparagus-1807065

Different colors can indicate different nutrients. So, you may want to think about feeding your chicken some foods with other colors as well like orange sweet potatoes, and red tomatoes.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Green asparagus

This is the most common and healthiest asparagus and the kind you will most likely give your chickens. You will likely find this in just about any produce department in any grocery store you walk into. It is also widely available. It’s darker green color is a sign, like with broccoli and zucchini, that it is packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and overall general healthy goodness.

White asparagus

You may have never seen white asparagus before. It is almost identical to green asparagus except it is just pure white. It is not nearly as common as green asparagus but will offer most of the same nutrients. One interesting thing is that it gets it’s color, or lack thereof, by being grown underground in complete darkness. The lack of chlorophyll, from sunlight, gives it a more bitter flavor than either other type of asparagus.

White asparagus is still a healthy treat for your chickens but it is not quite as nutrient rich as green and is much more difficult to find.

Purple asparagus

This is, by far, the coolest looking asparagus. It is only grown during a small time frame during the year and is a deep, rich purple due to the presence of anthocyanins, the same thing that give blueberries their color. Purple asparagus is also the sweetest of the three strains due to it having “20% more” sugar content than white or green asparagus.

While it’s not nearly as sweet as a peach, cantaloupe, cranberries, or raisins, it’s probably best to stick with green over purple due to the sugar content.

Is asparagus safe for my chickens to eat?

Asparagus is completely safe for your chickens to eat. We will get into some of the specific nutrients asparagus offers your chickens in a just a bit. What we will say right now is that asparagus is one of the most hydrating snacks you can give your flock. So, not only is asparagus safe, but it can actually help your chicken stay hydrated when the weather is really hot.

While asparagus does contain a tiny bit of oxalic acid, it’s nowhere near the levels that something like rhubarb is and therefore is perfectly fine. In fact, chickens can eat rhubarb also, but must avoid the leaves where that high oxalic acid content is.

What about canned asparagus?

We do not recommend feeding your chickens canned asparagus. The asparagus will typically still have the same nutrients, however, usually they have way too much sodium. Salt is used as a preservative which is essential in canning asparagus for commercial use.

Is asparagus healthy for chickens?

Asparagus is incredibly healthy for your chickens. They contain a whole host of vitamins, like Vitamin A, B6, C, E, and K, and minerals, like calcium, copper, fiber, selenium, and zinc.

What are the nutritional benefits of asparagus for chickens?

Below, You’ll find the USDA FoodData Center nutritional analysis on a serving size of 1 cup (134g) of raw asparagus.

Name Amount Measurements
Water 125.0 g
Energy 26.8 kcal
Protein 3.0 g
Fat 0.2 g
Carbohydrate 5.2 g
Fiber, total dietary 2.8 g
Sugars 2.5 g
Calcium, Ca 32.2 mg
Iron, Fe 2.9 mg
Magnesium, Mg 18.8 mg
Phosphorus, P 69.7 mg
Potassium, K 271.0 mg
Sodium, Na 2.7 mg
Zinc, Zn 0.7 mg
Copper, Cu 0.3 mg
Manganese, Mn 0.2 mg
Selenium, Se 3.1 µg
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid 7.5 mg
Vitamin B-6 0.1 mg
Folate, total 69.7 µg
Carotene, beta 602.0 µg
Carotene, alpha 12.1 µg
Vitamin A, IU 1,010.0 IU
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) 1.5 mg
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) 55.7 µg

What do these nutrients do?

Here are what some of those nutrients mentioned above do to keep your chicken’s body running right.

  • Antioxidants: (Beta Carotene, Lycopene) repair damage from free radicals, fight off/prevent future damage, protect from oxidative damage, anti-inflammatory, lower blood pressure, improve heart health in high enough doses, development and health of tissue, skin, and feathers
  • Vitamin A: eye, skin, respiratory, and digestive health
  • Vitamin B6: healthy blood vessels, eye/vision health, nervous system , immune system
  • Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
  • Carbohydrates: give chickens energy
  • Copper: helps digestion and elevates the immune system
  • Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
  • Vitamin E: immune system support, cell regeneration
  • Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; energy, growth, and digestive health
  • Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
  • Iron: prevents anemia
  • Vitamin K: blood clotting, bone metabolism
  • Magnesium: bone strength and development, cellular metabolism, heart health, muscle function
  • Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative
  • Protein: muscle growth and development
  • Selenium: Boosts their immune system and helps with over nutrient balance in selenium deficient areas (most of the US)
  • Zinc: immune system and mineral retention

How do you feed asparagus to chickens?

Feeding your chickens asparagus is pretty easy. Your options essentially break down to raw or cooked. Let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks of either method.

Raw

If you want to go with the low effort, simple, one and done way, just throw some raw asparagus where your flock gathers to eat. If they have never had asparagus before it may take them some time to try tit out. But, eventually, one brave cluck will, no doubt, mosey over and start pecking away, thus, triggering an entire feathered cavalcade of beak happy chickens.

A few problems can arise in that scenario. If there is not enough asparagus to go around, the chickens may start fighting which can lead to injuries. Another, sometimes related, issue is asparagus is pretty hard. Because it’s so tough, and chickens may be in a rush to peck and run with their food, it can quickly become a choking hazard.

Cooked

Cooked asparagus is, in our opinion, a much better option. It will take a little bit longer but you don’t have to do anything fancy. Simply boiling them will soften them up enough to make them easier to eat and digest.

Some of the same problems from above will still apply with either raw or cooked asparagus. They can still choke but cooked asparagus is a little less likely since it’s softer. The way we are able to cut down either of those things from happening?

It’s easy. Just cut the asparagus up into small, chicken bite sized pieces. This way you can scatter a much larger area so each chicken will get some and be less likely to fight. And the smaller pieces are easier to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I overfeed my chicken asparagus?

Yes, you can give them too much asparagus. Will it hurt them? It isn’t likely but it can throw off their dietary balance. We like to stick to the 90/10 rule when giving our chickens treats, snacks, or supplementary food.

Basically, 90% of your chickens’ diet should come from a high quality chicken feed and supplemented with whatever they catch when free ranging. The other 10% of your chickens’ diet can be any number of special treats like rice, peanuts, figs, radishes, tomatoes, or bananas.

Q2. How much asparagus can I feed to my chickens?

We recommend not feeding asparagus to your chickens more than 3 or 4 times a week. On top of it possibly throwing off the balance of their diet, another consequence of unfettered asparagus consumption is it can start to taint the flavor of their eggs.

Some people claim it doesn’t at all while others claim a single feeding will do it. This is most likely due to the asparagusic acid found in asparagus. It’s the same compound that makes your pee smell and can also give eggs a bit of a sulfur flavor.

Q3. How often can I feed asparagus to my chickens?

Stick to the 90/10 rule for feeding and only give your chickens asparagus 2 to 4 times a week. If you notice a change in the flavor of their eggs, reduce the number of times per week or stop giving it to them altogether.

Q4. Can I feed asparagus to my chicks?

Asparagus should be safe for your chicks to eat. However, like with any treat, only feed it sparingly and make sure it is small and soft enough for them to eat easily. We tend to not give chicks any treats or snacks outside of their normal starter/grower feed until they are a bit older.

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

Can Chickens Eat Figs?

By MrAnimal Farm

bunch of ripe figs on foliage

Are you a fan of figs? This exotic fruit is very popular due to it’s very sweet flavor and hardiness in many different climates. We love to eat figs so we were curious if our feathered friends would love them too. So, can chickens eat figs or is this tiny sweet a bit too toxic for their taste?

Keep on reading and find out if chickens can eat figs or not!

bunch of ripe figs on foliage
bunch of ripe figs on foliage

In This Article

  • Can Chickens Eat Figs?
    • What is a fig?
    • Is it safe for a chicken to eat figs?
      • Hypoclycemia in chickens
    • What are the nutritional benefits of figs for chickens?
      • What do these nutrients do?
    • Can Chickens eat fig leaves?
    • Can chickens eat fig stems?
    • Can chickens eat fresh figs?
    • Can Chickens eat Dried or Dehydrated figs?
    • How do you feed figs to chickens?
      • Fresh picked
      • Dried figs
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Q1. Can I overfeed my chicken figs?
      • Q2. How many figs can I feed my chickens?
      • Q3. How often can I feed figs to my chickens?
      • Q4. Can I feed figs to my baby chicks?
      • Q5. Can chickens eat fig rolls?
      • Q6. Can chickens eat Fig Newtons?

Can Chickens Eat Figs?

Yes, chickens can eat figs whole they are a healthy treat with lots of benefits for your chickens health. They can have fresh or dehydrated/dried figs as long as there is no added sugar in them. Figs are, however, a treat that should be given sparingly.

Figs should be fed in tiny amounts though. Despite it’s small size, figs are packed full of sugar. Enough sugar that even 1 whole fig could prove to be deadly if a chicken eats it and is not in good health already.

What is a fig?

Figs are a small, yet very sweet fruit that grows on the Ficus carica, or fig tree. It was originally only found in the western parts of Asia and the Mediterranean before being exported throughout the world. It is now found practically everywhere.

The fruit is small, typically no more than 2″ long and turns from green to brownish purple when it is fully ripe.

Is it safe for a chicken to eat figs?

As we mentioned, figs have a lot of sugar in them. Other than the sugar content, they are safe to eat. Following the 90/10 dietary rule is the best way to make sure that figs, when fed in moderation, are a delicious snack and pose no threat, at all.

Figs are not alone in this department, though. Many fruits and berries, like watermelon, cantaloupe, blueberries, raisins, cranberries, or cherries, can wreak havoc on your chickens’ bodies if they eat too many of them. The high levels of sugar can cause obesity, sugar addiction, and, worst of all, hypoglycemia.

Make sure when you are feeding treats to also do routine health checks on your chickens to ensure that they are doing OK with these added foods in their diet.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Hypoclycemia in chickens

If you were unaware, hypoglycemia can be a problem with many animals. We often think that this is a human disease commonly associated with diabetes. However, it is something that can impact just about any living creature.

When you break the word down, “hypo” means “low, under, beneath, down, or below normal” and glycemia refers to glucose in the bloodstream. So, hypoglycemia is the technical term for low blood sugar levels. Now, why is it dangerous?

Glucose is what the body uses for energy. It is carried through the bloodstream and “delivered” to various places to give them the energy they need to function properly. When something, in this case chickens, eats too sugar, it is broken down into glucose and enters the bloodstream. When a chicken has too much sugar in it’s system, it results in a spike in their glucose levels; known as hyperglycemia.

Glucose burns very fast, though, and is quickly depleted causing a steep drop in blood sugar levels. Without the proper amount of glucose to use as an energy source, their body is not able to work efficiently.

This can be as benign as feeling a little dizzy or as severe as losing consciousness or even death.

What are the nutritional benefits of figs for chickens?

Figs can be a healthy snack for your flock. They contain a wealth of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in a very small package. In fact, a quick glance at this table from the USDA FoodData Center will show you just how many nutrients are in a single fig dried fig (8..4g).

Name Amount Measurement
Water 2.520 g
Energy 20.900 kcal
Protein 0.277 g
Fat 0.078 g
Carbohydrate 5.370 g
Fiber, total dietary 0.823 g
Sugars 4.020 g
Calcium, Ca 13.600 mg
Iron, Fe 0.171 mg
Magnesium, Mg 5.710 mg
Phosphorus, P 5.630 mg
Potassium, K 57.100 mg
Sodium, Na 0.840 mg
Zinc, Zn 0.046 mg
Copper, Cu 0.024 mg
Manganese, Mn 0.043 mg
Selenium, Se 0.050 µg
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid 0.101 mg
Vitamin B-6 0.009 mg
Folate, total 0.756 µg
Folic acid 0.000 µg
Carotene, beta 0.504 µg
Vitamin A, IU 0.840 IU
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) 0.029 mg
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) 1.310 µg

What do these nutrients do?

The above table might make a little more sense if you are familiar with how each of these nutrients affects the body. Below are some examples of what role various vitamins and minerals play in the development of a chicken.

  • Vitamin B6: healthy blood vessels, eye/vision health, nervous system , immune system
  • Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
  • Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; energy, growth, and digestive health, reduce cholesterol, controls blood sugar, digestive health
  • Vitamin K: blood clotting, bone metabolism
  • Magnesium: bone strength and development, cellular metabolism, heart health, muscle function
  • Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative
  • Protein: muscle growth and development

Can Chickens eat fig leaves?

No, chickens shouldn’t eat fig leaves. Fig leaves and trees contain a substance called ficin. Which has been shown to be toxic for multiple animals such as cattle, dogs and cats. So, better to steer clear from exposing your chickens to it.

Can chickens eat fig stems?

No, chickens shouldn’t eat fig stems. Again, this is due to the ficin in the fig plant. Better to avoid anything that is potentially toxic to feed to your chickens.

Can chickens eat fresh figs?

Yes, chickens eat eat fresh figs as long as they are given in moderation. This is the best way to feed your chickens figs.

Can Chickens eat Dried or Dehydrated figs?

Yes, chickens can eat dried or dehydrated figs. BUT only if they don’t have any added sugars. As already mentioned figs are high in sugar already, so you shouldn’t feed them to your chickens if they have even more sugar added in.

How do you feed figs to chickens?

Figs are nice because you don’t really have a ton of options when it comes to feeding them to your chickens. Since they should only be fed sparingly, you won’t want to leave them openly available as a swinging toy. Your best options are either fresh picked or from the store or dried.

Fresh picked

The best option for fresh figs is if you grow and harvest them yourself. You know exactly what they have been exposed to and you can feed them worry free. But, if you get them from the store, just make sure they do not have any pesticides on them and they should be fine for your chickens.

Just wash them thoroughly, cut them into quarters, and give them to your chickens. If you have a small flock, try to give them to each chicken individually. A larger flock is much harder to do this with. You just want to make sure that an aggressive hen or rooster doesn’t fight their way into eating half or a whole fig themselves.

Dried figs

As with cranberries and raisins, dried or dehydrated figs become highly concentrated with sugar; making them even more potentially dangerous. But, if you take that into consideration when feeding, it shouldn’t be a problem. For dried figs, we would try and split a single fig between 5 chickens instead of 5, if possible.

If you choose to buy store bought dried figs, you will just need to make sure they do not have any added sugar or other preservatives that can be harmful to your chickens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I overfeed my chicken figs?

Yes, you can overfeed your chickens figs and it can be quite dangerous. Because of the high sugar content, chickens should not over consume figs.

We like to stick with the 90/10 rule which just says that only 10% of a chicken’s diet should come from supplemental feeds, treats, snacks, etc. While 90% should come from them free ranging and the chicken feed you give them.

Q2. How many figs can I feed my chickens?

As a general rule, you will want to split one fig for every four chickens. So, only give each chicken a quarter, or fourth, of a fig. Some larger chickens may be able to handle half a fig, but it isn’t worth the risk.

Q3. How often can I feed figs to my chickens?

We usually give snacks and treats 3 or 4 days a week. With figs, you will not want to do more than 3. Realistically, feeding them once a week is probably just fine.

Q4. Can I feed figs to my baby chicks?

We would advise against giving figs to baby chicks. If an adult chicken can only handle a fourth of a fig, a chick needs much, much less and it would be very difficult to measure that out. We recommend waiting until they are a bit older before giving them much more than starter grower feed.

Q5. Can chickens eat fig rolls?

While fig rolls may be a delicious dessert for us it can be a death sentence for your chickens. Figs alone have a ton of sugar, factoring in the extra sugar and other ingredients inside of a fig roll would just be too much for them.

Q6. Can chickens eat Fig Newtons?

No, absolutely not! Chickens cannot have Fig Newtons. The amount of added sugar would likely send them into a diabetic coma and an early grave.

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

Can Chickens Eat Blueberries?

By MrAnimal Farm

closeup of fresh blueberries

We LOVE blueberries here at MrAnimal Farm. Blueberry pie, blueberry muffins, blueberry scones, even just plain old fresh or frozen blueberries. So, we got to wondering if our animals would enjoy them as much as we do. But first we had to ask can chickens eat blueberries or not?

Are you as curious as we were? Scroll down a little and find out!

closeup of fresh blueberries

In This Article

  • Can Chickens Eat Blueberries?
    • Are blueberries safe for chickens?
      • What are the nutritional benefits of blueberries for chickens?
      • What do these nutrients do?
    • How do you feed chickens blueberries?
    • What fruit is bad for chickens?
      • Berries

Can Chickens Eat Blueberries?

Yes, chickens can eat blueberries and they love them. Blueberries are considered a superfood for humans and can also be considered the same for chickens; in moderation, of course.

Are blueberries safe for chickens?

Blueberries are very safe for your chickens. While, they do contain a decent amount of sugar, if you follow the 90/10 rule, your chickens should suffer no ill effects. The 90/10 rule simply says that the primary, or 90%, dietary source for your chickens should be a quality chicken feed and whatever they can free range. The other 10% can be various other treats.

When feeding any treats, it’s good to make sure that you maintain regular health checks on your chickens to ensure they are staying in tip tip shape.

Just like when you feed other treats high in sugar like pears or nectarines, when you feed them blueberries, make sure that each chicken is only getting a couple with each feeding. Anywhere from 1 to 3 should be well within the safe zone and will not likely result in any health issues, like obesity, sugar addiction, or hypoglycemia.

Generally, treats and snacks should not be an everyday occurrence. We like to use our treats as a special event and stick to 3 or 4 times a week. You can also switch it up and give them blueberries one day, peanuts on another, and papaya or mango on the other days.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

What are the nutritional benefits of blueberries for chickens?

Blueberries contain an antioxidant called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are what give blueberries their dark blue color. In addition to these powerful antioxidants, blueberries also contain a good amount of Vitamin C which can help bolster the immune system and keep your chickens hardier and less likely to become sick.

The table below from the USDA’s FoodData Center has a breakdown of the nutritional analysis based on a serving size of 1 cup (148g) of raw blueberries:

Name Amount Measurement
Water 125 g
Energy 84.4 kcal
Protein 1.1 g
Fat 0.488 g
Carbohydrate 21.5 g
Fiber, total dietary 3.55 g
Sugars 14.7 g
Calcium, Ca 8.88 mg
Iron, Fe 0.414 mg
Magnesium, Mg 8.88 mg
Phosphorus, P 17.8 mg
Potassium, K 114 mg
Sodium, Na 1.48 mg
Zinc, Zn 0.237 mg
Copper, Cu 0.1 mg
Manganese, Mn 0.5 mg
Selenium, Se 0.1 µg
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid 14.4 mg
Vitamin B-6 0.1 mg
Folate, total 8.9 µg
Carotene, beta 47.4 µg
Vitamin A, IU 79.9 IU
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) 0.8 mg
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) 28.6 µg

What do these nutrients do?

If the table above is confusing, no worries. Here are what some of those nutrients are and how they affect your chickens’ health.

  • Antioxidants: (Anthocyanids, Beta Carotene, Lycopene) repair damage from free radicals, fight off/prevent future damage, protect from oxidative damage, anti-inflammatory, lower blood pressure, improve heart health in high enough doses, development and health of tissue, skin, and feathers
  • Vitamin B6: healthy blood vessels, eye/vision health, nervous system , immune system
  • Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
  • Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
  • Carbohydrates: give chickens energy
  • Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; enery, growth, and digestive health, reduce cholesterol, controls blood sugar, digestive health
  • Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
  • Vitamin K: blood clotting, bone metabolism
  • Manganese: bone development, immune system, breaks down carbs, cholesterol, and amino acids; controls blood sugar
  • Magnesium: bone development, cellular metabolism
  • Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative
  • Protein: muscle growth and development

How do you feed chickens blueberries?

Blueberries are really easy to feed to your chickens. Essentially, all you do is give them a good washing to remove any pesticide residue and then scatter them wherever your chickens like to eat. Make sure they are far enough apart that you can monitor how many each chicken is eating and to break up any scuffles that may come from a greedy hen.

We also like to freeze our blueberries and string them up with other frozen fruits like raspberries, blackberries, cherries, peaches, and apples. Then, just hang the string somewhere near the coop and watch the chickens have fun with their new toy.

What fruit is bad for chickens?

Chickens can eat a whole lot of other fruits, vegetables, and berries other than blueberries. Here are some of their favorite snacks that are safe, in moderation.

Fruits

  • Bananas
  • Cantaloupe
  • Currants
  • Pears
  • Watermelon

Vegetables & Gourdes

  • Pumpkin
  • Tomatoes
  • Yellow Squash
  • Zucchini

Berries

  • Mountain Ash Berries
  • Mulberries
  • Rowan Berries

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

Can Chickens Eat Raspberries?

By MrAnimal Farm

closeup of fresh raspberries on cookie sheet

Raspberries can be a delicious and refreshing treat for us, so can chickens eat raspberries? And, if so, do they provide them any health benefits?

Wanna know what we found out? Scroll down a little and find out!

closeup of fresh raspberries on cookie sheet

In This Article

  • Can Chickens Eat Raspberries?
    • Are raspberries safe for chickens?
      • What about the seeds and leaves?
      • What are the nutritional benefits of raspberries for chickens?
      • What do these nutrients do?
    • How do you feed chickens raspberries?
      • Fresh
      • Frozen
      • How many raspberries can I feed my chickens?
      • How often can I feed my chickens raspberries?

Can Chickens Eat Raspberries?

Yes, chickens can eat raspberries! In fact, they absolutely love eating them. Raspberries, when combined with a good balanced regular diet, can be an excellent treat that is also beneficial to your entire chicken flock’s health and wellbeing.

Are raspberries safe for chickens?

Yes, for the most part, raspberries are safe for chickens to eat. However, they do contain xylitol, part of what gives raspberries their sweet flavor and a substance used in many artificial sweeteners, which can be toxic to chickens and other birds and lead to hypoglycemia, pancreas failure, and liver failure.

So, you will want to make sure your chickens are maintaining good health as you feed this treat. Just like there are other foods like rhubarb and asparagus that also contain toxins, but can be fed to your chickens safely with caution.

What about the seeds and leaves?

The calyx, which is the leafy green sprout on top of the berry, is often treated with pesticides and much harder to wash off. It’s best to remove them completely and/or purchase from a pesticide free vendor. Or grow your own but keep your chickens away as they will destroy the plant trying to eat it.

The other leaves of the raspberry plant carry some of the same risks as they are also treated the same. Additionally, it has been said that raspberry leaves can alter the flavor of eggs, as well.

It would be near impossible to remove the thousands of seeds from a single berry let alone a whole batch of them. Fortunately, raspberry seeds are not at all dangerous for your chickens so you can put away the microscope and tweezers for now.

What are the nutritional benefits of raspberries for chickens?

The table below from the USDA’s FoodData Center has a breakdown of the nutritional analysis based on a serving size of 1 cup (123g) of raw raspberries:

Name Amount Measurement
Water 106 g
Energy 64 kcal
Protein 1.48 g
Fat 0.799 g
Carbohydrate 14.6 g
Fiber, total dietary 8 g
Sugars 5.44 g
Calcium, Ca 30.8 mg
Iron, Fe 0.849 mg
Magnesium, Mg 27.1 mg
Phosphorus, P 35.7 mg
Potassium, K 186 mg
Copper, Cu 0.111 mg
Manganese, Mn 0.824 mg
Selenium, Se 0.246 µg
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid 32.2 mg
Vitamin B-6 0.068 mg
Folate, total 25.8 µg
Carotene, beta 14.8 µg
Carotene, alpha 19.7 µg
Vitamin A, IU 40.6 IU
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) 1.07 mg
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) 9.59 µg

What do these nutrients do?

Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are essential to living a long and healthy life. Here is a short description of what some of these nutrients in raspberries do to help your chickens.

  • Vitamin A: eye, skin, respiratory, and digestive health
  • Antioxidants: (Beta Carotene, Lycopene) repair damage from free radicals, fight off/prevent future damage, protect from oxidative damage, anti-inflammatory, lower blood pressure, improve heart health in high enough doses, development and health of tissue, skin, and feathers
  • Vitamin B6: healthy blood vessels, eye/vision health, nervous system, immune system
  • Carotene, Beta (Beta Carotene): egg, feathers, skin, beak, and comb color; converts to Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
  • Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
  • Carbohydrates: give chickens energy
  • Copper: helps digestion and elevates the immune system
  • Vitamin E: immune system support, cell regeneration
  • Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; energy, growth, and digestive health, reduce cholesterol, controls blood sugar, digestive health
  • Iron: prevents anemia
  • Vitamin K: blood clotting, bone metabolism
  • Manganese: bone development, immune system, breaks down carbs, cholesterol, and amino acids; controls blood sugar
  • Magnesium: bone development, cellular metabolism
  • Phosphorus: egg quality and skeletal development
  • Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative
  • Protein: muscle growth and development
  • Sodium: helps with growth by assisting with energy and appetite
  • Zinc: assists in the formation of their feathers

How do you feed chickens raspberries?

If you have your own raspberry bush where your chickens can get to it, they will take care of this for you. You may not like the results but they will definitely handle feeding themselves. However, if you would like to keep your berry bushes intact AND give your chickens a sweet snack, you can try some of these methods.

And remember, no matter which way you choose, make sure to wash them prior to feeding. Even if you got them from a pesticide free grower, you never know if someone is just pulling your leg.

Fresh

This method is super simple. Just scatter them around in an area you don’t mind chickens scratching through. Make sure you spread them far enough apart that they do not end up fighting and so you can keep a good eye on how many raspberries each chicken is eating.

Frozen

Try freezing some raspberries, blueberries, cherries, and blackberries, and then hang them all on a piece of fishing line together. Your chickens will not only love their berry medley snack but they will also enjoy chasing the string around as it swings when pecked. This easy to make DIY chicken toy will play double duty as a treat supplement and entertainment (for you and the chickens)

How many raspberries can I feed my chickens?

It’s best to only feed each chicken between 1 and 3 raspberries. We tend to stick to the 90/10 rule which states that 90% of your chickens’ diet should be what they catch free ranging and from a quality chicken feed. The other 10% can be various other snacks and treats like raspberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, rice, or even popcorn and peanuts!

How often can I feed my chickens raspberries?

With a well balanced diet, we like to give our chickens raspberries and other special treats 3 or 4 times a week. This seems to be often enough to keep them happy and not too often that they start to develop health problems.

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

Can Chickens Eat Papaya?

By MrAnimal Farm

Halved fresh tropical papaya with pips displayed on a wooden cutting board

Did you know that on top of being delicious, the papaya is packed full of healthy vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients? Papayas also offer a whole host of other health benefits. It makes you wonder if they are so good for us, can our animals get the same improvements? So, can chickens eat papayas?

Let’s keep reading to see if papayas are the most nutritious and delicious treat EVER or the sweet kiss of death for your chickens (or maybe something in between that is less dramatic).

Halved fresh tropical papaya with pips displayed on a wooden cutting board
Ripe peaches fruit in basket on a brown wooden background

In This Article

  • Can Chickens Eat Papayas?
    • What exactly is a papaya?
    • Is it safe for a chicken to eat a papaya?
      • Can chickens eat papaya seeds?
      • Are the leaves of a papaya plant poisonous to chickens?
      • What about unripe or green papayas? Can my chicken eat those?
    • Are papayas healthy for chickens?
      • Papaya as a dewormer
      • Papaya as an antibacterial
      • Papayas as a treatment for coccidia
      • Papaya as an antifungal and antiviral
      • What are the nutritional benefits of papaya for chickens?
      • What do these nutrients do?
    • How do you feed papaya to chickens?
      • Whole
      • Sliced
      • Frozen
      • Dried
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Q1. Can I overfeed my chicken papayas?
      • Q2. How often can I feed my chickens papaya?
      • Q3. How much papaya can I feed to my chickens?
      • Q4. Can baby chicks eat papaya?
      • Q5. What other fruits and vegetables are safe for chickens?
      • Berries

Can Chickens Eat Papayas?

Yes, chickens can eat papayas! They can eat ripe papayas skin, flesh and seeds. They are incredibly nutritious and a sweet treat chickens love to eat.

What exactly is a papaya?

A papaya is a small, mostly tropical fruit in the caricaceae family. It’s scientific name is Carica Papaya. As it begins to ripen, the color of it’s skin will change from a darker green to an almost orangey yellow with bits of green mixed in. The riper it is, the sweeter it will be; ranging from a mild sweet flavor, similar to a banana, to a very sweet flavor reminiscent of mango.

One common misconception is that papayas and pawpaws are the same thing. It can get confusing because papayas are sometimes called pawpaws, correctly.

They are very similar, however, North American Pawpaws (similar but different name) are usually bigger and grow in colder climates; all the way up into Canada. There are some other differences in color and flavor. Here’s a good comparison from our friends at Practical Primate.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Is it safe for a chicken to eat a papaya?

It is definitely safe for chickens to eat papaya. As we mentioned, they are packed full of good nutrients that will strengthen and improve just about every facet of your flock’s physical wellbeing. Even the sugar is not as big an issue as some other treats like cranberries, cherries, peaches, or raisins.

However, with all of the health benefits, there are a few things to consider before dumping a whole bushel in your coop.

Can chickens eat papaya seeds?

Yes, chickens can eat papaya seeds, technically. The seeds of a papaya are not toxic, however, they are hard and can be difficult to eat and digest. Because of this they can be a choking hazard and possibly lead to an internal blockage.

Due to the choking hazard, it may be best to remove papaya seeds before feeding them to your chickens.

The seeds are easy to remove, though. Just slice the papaya in half and use a spoon to scoop the seeds out. Easy peasy!

Are the leaves of a papaya plant poisonous to chickens?

Another thing to keep in mind is the greenery attached to the fruit, like leaves. While they are not explicitly toxic in the same way tomatoes or potato skins may be, there is still some debate going within the scientific community to whether the leaves are harmful or not. We like to play it safe and remove any greenery prior to feeding them to our chickens.

What about unripe or green papayas? Can my chicken eat those?

Finally, only feed ripe papayas to your chickens (and to yourself, honestly). Papayas, when unripe, contain papain which is harsh and can cause harm to the esophagus.

But don’t worry too much, just as chickens can eat asparagus despite the potential oxalic acid toxin, as long as you feed papaya in a safe manner, it’s totally safe.

Are papayas healthy for chickens?

Yes, papayas are very healthy for chickens to eat! We’ve said it a few times already but now let’s talk a little bit about WHY they are so healthy. Aside from being nutrient dense, papayas have been known to have additional health benefits.

Papaya as a dewormer

If you have ever raised any livestock you know pests and parasites can quickly become a big problem. This issue is only made worse by the overuse of many over the counter dewormers leading to stronger and more resistant breeds of worms.

Papaya has been shown in studies to act as a natural dewormer AND build up resistance for future worm loads. Not just in chickens either. Papayas can do this for your goats, too!

Papaya as an antibacterial

There are some other studies that have made a connection between papayas and wounds healing more quickly and effectively. Papayas contain many antibacterial properties and thus can help increase your chickens’ ability to heal itself when injured..

Papayas as a treatment for coccidia

Coccidia, or coccidiosis, seems to be a constant battle with chickens and goats, especially baby goats. Fortunately, papayas have shown promising signs of being a good defense against coccidia and it’s effects.

Papaya as an antifungal and antiviral

As if the above benefits were not enough, papayas have also been used as an antifungal and, because they are packed with so much immune boosting Vitamin C, they act as an antiviral, as well.

What are the nutritional benefits of papaya for chickens?

Papayas have a ton of nutrients in them. Your chickens will get just about every vitamin, mineral, antioxidant, and other nutrients they need from eating papaya.

The table below, courtesy of the USDA FoodData Center, has a breakdown of the nutritional analysis based on a serving size of 1 cup of 1″ papaya pieces (145g).

Names Amount Measurement
Water 128.000 g
Energy 62.400 kcal
Protein 0.681 g
Fat 0.377 g
Carbohydrate, by difference 15.700 g
Fiber, total dietary 2.460 g
Sugars, total including NLEA 11.300 g
Calcium, Ca 29.000 mg
Iron, Fe 0.362 mg
Magnesium, Mg 30.400 mg
Phosphorus, P 14.500 mg
Potassium, K 264.000 mg
Copper, Cu 0.065 mg
Manganese, Mn 0.058 mg
Selenium, Se 0.870 µg
Vitamin C, 88.300 mg
Vitamin B-6 0.1 mg
Folate, total 53.6 µg
Vitamin A, RAE 68.2 µg
Carotene, beta 397.0 µg
Carotene, alpha 2.9 µg
Vitamin A, IU 1,380.0 IU
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) 0.4 mg
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) 3.8 µg

What do these nutrients do?

Here are what some of these nutrients can do to help your chicken be as healthy as possible.

  • Vitamin A: eye, skin, respiratory, and digestive health
  • Antioxidants: repair damage from free radicals, fight off/prevent future damage, protect from oxidative damage, anti-inflammatory, lower blood pressure, improve heart health in high enough doses, development and health of tissue, skin, and feathers
  • Carotene, Beta (Beta Carotene): egg, feathers, skin, beak, and comb color; converts to Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
  • Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
  • Carbohydrates: give chickens energy
  • Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; energy, growth, and digestive health, reduce cholesterol, controls blood sugar, digestive health
  • Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
  • Iron: prevents anemia
  • Vitamin K: blood clotting, bone metabolism
  • Magnesium: bone strength and development, cellular metabolism, heart health, muscle function
  • Manganese: bone development, immune system, breaks down carbs, cholesterol, and amino acids; controls blood sugar
  • Phosphorus: bone formation
  • Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative
  • Protein: muscle growth and development
  • Selenium: Boosts their immune system and helps with over nutrient balance in selenium deficient areas (most of the US)

How do you feed papaya to chickens?

No matter what method you use, always start out by washing them. This will remove any unwanted pesticide residue that may still be present. Better yet, try and get you rpapayas from a vendor who is pesticide free (but still wash them anyway).

Whole

This is the easiest method. Just toss a whole papaya to your chickens and be done with it. However, with the ease of this method comes some risks.

  1. chickens may fight over the small, unscattered portion
  2. some may eat more than others and become nutritionally unbalanced
  3. some may choke on the seeds

Sliced

While this takes a little more work, this is a much better, and safer, way to feed your chickens papaya. Just cut the papaya in half, scoop out the seeds with a spoon and then slice it into slivers or small cubes. Now, you don’t have to worry about as many fights or choking hazards.

Frozen

On really hot days, we love to freeze our fruit for healthy snacks, like blueberries, blackberries, grapes, and cherries. Freeze some papaya as well and give your flock a cold fruit medley during the summer months.

Bonus points if your run a needle and fishing line through them to make a hanging chicken toy. It’s a good snack and the chickens will not get bored chasing the swinging fruit.

Dried

Finally, you can dehydrate papaya and give that to your chickens. Removing the moisture will make the sugar content a little more potent and can be risky, though. However, if you want to peel them first, feed the fruit to your chickens and then dry the skins for a snack later on.

The skins typically have all of the same nutrients but without the excess sugar. To dry them yourself you can put them on a cookie sheet and stick them in the oven on the lowest temperature, usually around 140º to 150º, and let them bake for about 12 hours; checking every couple of hours on their progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I overfeed my chicken papayas?

As with anything good, feeding papayas to your chickens can be overdone. We stick with the 10% rule when feeding our chickens treats. That basically means that no more than 10% of their diet should come from anything other than a quality chicken feed and whatever they can catch while free ranging.

Q2. How often can I feed my chickens papaya?

Following the 10% rule, your chickens can benefit from eating papaya anywhere from 1 to 3 times a week.

Q3. How much papaya can I feed to my chickens?

Depending on the size of your chicken flock, the amount will vary. But the average backyard flock can probably feed 1 or 2 small papayas and be in the safe range.

Q4. Can baby chicks eat papaya?

Baby chickens can benefit from the nutrients in papaya. However, being so tiny, it is easy to give them too much without realizing it; not to mention the potential choking hazard. We recommend sticking with a specialized chick/grower feed until they are a little bit older.

Q5. What other fruits and vegetables are safe for chickens?

Most fruits, vegetables and berries are safe for your chickens to eat, within the confines of the 10% rule we mentioned earlier. Here is a short list of some of our flock’s favorites:

Fruits

  • Apples (not the seeds)
  • Bananas
  • Cantaloupe
  • Cherries
  • Currants
  • Peaches
  • Pears
  • Watermelon

Vegetables & Gourdes

  • Pumpkin
  • Tomatoes
  • Yellow Squash
  • Zucchini

Berries

  • Blackberries
  • Blueberries
  • Mountain Ash Berries
  • Mulberries
  • Raspberries
  • Rowan Berries

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

Can Chickens Eat Raisins?

By MrAnimal Farm

closeup of raisins

Raisins are pretty polarizing. Some people love them because they are a tasty and healthy alternative to candy while others have developed serious trust issues when mistaking an oatmeal raisin cookie for a chocolate chip cookie. It turns out, asking can chickens eat raisins is just as divided.

So, do you think raisins are toxic for chickens or should you let your feathered friends snack the time away with you? Let’s find out together, shall we?

closeup of raisins
Raisins background picture (macro shot)

In This Article

  • Can Chickens Eat Raisins?
    • Is it safe for chickens to eat raisins?
      • Hypoglycemia in chickens
    • Can chickens eat grape leaves?
    • Are raisins healthy for chickens?
      • What are the nutritional benefits of raisins for chickens?
      • What do these nutrients do?
    • How do you feed raisins to chickens?
      • Fresh raisins
      • Soaked
      • Chicken trail mix
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Q1. Can I overfeed my chicken raisins?
      • Q2. How many raisins can I feed my chickens?
      • Q3. How often can I feed raisins to my chickens?
      • Q4. Can I feed raisins to my baby chicks?
      • Q5. What fruits and vegetables are safe for chickens?
      • Berries

Can Chickens Eat Raisins?

Chickens can eat raisins but they should not eat a lot of them. There are some risks that you should be aware of before you let them snack on your favorite treat. All in all, though, when fed properly, raisins can be a tasty and healthy treat for your chicken flock.

Is it safe for chickens to eat raisins?

So, raisins get a pretty bad rep because they can make a dog go into kidney failure and, in some cases, be fatal. If you ask us, that’s a pretty good reason to be weary of raisins. People then just assume if it will kill their dog, it will probably kill any of their other animals.

Fortunately, this is not the case. That’s not to say they do not have an element of danger. However, they are not as dangerous for chickens as they are for dogs. The major danger is the amount of sugar in raisins can lead to excessive weight gain, putting stress on their body, a, believe it or not, sugar addiction, which can cause them to stop eating their regular food, and hypoglycemia.

You should be aware of the health issues this can cause so that you can keep your chickens in good health.

Hypoglycemia in chickens

High sugar content is a pretty common risk with just about any berry or fruit you can feed your chickens. It doesn’t matter if it’s watermelon, cantaloupe, blueberries, or cherries. If they eat too much in a short period of time, your chickens can become hypoglycemic.

All hypoglycemia means is low blood sugar. Or, more accurately, glucose in the bloodstream is low. Glucose is what the body uses as it’s primary source of energy. If it gets too low, essential body functions are not able to run as smoothly as they should and can become a problem. This can range from feeling dizzy and lethargic all the way to death.

It’s not that scary though. You can avoid it by monitoring what your chickens eat and giving them a high quality chicken feed so they have all of their necessary nutrients and only give them raisins and other sweets as an occasional treat.

Can chickens eat grape leaves?

The answer to this question is an emphatic yes! Chickens can eat grape leaves. Unlike tomatoes and mangos, whose leaves and greenery can be toxic, grape leaves have all of the nutritional benefits of grapes and raisins without the huge sugar dump.

Are raisins healthy for chickens?

Just like with dried cranberries and figs when fed in moderation, raisins can be a pretty healthy snack; particularly in areas that are deficient in Selenium (which is pretty much the entirety of the US.

What are the nutritional benefits of raisins for chickens?

Other than the amount of sugar, raisins have a lot of good vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals.

The table below, courtesy of the USDA FoodData Center, has a breakdown of the nutritional analysis based on a serving size of 1 cup (145g), loose packed, seeded raisins.

Name Amount Measurement
Water 24.1 g
Energy 429 kcal
Energy 1800 kJ
Protein 3.65 g
Total lipid (fat) 0.783 g
Ash 2.74 g
Carbohydrate, by difference 114 g
Fiber, total dietary 9.86 g
Calcium, Ca 40.6 mg
Iron, Fe 3.76 mg
Magnesium, Mg 43.5 mg
Phosphorus, P 109 mg
Potassium, K 1200 mg
Sodium, Na 40.6 mg
Zinc, Zn 0.261 mg
Copper, Cu 0.438 mg
Manganese, Mn 0.387 mg
Selenium, Se 0.87 µg
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid 7.83 mg
Thiamin 0.162 mg
Riboflavin 0.264 mg
Niacin 1.61 mg
Pantothenic acid 0.065 mg
Vitamin B-6 0.273 mg
Folate, total 4.35 µg

What do these nutrients do?

Here is a handy breakdown of what some of those nutrients listed above do for your chickens’ overall health.

  • Vitamin A: eye, skin, respiratory, and digestive health
  • Antioxidants: (Beta Carotene, Lycopene) repair damage from free radicals, fight off/prevent future damage, protect from oxidative damage, anti-inflammatory, lower blood pressure, improve heart health in high enough doses, development and health of tissue, skin, and feathers
  • Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
  • Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
  • Copper: helps digestion and elevates the immune system
  • Vitamin E: immune system support, cell regeneration
  • Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; energy, growth, and digestive health, reduce cholesterol, controls blood sugar, digestive health
  • Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
  • Iron: prevents anemia
  • Vitamin K: blood clotting, bone metabolism
  • Magnesium: bone strength and development, cellular metabolism, heart health, muscle function
  • Omega 6 Fatty Acids: help with healthy feathers, skin, proper brain development, and assists in growth
  • Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative
  • Selenium: Boosts their immune system and helps with over nutrient balance in selenium deficient areas (most of the US)

How do you feed raisins to chickens?

Here are a couple of methods you can use to feed raisins to your chickens.

Fresh raisins

Just scatter them around like feed or scratch. This is the easiest method but can be difficult for your chickens to digest. We suggest serving them…

Soaked

Put them in a jar with water and let them soak over night. This softens them so they are easier to chew and digest. This is our preferred method of feeding our chickens raisins, when we do.

Chicken trail mix

Mix with some berries, nuts, meal worms, corn, black oil sunflower seeds, sunflower kernels, and/or flaxseed to make this tasty chicken treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I overfeed my chicken raisins?

Yes. Feeding your chickens too many raisins can lead to many health problems such as, obesity, sugar addiction, and hypoglycemia.

Q2. How many raisins can I feed my chickens?

Because of the high content and the dangers involved with giving your chicken’s too much sugar, you should really only give each chicken 1 to 3 raisins each.

Q3. How often can I feed raisins to my chickens?

We live by the 90/10 rule which says only 10% of a chicken’s diet should consist of snacks, treats, and unconventional foods while 90% should be what the catch free ranging and a quality chicken feed.

Q4. Can I feed raisins to my baby chicks?

We don’t recommend giving raisins to baby chicks. The can easily choke on them, even if the raisins are pre soaked. It is also very difficult to determine what is a safe amount of sugar due to the chicks’ very small size.

Q5. What fruits and vegetables are safe for chickens?

Stick to the 90/10 rule and you should be safe feeding some of these fruits, veggies, and berries.

Fruits

  • Apples (not the seeds)
  • Bananas
  • Cantaloupe
  • Cherries
  • Currants
  • Peaches
  • Pears
  • Watermelon

Vegetables & Gourdes

  • Pumpkin
  • Tomatoes
  • Yellow Squash
  • Zucchini

Berries

  • Blackberries
  • Blueberries
  • Mountain Ash Berries
  • Mulberries
  • Raspberries
  • Rowan Berries

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

Can Chickens Eat Cranberries?

By MrAnimal Farm

fresh raw cranberries in wooden spoon

When you think of holiday meals there are a few things that come to mind; oven roasted turkey, glazed honey ham, and, possibly best of all, fresh, homemade cranberry sauce. And since we all love cranberries so much, we want to share them with all of our furry and feathered friends. Right? Before you do, though, maybe ask yourself can chickens eat cranberries?

Keep on reading to find out if your chickens can enjoy the holidays as much as you do!

fresh raw cranberries in wooden spoon
fresh raw cowberries in wooden spoon

In This Article

  • Can Chickens Eat Cranberries?
    • Is it safe for a chicken to eat cranberries?
    • Can chickens eat fresh cranberries?
    • Can chickens eat cooked cranberries
    • Can chickens eat dried cranberries
    • Can my chicken eat craisins?
    • Can chickens eat cranberry sauce?
      • Hypoclycemia in chickens
    • Are cranberries healthy for chickens?
      • What are the nutritional benefits of cranberries for chickens?
      • What do these nutrients do?
    • How do you feed cranberries to chickens?
      • Cranberries as boredom buster
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Q1. Can I overfeed my chicken cranberries?
      • Q2. How many cranberries can I feed my chickens?
      • Q3. How often can I feed cranberries to my chickens?
      • Q4. Can I feed cranberries to my baby chicks?

Can Chickens Eat Cranberries?

Yes, chickens can eat cranberries. They are packed with dense nutrients like Vitamin A and Vitamin C and make an excellent treat for your chickens. They can be fed whole, raw, dried, dehydrated or cooked as long as extra sugar is not added.

Is it safe for a chicken to eat cranberries?

Are cranberries a safe snack for your chickens? Yes and no. As we mentioned, cranberries can actually be very healthy (more on that in a minute) but, they do have a lot of sugar in them.

In order to maintain good health, chickens need to have a well balanced diet, typically from foraging and a quality feed with a specific chicken focused recipe.

Unfortunately, if they eat too many cranberries, or any especially sweet fruit like figs, papaya or raspberries it can throw their blood sugar levels off and they can become hypoglycemic.

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

Can chickens eat fresh cranberries?

Yes, chickens can eat fresh cranberries. You can’t go wrong with fresh cranberries. They are juicy, ripe, and an almost perfect snack for your chickens. The only bad thing about them is they can be a little tough to chew and sometimes digest.

Can chickens eat cooked cranberries

Yes, chickens can eat cooked cranberries. You can bake them, stick them in a skillet, or even just boil them for a bit to cook cranberries for your chickens. The primary reason for this is it make the softer and, thus, easier to chew and digest. This method will eliminate upset stomachs and most choking hazards. The only drawback is it can be time consuming.

Can chickens eat dried cranberries

Probably not. Dried cranberries can be a little problematic. Remember that part earlier about the high amount of sugar? Dried cranberries actually have an even higher concentration of sugar.

What we mean is, when you dry cranberries, all of the moisture is removed and all that is left is the shriveled flesh or fruit. Since there is no water to dilute the sugar content, it’s even harder for the chicken’s body to balance out the sugar.

If you want to feed them dried cranberries don’t feed them ones you bought from the store. Almost every pack of dried cranberries you can find in a store is soaked in sugar or syrup prior to dehydrating. So they have even MORE sugar!

Your best bet is to use fresh cranberries and dry them out yourself.

Can my chicken eat craisins?

No, chickens cannot eat craisins as they usually have sugar in them. Craisins are just a brand name for dried cranberries; playing off the more popular dried grape snack, raisins.

The same rules apply for craisins as any store bought dried cranberries. Unless they explicitly say they have no sugar in them, assume they are loaded.

Can chickens eat cranberry sauce?

No, chickens can’t eat cranberry sauce. Most all cranberry sauce (unless you just cook and smush your own at home) is going to be jam packed full of sugar which is a big no-no for feeding your chickens.

Hypoclycemia in chickens

Hypoglycemia? Isn’t that a human disease? It is, but it’s not exclusive to us. Many animals can suffer from it, like dogs (usually small dogs) and, as you now know, chickens.

So, what is hypoglycemia? Hypo as a prefix means ” low, under, beneath, down, or below normal” and glycemia pertains to glucose being in the bloodstream. Put them together and it essentially means that the chicken does not have enough glucose in their system. Since glucose is the body’s main source of energy not having enough means important body functions are not able to operate at peak performance. If that goes on too long it can be very dangerous; and not just for chickens.

When sugar is consumed the body breaks it down into glucose, which then enters the bloodstream and is carried throughout the body providing the energy needed to function. When we get too much glucose, the body doesn’t know what to do with it and burns it off very quickly leading to a sharp drop in blood sugar level. Kind of like that wonky feeling that comes if you eat a candy bar for breakfast and then a late lunch.

At best, it is a very uncomfortable and disorienting feeling. At worst, it can lead to unconsciousness and even, in some cases, death.

Are cranberries healthy for chickens?

Now, cranberries are not nearly as scary as that last part may have made them sound. Like we said, hypoglycemia can happen with an excessive amount of cranberries. If you want to feed your chickens 1, 2, maybe 3 fresh cranberries at a time, they should be okay.

Let’s at some of the other nutrients found in cranberries.

What are the nutritional benefits of cranberries for chickens?

Cranberries, despite having a lot of sugar, have plenty of other really good nutrients that your chicken can use to grow and stay healthy and strong.

The table below, courtesy of the USDA FoodData Center, has a breakdown of the nutritional analysis based on a serving size of 1 cup whole, fresh cranberries (100g).

Name Amount Measurement
Water 87.300 g
Energy 46.000 kcal
Protein 0.460 g
Fat 0.130 g
Carbohydrate 12.000 g
Fiber 3.600 g
Sugars 4.270 g
Sucrose 0.160 g
Glucose 3.440 g
Fructose 0.670 g
Calcium, Ca 8.000 mg
Iron, Fe 0.230 mg
Magnesium, Mg 6.000 mg
Phosphorus, P 11.000 mg
Potassium, K 80.000 mg
Sodium, Na 2.000 mg
Zinc, Zn 0.090 mg
Copper, Cu 0.056 mg
Manganese, Mn 0.267 mg
Selenium, Se 0.100 µg
Vitamin C 14.000 mg
Niacin 0.101 mg
Pantothenic acid 0.295 mg
Vitamin B-6 0.057 mg
Folate, total 1.000 µg
Carotene, beta 38.000 µg
Vitamin A, IU 63.000 IU
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) 1.320 mg
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) 5.000 µg
Riboflavin 0.02 mg

What do these nutrients do?

The table above may not mean much to you if you don’t have context. Here is a list of some of the most beneficial nutrients so this chart can be more than just a bunch of weird words and numbers.

  • Vitamin A: eye, skin, respiratory, and digestive health
  • Antioxidants: (Beta Carotene, Lycopene) repair damage from free radicals, fight off/prevent future damage, protect from oxidative damage, anti-inflammatory, lower blood pressure, improve heart health in high enough doses, development and health of tissue, skin, and feathers
  • Vitamin B6: healthy blood vessels, eye/vision health, nervous system , immune system
  • Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
  • Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
  • Vitamin E: immune system support, cell regeneration
  • Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; energy, growth, and digestive health, reduce cholesterol, controls blood sugar, digestive health
  • Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
  • Iron: prevents anemia
  • Vitamin K: blood clotting, bone metabolism
  • Magnesium: bone strength and development, cellular metabolism, heart health, muscle function
  • Manganese: bone development, immune system, breaks down carbs, cholesterol, and amino acids; controls blood sugar
  • Phosphorus: bone formation
  • Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative
  • Protein: muscle growth and development
  • Riboflavin: immune system

How do you feed cranberries to chickens?

First, just pick out the type of cranberries you will be feeding, fresh, cooked, raw or something else. If you are feeding uncooked cranberries, you will want to wash them off first.

Then, since they are pretty much the perfect size already, you can pretty much just take them out and give them to your chickens. You can feed them to your chickens out of your hand, mixed into the feed, or sprinkled on the ground.

Cranberries as boredom buster

Turn their treat into a toy! Take a needle and some fishing line and string a bunch of cranberries like you’re making Christmas decorations. Then find a place to hang it where your chickens will be hanging out. They will enjoy pecking at the bright red berries and will have fun chasing and dodging the string when it starts to swing. Throw in some frozen blueberries, blackberries, or cherries, to add some more color and variety.

The toy method works with fresh, cooked, and, dried cranberries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I overfeed my chicken cranberries?

You can absolutely overfeed your chicken cranberries. As we mentioned earlier, too many cranberries can lead to a nutrient imbalance, hypoglycemia, and other health problems.

When giving any kind of treat outside of our chickens’ normal feed and scratch diet, we stick to the 90/10 rule. This simply means that the vast majority of your chickens’ diet should come from good, quality sources, like a specialized feed and what they catch free ranging. 10% of their diet can be snacks and other, more unconventional, foods, like rice, kiwi, popcorn, peanuts, or mango.

Q2. How many cranberries can I feed my chickens?

We recommend no more than 10% of your chickens’ diet should be snacks or treats. For cranberries, in particular, we think 2 or 3 fresh or cooked cranberries should be fine. Only 1 or ,that, for dried cranberries.

Q3. How often can I feed cranberries to my chickens?

If you are sticking to a healthy chicken feed and the flock looks good and healthy, you can probably feed them cranberries a couple times a week.

Q4. Can I feed cranberries to my baby chicks?

Cranberries for chicks can be doubly dangerous. For one, baby chicks are going to be even more sensitive to the sugar in cranberries than adult birds. And two, with chicks being so small, cranberries can become a choking hazard. It’s possible that you can give your baby chickens cranberries but it is not advised.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Can Chickens Eat Peaches?

By MrAnimal Farm

Ripe peaches fruit in basket on a brown wooden background

Peaches are about as American as baseball and apple pie. And for good reason; they are just so delicious! So, it seems that if we are lucky enough to enjoy their sweet goodness our feathered friends should be able to too. Right? Makes us wonder can chickens eat peaches or must they look on in envy?

Keep scrolling and we’ll see if chickens can eat peaches or not.

Ripe peaches fruit in basket on a brown wooden background
Ripe peaches fruit in basket on a brown wooden background

In This Article

  • Can Chickens Eat Peaches?
    • Is it safe for a chicken to eat a peach?
    • Can chickens eat peach skins?
    • Can chickens eat peach pits?
    • Can chickens eat whole peaches?
    • Are the leaves and peach tree poisonous to chickens?
    • Can chickens eat canned peaches?
    • Can chickens eat rotten or spoiled peaches?
    • Are peaches healthy for chickens?
      • Hypoclycemia in chickens
      • What are the nutritional benefits of peaches for chickens?
      • What do these nutrients do?
    • How do you feed peaches to chickens?
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Q1. Can I overfeed my chicken peaches?

Can Chickens Eat Peaches?

Yes, chickens can eat peaches and they love them. Peaches are a nutritious and healthy treat to feed your chickens.

Peaches have a ton of nutrients in the form of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. So, not only are peaches delicious, but they contain nutrients essential to the health and wellbeing of a chicken.

Is it safe for a chicken to eat a peach?

For the most part, yes it is safe for chickens to eat peaches. The yellow flesh on the inside of the peach, what we think of as the actual peach, is absolutely a safe and tasty treat. Additionally, you do not have to remove the skin before feeding peaches to your chickens.

Can chickens eat peach skins?

Yes, chickens can eat peach skins. It will contain many nutrients that the chicken can use and can help keep your chickens healthy. They may waste some of it but they will probably eat a good amount of the skin while eating the fruit.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Can chickens eat peach pits?

No, chickens should not eat peach pits, or stone, as it’s sometimes called. The pit is the large, hard seed found in the center of a peach.

They contain amygdalin which changes into hydrogen cyanide. Cyanide in peach pits are, just like in apple seeds, toxic and can cause your chicken to become sick and even die. Fortunately, cyanide can not handle too much heat and can be eliminated by cooking it.

Fortunately, this will likely never be a real problem because the pits are generally much too hard and large for a chicken to waste time bothering with it; especially when there’s a sweet and juicy peach close by.

Can chickens eat whole peaches?

No, chickens cannot eat whole peaches because they cannot have the peach pits as mentioned above. However, if you slice the peach in half and remove the pit, they can have peach halves.

Are the leaves and peach tree poisonous to chickens?

Just like the pit, the leaves of a peach tree also contain amygdalin. So the same risk of cyanide poisoning is present in the leaves. Stick to giving your chickens a juicy peach free of pits and greens.

Can chickens eat canned peaches?

Technically yes, chickens can eat canned peaches but it isn’t really a great idea. Canned peaches contain a ton of sugar which can be harmful for chickens, which we will discuss a little more in depth later.

If you canned your own peaches with little to no sugar, or purchased no sugar added canned peaches those might be ok to feed your chickens.

Can chickens eat rotten or spoiled peaches?

No, chickens cannot eat rotten or spoiled peaches. Never feed rotten or moldy fruit (or any food, for that matter) to your chickens.

Chickens, and just about any living creature, should not eat anything that is in a condition that we, as humans, would not eat our food in that same condition. Spoiled and moldy food can make your chickens sick and possibly even cause death.

Are peaches healthy for chickens?

Considering what we just said above, it may seem a little confusing. Are they good and safe for chickens or are peaches toxic?

Let us clear it up for you. While the pit, tree, leaves, and other greenery around the peach can be toxic, the actual peach is completely safe and healthy for chickens to eat. They are high in things like Vitamin C and antioxidants. However, we must caveat that by saying so long as they are fed in moderation.

Peaches contain a lot of sugar which can be dangerous for chickens if they eat too much. A large shift in the amount of sugar in a chicken’s diet can be harmful in a few ways. Chickens can actually become addicted, in a sense, to the sweet flavor; craving it over their own feed. Over time, they may stop eating their feed altogether and hold out just for a sweet treat.

Hypoclycemia in chickens

Another danger is hypoglycemia. Then sugar is broken down in the body it is converted into glucose which is a way our body has energy. Glucose, however, burns much faster than other sources of energy. The problem is a chicken’s body is used to a certain blood sugar level. When the chicken consumes a bunch of sugar, and then that sugar turns to glucose, and then all of the glucose is burnt away, the chicken experiences a blood sugar spike and then a sudden and steep drop.

This spike and drop is similar to what happens when we eat too much sugar and then start to feel wonky a short time later. Chickens, being much smaller than humans, experience this in a more extreme manner. At best, they can be very uncomfortable until they level back out or they can go into a sugar coma which can potentially be fatal.

What are the nutritional benefits of peaches for chickens?

Peaches have plenty of good nutrients that your chicken can use to grow and stay healthy and strong.

The table below, courtesy of the USDA FoodData Center, has a breakdown of the nutritional analysis based on a serving size of 1 medium sized fresh peach (147 g).

Name Amount Measurement
Water 130 g
Energy 67.6 kcal
Protein 1.34 g
Carbohydrates 14.8 g
Fiber 2.2 g
Fat .397 g
Sugars 12.3 g
Calcium 5.88 mg
Potassium 179 mg
Folate 8.82 µg
Vitamin C 6.03 mg
Vitamin A 35.3 µg

What do these nutrients do?

Antioxidants work to repair damage from free radicals and fight off or prevent future damage. They also protect against oxidative damage which can lead to accelerated issues related to aging. Additionally, antioxidants are known to work as anti-inflammatories, to lower blood pressure, improve heart health in high enough doses, and assist in the development and health of tissue, skin, and feathers.

  • Antioxidants: (Beta Carotene, Lycopene) repair damage from free radicals, fight off/prevent future damage, protect from oxidative damage, anti-inflammatory, lower blood pressure, improve heart health in high enough doses, development and health of tissue, skin, and feathers
  • Vitamin A: eye, skin, respiratory, and digestive health
  • Carotene, Beta (Beta Carotene): egg, feathers, skin, beak, and comb color; converts to Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
  • Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
  • Carbohydrates: give chickens energy
  • Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; energy, growth, and digestive health
  • Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
  • Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative

How do you feed peaches to chickens?

Wash, cut the peach, remove the pit, and give it to them; easy as that!

However, it will make things a bit easier and safer to eat if you cut them into smaller pieces. Another fun option, like we did with kiwi, is to suspend a peach at the chickens’ eye level. They will, not only have a tasty treat but a fun DIY chicken toy to keep them busy and less bored.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I overfeed my chicken peaches?

Yes, you can give them too much. Like we said earlier, only feed your chickens peaches in moderation. We like to stick with the 90/10 rule meaning no more than 10% of your chickens’ diet should be anything outside of their feed and what they can forage.

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

Can Chickens Eat Kiwi?

By MrAnimal Farm

sliced kiwi next to a knife on a cutting board

Do you love kiwi as much as we do? Those fuzzy little fruits are super tasty and good for you too (and the inside sometimes looks like the Batman logo). Do chickens feel the same way about kiwi as we do (minus the Batman love)? Can chickens eat kiwi or will this fruit make your chicken sick?

Keep scrolling and we will jump right in to answering these questions and more!

sliced kiwi next to a knife on a cutting board

In This Article

  • Can Chickens Eat Kiwi?
    • What parts of the kiwi can chickens eat?
      • Can chickens eat kiwi skin and seeds?
    • What are the health benefits of kiwi?
      • Nutritional Analysis
    • How to feed kiwi to chickens
      • Treat tips
      • Wash and check
    • Final Word

Can Chickens Eat Kiwi?

Yes, chickens can eat kiwi in it’s entirety – the skin, flesh and seeds. Kiwi is a safe and nutrient rich treat to feed chickens as long as they are ripe and haven’t gone bad or moldy.

What parts of the kiwi can chickens eat?

You can keep your chickens healthy letting them eat all parts of a kiwi. Just as long as the kiwi has not gone bad and doesn’t have mold or anything of the sort.

Some fruits and veggies are completely safe for chickens to eat, like watermelon and radishes, while others, like tomatoes and mangoes, are good but the rest of them (greens, leaves, stems, etc) can be harmful, or even toxic. So, it’s important to know what parts of fruits your chickens can eat.

Can chickens eat kiwi skin and seeds?

Yes, chickens can eat kiwi skin and kiwi seeds. Fortunately, the entire kiwi is safe for chickens. Which is great because it would be terribly difficult to deseed them if the seeds were not safe for them to eat.

The skins actually contain a lot of dietary fiber and other nutrients which are very good for your chickens health.

However, while the skin is safe and nutritious that doesn’t always mean your chickens are going to eat it. The skin is not easy to eat similar to other fruits with thick rinds like cantaloupe, orange, or grapefruit. So, don’t be surprised if you happen to find some skins leftover once the fowl feeding frenzy has finally finished.

Though, once your chickens get used to the skin, they may also devour it. We frequently have kiwi with our breakfast and throw the skins to our flock – after the first few days they figured out how to clean those skins right up.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

What are the health benefits of kiwi?

Kiwi has a ton of vitamins and minerals that can be very helpful for your chickens’ health. Every aspect of their health can be positively affected by eating kiwi, in moderate portions. So, letting your chickens eat kiwi fruit is a good treat choice.

Below, you’ll find several of these nutrients and their health benefits, as well as, a nutritional analysis table.

Nutritional Analysis

When combined, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients all work to have a healthy chicken.

  • Antioxidants: (Beta Carotene, Lycopene) repair damage from free radicals, fight off/prevent future damage, protect from oxidative damage, anti-inflammatory, lower blood pressure, improve heart health in high enough doses, development and health of tissue, skin, and feathers
  • Vitamin B6: healthy blood vessels, eye/vision health, nervous system , immune system
  • Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
  • Carbohydrates: give chickens energy
  • Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
  • Vitamin E: immune system support, cell regeneration
  • Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; energy, growth, and digestive health, reduce cholesterol, controls blood sugar, digestive health
  • Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
  • Iron: prevents anemia
  • Vitamin K: blood clotting, bone metabolism
  • Magnesium: bone strength and development, cellular metabolism, heart health, muscle function
  • Phosphorus: bone formation
  • Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative
  • Protein: muscle growth and development
  • Riboflavin: immune system

The table below, courtesy of the MedicalNewsToday.com, is the nutritional value of 1 kiwi (69 g).

Energy 42 kcal
Protein .8 g
Fat .4 g
Carbohydrate, by difference 10 g
Fiber, total dietary 2.1 g
Sugars, total including NLEA 6.2 g
Calcium, Ca 23.46 mg
Magnesium, Mg 11.7 mg
Potassium, K 215 mg
Copper, Cu 90 mcg
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid 64 mg
Folate, total 17.2 mcg
Carotene, beta 35.9 mcg
Vitamin E 1 mg
Vitamin K 27.8 mcg

How to feed kiwi to chickens

Kiwi isn’t very hard to prepare for your flock. We mentioned earlier that the kiwi skin is a little tough but it isn’t so tough that a chicken can’t peck right through it if you toss them a whole kiwi.

Now, we don’t necessarily recommend feeding whole kiwi to your flock. It’s so small, most of your chickens won’t get any and it can lead to in-flock fighting.

The best ways to feed kiwi to your chickens is to cut it into slices or, even better, chopped into small pieces. Smaller pieces are better for a few reasons. One, being small pieces are easier to scatter and thus, your chickens will not be piled on top of each other.

Small pieces are also easier to eat and less likely to become choking hazards. Another thing you can do with these small pieces is mix them up with some chopped apples, bananas, cherries, blueberries, blackberries,…you get it. Make them a nice, fresh, delicious, fruit salad!

Another fun way to feed kiwi to your chickens is to freeze it first and then give it to them. This is especially good in the summertime. Kick it up a notch, run a piece of string through it, hang it up somewhere about eye level for your chickens, and *BOOM* you have a DIY, boredom-busting, chicken toy!

Treat tips

Two pretty common question are “How much kiwi can I feed?” and “How often can I feed kiwi to my chickens?”. When feeding kiwi, or any non-grain based chicken feed, we stick to the 90%/10% rule.

Essentially, this rule just says that 90% of what you feed your chickens should be specially formulated feed made especially for them; usually known as layer feed. Any other kind of food, snack, or treat should only constitute 10% of their diet.

The reason for this is because chickens get almost all of the specific nutrients, in the amounts they need, from their feed and from what they can catch and eat free ranging. Too much of something, even a “good” nutrient, can throw off a chickens internal balance and lead to health problems.

Wash and check

Like any fruit or vegetable you would want to eat yourself, wash the kiwi before giving it to your chickens. We do this to wash off some of the prickly hairlike fibers. But, more importantly, we wash the kiwi to make sure that there is no pesticide residue left on it. If possible, try and source your food from someone who is pesticide free.

Additionally, following the same concept, don’t feed your chicken anything that is in a condition that you would not eat yourself. We’re not suggesting you feed them only human food.

What we’re saying is, if the kiwi is starting to rot, don’t feed it to them. Same if it is moldy. Basically, if you wouldn’t eat your food in the same condition, don’t feed it to your animals.

Final Word

Kiwi is a super tasty treat for your chickens. Make sure you feed it in moderation and your chickens will love you all the more for it!

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

Can Chickens Eat Watermelon?

By MrAnimal Farm

cut watermelon cubes and slices on a plate

Watermelon is a summer staple where we come from. It most likely is where you’re from too. Our whole family loves watermelon, that includes all of our dogs, goats, and our chickens. So, in case you were wondering can chickens eat watermelon we can confirm that they can.

But, let’s talk a little bit about it how much they can have, how often, and is it just a sweet treat, or can it be nutritious as well as delicious?

cut watermelon cubes and slices on a plate

In This Article

  • Can Chickens Eat Watermelon?
    • What parts of the watermelon can chickens eat?
      • Can chickens eat watermelon rind?
      • Can chickens eat the green skin of a watermelon?
      • Can chickens eat watermelon seeds?
      • Can chickens eat watermelon greens, leaves, and vines?
      • Can I feed rotten watermelon to my chickens?
    • What are the health benefits of watermelon?
      • Nutritional Analysis
    • How to make feed watermelon to chickens
      • Some treat ideas
    • Final Word

Can Chickens Eat Watermelon?

Yes, chickens can eat watermelon. It is not only a delicious, summertime snack but it is also, in moderation, a healthy food for them to eat, as well.

Watermelon is even okay for chicks to eat, in small amounts and excluding any of the tougher parts like rind, vines, or leaves.

What parts of the watermelon can chickens eat?

We already discussed that chicks can eat the pink flesh of watermelon but not the other parts. That triggers the question can chickens eat the rest of the watermelon?

Can chickens eat watermelon rind?

Yes, the rind is perfectly healthy for chickens to eat. In fact, it is chock of many of the same nutrients found in the flesh. You may be able to tell by it’s density, that this piece of the watermelon has the most plant fiber.

Now, chickens will not eat the rind with the same fervour they will the sweet pink fruit. It is less flavorful and more difficult for them to peck apart with their beaks. So, don’t be surprised if you find the rinds still intact after giving it to your chickens.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Can chickens eat the green skin of a watermelon?

Normally, we would include the green outer skin to be a part of the rind. However, chickens will eat the rind, they will almost never eat the outside green part.

Can chickens eat watermelon seeds?

Watermelon seeds are one of our chickens’ favorite snacks. In fact, while watermelon seeds are not typically something that other animals on your farm may be able to eat, chickens have no problem digesting the seeds.

Can chickens eat watermelon greens, leaves, and vines?

By now, you may be able to guess that just like when chickens eat zucchini, they can also eat the entire watermelon plant. The greens of the watermelon are, again, something chickens love and will dig right in when given the chance. Just make sure to keep them away from the vine while it is growing. They won’t wait until the watermelon grows and then everyone will be without their favorite pink fruit.

Can I feed rotten watermelon to my chickens?

What? No, you absolutely cannot feed rotten anything to your chickens. A good rule to follow is that if you wouldn’t eat your own food in the same state don’t feed it to your chickens, or any animals, in that state. That includes moldy food too.

What are the health benefits of watermelon?

Watermelon is actually packed full of healthy, and necessary, vitamins and minerals. Obviously, it is full of water and, therefore super hydrating, especially during the hotter parts of the year. Watermelon is also low in sodium, again, helping your feathered friends stay hydrated.

However, make sure to not overfeed them. Too much watermelon can lead to runny poop which, in turn, can lead to dehydration.

Nutritional Analysis

Here are a few of the vitamins and nutrients and how they impact your chickens’ health.

  • Vitamin A: eye, skin, respiratory, and digestive health
  • Antioxidants: (Beta Carotene, Lycopene) repair damage from free radicals, fight off/prevent future damage, protect from oxidative damage, anti-inflammatory, lower blood pressure, improve heart health in high enough doses, development and health of tissue, skin, and feathers
  • Vitamin B6: healthy blood vessels, eye/vision health, nervous system , immune system
  • Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
  • Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; energy, growth, and digestive health, reduce cholesterol, controls blood sugar, digestive health
  • Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
  • Vitamin K: blood clotting, bone metabolism
  • Magnesium: bone strength and development, cellular metabolism, heart health, muscle function
  • Manganese: bone development, immune system, breaks down carbs, cholesterol, and amino acids; controls blood sugar
  • Phosphorus: bone formation
  • Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative
  • Riboflavin: immune system

The table below, courtesy of the USDA FoodData Center, is the nutritional value of 1 wedge or about ⅙ of the watermelon.

Name Amount Unit
Water 261 g
Energy 85.8 kcal
Protein 1.74 g
Fat .429 g
Carbohydrate, by difference 21.6 g
Fiber, total dietary 1.14 g
Sugars, total including NLEA 17.7 g
Calcium, Ca 20 mg
Magnesium, Mg 28.6 mg
Potassium, K 320 mg
Sodium, Na 2.86 mg
Copper, Cu .12 mg
Manganese, Mn 0.109 mg
Selenium, Se 1.14 µg
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid 23.2 mg
Vitamin B-6 .129 mg
Folate, total 8.58 µg
Carotene, beta 867 µg
Vitamin A, IU 1630 IU
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) .286 µg

How to make feed watermelon to chickens

Feeding your chickens watermelon is pretty much as simple as wash, cut, and serve. We do have a some recommendations, though, on how you should go through this process.

  • Wash the outside of the watermelon and any greens that you want to give to your chickens.
    • This will remove any excess pesticide residue that may still be present. You can always grow your own or purchase from a pesticide free source, too.
  • Cut the watermelon into small pieces.
    • Smaller pieces are easier for your chickens to eat and are less likely to become choking hazards.
  • Top their feed with it or spread it out for your whole flock.
    • Watermelon is a high value treat and chickens will fight over it if there is not enough. Make sure to provide enough and spread it far enough out that everyone will get some and they won’t be right on top of each other.

Some treat ideas

If you want to give your chickens something really special, you can always make their snack with a little bit of extra care. Chop up all of the watermelon; that includes the pink fruit, rind, leaves, and vines. Mix those with some other chopped veggies from the garden, like grapes, cherries, blueberries or blackberries, or radishes.

If it’s hot outside, consider giving them a bunch of frozen watermelon and cantaloupe cubes. The cold fruit will cool them down and last a while longer since it will be frozen.

Take this to another level and toss the whole, chopped up, of course, watermelon into a blender or food processor, add in some ice, and fresh mint (or some frozen mint cubes). Puree everything together and pour it into a feed bowl for your chickens outside. They will love their Mint Watermelon Smoothie!

Final Word

Watermelon is a treat loved by both humans and animals alike. It makes a great snack for your chickens and can greatly improve their health!

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

Can Chickens Eat Radishes?

By MrAnimal Farm

bundle of radishes

Radishes are one of the more popular root vegetable to grow in a garden. They are not too difficult for beginners and they taste great on salads. You can also freeze them to save all year around. With all of these options have you ever wondered can chickens eat radishes?

Keep on reading if you want to find out whether or not chickens can eat radishes or not!

bundle of radishes

In This Article

  • Can Chickens Eat Radishes?
    • Can chickens eat the radish greens?
    • Can Chickens eat radish leaves?
    • Can Chickens eat radish seeds?
    • Can chickens eat raw radishes?
    • Can chickens eat Radish sprouts?
    • Can chickens eat cooked radishes?
    • Can chicks eat radishes?
    • Are radishes a healthy snack?
    • How to feed radishes to chickens
    • Final Word

Can Chickens Eat Radishes?

Yes, chickens can eat radishes. The whole radish is edible as a healthy treat your chickens will love. You can feed them cooked, raw, leaves or just the flesh.

Can chickens eat the radish greens?

Yes, chickens can eat radish greens. They are perfectly safe and healthy to feed to your chickens.

Can Chickens eat radish leaves?

Yep, chickens can certainly also eat radish leaves. Although you may want to keep them away from your radish plants so they don’t destroy them all.

Some plants are toxic if the plant is eaten, like tomatoes and green potatoes or can just make them uncomfortable for a while, like mango leaves that contain the same chemicals as poison ivy (although, in some cases they can also cause a severe health problem). Same goes for rhubarb which chickens can eat, but only the stalks because the rest of the plant contains oxalic acid which is poisonous.

Can Chickens eat radish seeds?

Absolutely, chickens can eat radish seeds from their seed pods. However, they’re not super tasty or easy to eat, so this is probably not going to be a top choice of treats for your flock.

Can chickens eat raw radishes?

Yes, chickens can eat raw radishes. However, raw radishes are rather hard and it may be difficult for them to make much headway with them.

Can chickens eat Radish sprouts?

Yes, chickens can eat radish sprouts – or immature radish plants as they star to grow. It is perfectly safe for them to do so.

However, if you are growing radishes you probably want to keep your chickens away from any sprouts that are coming up because they WILL eat them and destroy your potential garden before it can start.

Can chickens eat cooked radishes?

Yes, chickens can eat cooked radishes. Cooked radishes are the best way to feed radishes to your chickens. More on feeding them will be covered below.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Can chicks eat radishes?

No, they chicks really shouldn’t eat radishes until they are a little bit older because radishes can be too hard to digest. Chicks should stick to a specialized chick feed. After a month, give or take, it is safe but also give them grit, as well.

Are radishes a healthy snack?

Radishes are not only safe but they are also a very healthy snack for chickens. Now, you shouldn’t feed radishes every meal of the day, but a few times a week will provide a good boost in their nutrients and keep happy and healthy.

When giving chickens anything outside of free ranging and their feed we stick to the 90/10 rule. This rule simply states that 90% of a chickens diet should come from a specialized feed and whatever bugs and scratch they get from the ground. That leaves 10% of their diet for special snacks and treats, like grapes, cherries, rice, blackberries, and cantaloupe.

  • Antioxidants: repair damage from free radicals, fight off/prevent future damage, protect from oxidative damage, anti-inflammaty, lower blood pressure, improve heart health in high enough doses, development and health of tissue, skin, and feathers
  • Anthocyanins: promotes blood flow
  • Vitamin A: eye, skin, respiratory, and digestive health
  • Vitamin B6: healthy blood vessels, eye/vision health, nervous system , immune system
  • Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
  • Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
  • Vitamin E: immune system support, cell regeneration
  • Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; energy, growth, and digestive health, reduce cholesterol, controls blood sugar, digestive health
  • Vitamin K: blood clotting, bone metabolism
  • Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative
  • Water: hydrating

The table below, courtesy of the USDA FoodData Center, is the nutritional value of ½ cup (58 g) of air-popped popcorn.

Name Amount Unit
Water 55.3 g
Energy 9.28 kcal
Protein .394 g
Fat .058 g
Carbohydrate, by difference 1.97 g
Fiber, total dietary .928 g
Sugars, total including NLEA 1.08 g
Calcium, Ca 14.5 mg
Iron, Fe .197 mg
Magnesium, Mg 5.8 mg
Potassium, K 135 mg
Sodium, Na 22.6 mg
Copper, Cu 0.029 mg
Manganese, Mn 0.04 mg
Selenium, Se 0.348 µg
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid 8.58 mg
Vitamin B-6 0.041 mg
Folate, total 14.5 µg
Carotene, beta 2.32 µg
Vitamin A, IU 4.06 IU
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) .754 µg

How to feed radishes to chickens

You can feed radishes to chickens raw from the garden or store bought. But the best way to do it is to cook them first. “Why?”, you ask. There are a few reasons.

Raw radishes have a pretty strong, pungent odor AND flavor to them; especially when they are fresh. When you boil them down, the strength of the smell and taste will drastically be reduced.

Radishes are also fairly hard and tough making them difficult for chickens to peck through and eat. Cooked radishes are significantly softer, thus, making them easier to eat AND digest.

With all that being said, we prefer to cook our radishes and chop them into small bits. Then, mix them in, or sprinkle on top, their regular feed. You don’t need a lot either. A single radish, cooked and cut, is enough to feed about half a dozen chickens.

Final Word

Fresh food from the garden is almost always a a perfect snack for your flock. Radishes just barely scratch the surface.

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

Crested Chicken Breeds

By MrAnimal Farm

crested chicken (Silkie) sitting on top of their run

Crested chicken breeds tend to be made up of some of the most beautiful-looking birds you can find. Crested means that the birds have plumage on top of their heads, some to the point of looking like they have on hats. There are several crested breeds to choose from, and even some that will do well in confinement or are hardy even when placed in cold weather.

Crested chickens, in general, tend to be a friendly type of chicken that can get along with others. Many chickens with cresting can be placed in shows, and some are rare varieties that many chicken enthusiasts would be incredibly happy to get their hands on. While things do vary from breed to breed. Many of the crested chicken breeds are used for egg production, although you shouldn’t be expecting to bring home a hen that produces 200 eggs and lays year-round.

Some popular crested breeds that you might have heard of include the Silie, a chicken that’s covered head to toe in feathers, and the Legbars. Along with these two, the list below contains nine other crested breeds to choose from. Surprisingly many of the breeds are ancient and have been around for several hundred years. Some have even been treated as royal birds in the past.

The wild feathering of these breeds can also lend to some fun chicken names.

If the look of crested chickens has you interested, then keep reading below to learn which of the breeds you are most interested in.

crested chicken (Silkie) sitting on top of their run

Crested Chicken Breeds

Breed Purpose Eggs/Yr Egg Color
Silver Spangled Apenzeller Eggs 150 eggs per year White
Polish Show & Eggs 200 eggs per year White
Sultan Show 50 eggs per year White
Houdan Show & Eggs 150 eggs per year White
Legbars – Cream and Frost White Eggs 180 eggs per year Blue or Green
Brabanter Eggs 150 eggs per year White
Polverara Show & Eggs 150 eggs per year White
Padovana Meat & Eggs 120 eggs per year Cream & Light-brown
Silkie Show & Eggs 160 eggs per year Cream
Crevecoeur Show & Eggs 120 eggs per year White
Swedish Flower Hen Meat & Eggs 150 eggs per year Brown

In This Article

  • Crested Chicken Breeds
    • Breed 1: Silver Spangled Apenzeller 
    • Breed 2: Polish 
    • Breed 3: Sultan 
    • Breed 4: Houdan 
    • Breed 5: Legbars – Cream and Frost White 
    • Breed 6: Brabanter 
    • Breed 7: Polverara 
    • Breed 8: Padovana 
    • Breed 9: Silkie 
    • Breed 10: Crevecoeur 
    • Breed 11: Swedish Flower Hen (sometimes) 
    • What do crested chickens look like? 
    • Any Special Care for them? 
    • FAQ 
      • Are crested chickens friendly? 
      • Are crested chickens good layers?

Breed 1: Silver Spangled Apenzeller 

Silver Spangled Appenzeller chickens are a rare breed that has not yet been recognized by the APA. They aren’t good for meat as they are a small breed with roosters usually weighing 4 and a half pounds, and the hens usually weigh around 3 and a half pounds. Apenzellar chickens tend to lay somewhere around 150 medium-sized white eggs a year. Apenzellars have heavy feathering on their heads, a spangled feather pattern, and a red V-shaped comb.

This is a breed that prefers to free-roam as they don’t like to be confined for long periods of time. They are a hardy breed of chicken that tends to be docile and can easily live with other breeds of chicken. The Apenzellar is also a breed that tends to go broody fairly often.

Breed 2: Polish 

The Polish chicken comes from the country of Poland and is an ancient breed that has been around for quite some time. This is a breed that tends to lay somewhere around 200 white medium-sized eggs a year. 

Polish chickens are a show birds, so they have strict standards. Polish chickens should have heavy feathering on their head, a v-shaped comb, and in some cases even have a beard. Being ornate, hens and roosters look fairly similar and can be difficult to distinguish, at times. They aren’t large birds, but the roosters do grow to be around 6 pounds, while the hens usually reach 4 and a half pounds; making their size one of the easier ways to tell them apart.

They are a nervous breed of chicken and will need a stable environment to live in. Polish chickens are sensitive to the cold, so you will need to have a well-insulated coop, but otherwise, they are a hardy bird. They do like to free-range, so you will want to let them out regularly. Polish hens don’t tend to go broody often, making breeding a bit more difficult.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Breed 3: Sultan 

The Sultan is a strikingly beautiful bird who isn’t really suitable for egg production. They come from Turkey, where they used to be kept in the courtyard of palaces. The Sultan only lays around 50 small eggs a year and is a small bird. The rooster will only reach a weight of six pounds, with the hens just weighing in at 4 pounds. This breed really shines as a show bird and has been accepted by the APA since 1874, making them one of the oldest competitive breeds.

White crested Sultan chicken in the garden
White crested Sultan chicken in the garden

The plumage on the head of the Sultan wraps around their head, and they have feathers covering their legs and feet. This royal bird has a v-shaped comb and a docile personality. Despite all their heavy feathering, though, they aren’t a breed that is able to tolerate the cold well. Sadly, Sultans don’t tend to be a broody breed of chicken, and due to their low egg numbers, they are generally pretty hard to breed.

Breed 4: Houdan 

The Houdan is an old breed of French chickens that’s age and origins are hard to trace back. Houdans typically lay around 150 medium-sized white eggs a year. The Houdan is a medium-sized bird with roosters weighing around 8 pounds, while the hens usually weigh in somewhere around 6 and a half pounds. The Houdan a v or butterfly-shaped comb, a flowering cresting, and have been accepted by the APA since 1874.

Houdans are a sweet breed of chicken that gets along with both humans and other breeds. They enjoy being free-range but aren’t going to do well in colder areas of the world. Luckily, Houdan hens do tend to be broody.

Breed 5: Legbars – Cream and Frost White 

The Legbar is a chicken breed that comes from the UK. It was created at Cambridge University. This breed is an auto-sexing breed, meaning that you can tell the sex of the chicken at birth. This is a breed that lays blue or green eggs, and a hen can produce 180 medium-sized eggs a year. The rooster weighs around 6 to 7 pounds, while hens typically weigh between 4 and a half to six pounds. Both the gold and silver Legbars possess cresting, and the breed has a single comb.

Legbars are an active breed that doesn’t like to confinement, but they do have a friendly nature. They are a hardy breed that can do well in the cold, making them perfect for those who live in colder regions. Legbars can be broody, but you still may want to have an incubator on hand.

Breed 6: Brabanter 

The Brabanter chicken is a rare breed that seems to have come from either the Netherlands or Belgium. The breed generally lays around 150 large white eggs a year but is small in size. Brabanter chickens tend to weigh around 4 to five pounds for the rooster and 3 and a half to 4 and a half pounds for the hen. They have a narrow crest, a three-part beard, and a V-shaped comb.

They are a calm breed that can easily get along with others and tend to be quite curious. Brabanters like to forage, so letting them roam around outside can help trim their nails down, but they don’t mind being put up in a coop either. They are a hardy breed that can do well in extremely cold temperatures. The Brabanter is a broody breed of chicken that loves sitting on their eggs.

Breed 7: Polverara 

Polverara is an Italian breed that gets it’s name from the area where many believe it comes from.

They will usually lay around 150 white medium-size eggs a year and are also good for meat production. The roosters typically weigh somewhere around 6 pounds, while the hens weigh in at around four pounds. Sadly they are an extremely rare breed, and there aren’t a large amount of them around anymore. They have a small crest that grows upward and a V-shaped comb.

Sadly, this is a breed that hasn’t been able to get on board with being confined, so they will need to be kept outside. With that, they do tend to be a hardy breed. They are friendly and don’t mind people handling them. The Polverara can go broody, but it’s also best to keep an incubator on hand.

Breed 8: Padovana 

Padovana chickens is another old Italian breed that get its name from the providence of Padua. The Padovana is an ok layer, and you can expect them to lay around 120 small eggs a year. The roosters weigh around 9 to 10 pounds, while the hens will weigh between 7 and a half to 10 pounds. This makes them a good choice as a meat-producing bird. The Padovana is a combless breed that has an upright crest covering its head.

close up of a Polverara Crested chicken

The Padovana is a confident bird that is friendly with humans and other breeds of chickens. These chickens do like to free-range and are a hardy breed. Padovana hens aren’t broody, so you will need to use an incubator to hatch the chicks.

Breed 9: Silkie 

Silkies are a popular breed of chickens that have been around since ancient times in China. As their name suggests, they are a bird with soft feathers that have full body coverage, head to feather toes, in a fluffy plumage. They can lay around 170 eggs a year and are right at home at a chicken show. Roosters typically only weigh between 2 to 3 pounds, while hens weigh even less at 1 and a half to 2 pounds. The bird has a walnut comb that has a high chance of being covered up by its feathers.

close up of Silkie hen

The silkie is a calm, friendly bird that can get along with others. They are also a cold hardy breed despite how delicate they look and can live in several different types of weather. They can be free-range, but for this breed, a chicken run is highly advised. Silkie hens are very broody and will focus on taking care of their eggs.

Breed 10: Crevecoeur 

Crevecoeur is an extremely rare French breed of chicken that is currently considered to be endangered. The breed only lays around 120 medium-sized white eggs a year and isn’t used for meat. It looks similar to the Houdan with its crest and also has a V-shaped comb. The rooster generally weighs around 8 pounds, while a hen will weigh around 4 and a half pounds.

They have an active temperament and can get along well with others. Crevecoeurs are happiest when they are able to run around outside, so allowing them to free-range is best. They aren’t a cold hardy breed and may not fare well in some regions. Crevecoeur chickens seem to go both ways with broodiness, so you will want to keep an eye on your hens and an incubator on the side.

Breed 11: Swedish Flower Hen (sometimes) 

The  Swedish Flower chick isn’t always a crested breed, but some do develop smaller crests on top of their heads. This breed tends to lay around 150 large or jumbo brown eggs a year. The roosters typically weigh in at around 8 pounds, while the hens weigh around 5 pounds; making them great dual purpose chickens for both eggs and meat. They have spots that look somewhat like flowers on their feathers and have a single serrated comb.

Swedish Flower Hens tend to be a calm breed that gets along well with others. They do well with being free-range and are a hardy breed that can even do well in colder regions where some other breeds might not thrive. The Swedish Flower hen doesn’t tend to be a broody breed, so you will need to use an incubator to hatch the chicks.

What do crested chickens look like? 

Crested breeds, like any other chicken breed, can vary in appearance. Some are small while others are large, and they have several different comb types. One thing that they all do have in common is the feathers that grow atop their heads. Crested breeds will often have their heads completely covered in feathers, some to the point that their combs are completely hidden.

Some of the crested breeds above are accepted by the APA, meaning that they have breed standards.

 You will want to refer to these before you set out to buy chicks. In addition, there are some extremely rare crested breeds like the Brabanter. These chickens will be much harder to find than normal, and you will likely have to spend time looking for a specialty breeder to buy them.

Any Special Care for them? 

There are a few things to keep in mind when caring for crested breeds. The biggest problem with them is that the crests can block their eyesight. This makes them much more prone to fall victim to a predator as they can’t keep a close watch on their surroundings. If they are a free-range breed, you will want to either trim their feathers or keep them in a run. Make a note if the breed you are building the run for is good at flying or not; if they are, you will need either high fencing or a net to help keep them from escaping into your yard.

Trimming their feathers can be a problem if they are a show bird, though, so be aware of this when cutting their feathers. In addition, some of the heavily feathered breeds like the Silkie run more of a risk of getting dirty. These breeds may need a bath, especially if you let them free-roam in a muddy area. The mud can cling to their feathers, making them heavy and stressing out your birds.

Lastly, it can be much easier to startle a crested breed. Since they can’t see well in some cases, when you sneak up on them, it can give them a fright. If you intend to touch or pick up your crested chicken, try to let them know that you are there before doing this. By giving them a chance to know that they aren’t in danger, you can alleviate some stress when interacting with them.

Lastly, while many of these breeds are covered in heavy plumage that covers their cold, many of them aren’t cold hardy. Some of the chickens on this list won’t do well when kept in cold regions and many of them like to free-range so around-the-clock confinement isn’t a good option. Be sure to check on how hardy each breed is and how they do in different weather conditions. This can help you determine which crested breeds will do well where you live.

FAQ 

Are crested chickens friendly? 

For the most part, crested breeds do tend to be friendly. Keep in mind that this can vary from chicken to chicken. The best way to ensure your chicken is friendly is by raising them as chicks and handling them daily.

Are crested chickens good layers?

Typically, crested chickens do seem to lay a decent amount of eggs, with a few exceptions like the Sultan. For the most part, there are no super layers, and many of the chickens will lay around 150 eggs on average.

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

Hamburg Chicken

By MrAnimal Farm

hamburg chicken rooster

Hamburg Chickens are a popular show breed that comes in a variety of different colors. They are fast-maturing birds are dual purpose; meaning that can provide both a decent amount of eggs and a sizable portion of meat. The breed is also known for being hardy and tends to do extremely well in cold environments.

You can expect a Hamburg chicken to lay around 200 eggs a year and can start laying eggs at just 5 months of age. Their small size means that they aren’t great for meat production as the roosters can easily reach 4 and a half to 5 and a half pounds while the hens will weigh 3 and a half to 4 pounds.  Additionally, they are a popular show bird, and the APA has recognized six different color variations of the Hamburg chicken.

Hamburg chickens typically live between 5 to 8 years with proper care. These are active birds, so if you intend to keep a flock, then you will need to build a sizable coop so that they will have plenty of room to move around. Luckily, they are hardy otherwise and can live in most types of environments without a problem. If you are looking for a well-rounded hardy birdy, then the Hamburg chicken may just be exactly what your coop needs.

Silver Spangled Hamburg (1 year old) in front of a white background

Hamburg Chickens

Size 4.5 to 5 Pounds (Rooster)
3.5 to 4 Pounds (Hen)
Class Continental
Color White
Black
Silver Spangled
Golden Spangled
Silver Penciled
Golden Penciled
Temperament Docile
Hardiness Hardy
Eggs/Yr 200
Egg Size Medium
Egg Color White

In This Article

  • Hamburg Chickens
    • History and Origin
    • What do they look like? 
      • Differences between hens and roosters
    • Temperament 
    • What is their purpose? 
    • Care and Health 
    • FAQ 
      • Are Hamburg chickens rare? 
      • How many eggs do Hamburg chickens lay? 
      • Where did the Hamburg chicken come from? 
      • What age do Hamburg chickens lay? 
      • What color eggs do Hamburg chickens lay? 
      • Are Hamburg chickens broody? 
      • How much do Hamburg chickens weigh? 
      • Are Hamburg chickens cold-hardy? 
      • What does a Hamburg rooster look like?

History and Origin

The Hamburg chicken is a breed that seems to have emerged sometime in the fourteenth century in the country of Holland. Today there are fourteen breeds of the Hamburg chicken that are recognized overseas, with six of these coloring now being recognized by the APA. They were even used in the first-ever chicken show and are an important part of chicken history. This makes the Hamburg chicken a popular show bird, and today they can be found being kept and used for a multitude of reasons.  

When looking for the Hamburg chicken, you may also find that some places call them by their English name Hamburger chickens or their Dutch name Hollands Hoen. This chicken is a rare breed now and is currently under the “watch” status of the conservation list.



What do they look like? 

Hamburg chickens are accepted by the APA and have several different colorings. They were displayed in one of the first-ever chicken shows and, as such, are held to high breed standards. The six colors recognizable colors by the APA are White, Black, Silver Spangled, Golden Spangled, Silver Penciled, and Golden Penciled.

Penciled coloring is also common in some other breeds such as Deathlayers.

If you go to Europe, you will find that there are several different varieties of the Hamburg available, many of which are part of several overseas poultry associations.  They have long tails and featherless legs that will be have different colors depending on the Hamburg you choose. They have rose-shaped combs (similar to Anacona Chickens) that are red and red round waddles.

Differences between hens and roosters

Generally, size and the lavishness of their feathering is an easy way to distinguish between hens and roosters. The hens have small waddles, while the rooster’s waddles can be medium in size. They also have white earlobes and a compacted body type. The roosters typically weigh between 4 and a half to 5 and a half pounds, while the hens will weigh 3 and a half to 4 pounds. There is also a Bantam version of this chicken breed that tends to weigh around 1 to 2 pounds. Hamburg chicks can vary in coloring, so they can be quite hard to identify. 

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Temperament 

Hamburg chickens are a docile breed that doesn’t mind sharing their coop with other chickens. They can integrate well into an established coop, and generally, the hens shouldn’t cause you too much of a problem. Hamburg roosters, on the other hand, should be kept apart from other roosters and can be aggressive. Sadly, this is not the breed you will want to get if you are just looking for a pet.

The Hamburg chicken doesn’t tend to be a breed that really likes to interact with humans. In fact, it’s been noted by Hamburg owners that the chickens will sometimes actively avoid being too close to them. You shouldn’t leave children alone with this breed or try to interact with them much yourself. Just trying to touch Hamburg chickens can actually stress them out, and the last thing you want is your child chasing after them and getting injured in the process. If you do want to try and make them a bit more social, then try to raise chicks.

 These chickens dislike being handled and won’t sit still for you to pet them. They also don’t like to stay cooped up for long periods of time and are a breed that needs to be allowed to free-range.

Hamburgs are pretty fast and are an active breed that keeps a careful watch on their surroundings. Some will say these birds can be flighty and a bit wild. Will will want to keep an eye on your flock if you don’t plan to keep them in a run just to ensure they don’t get into any trouble when left to forge. Hamburg chickens do tend to get loud, so if you have neighbors that live close by, this may not be the breed for you.

What is their purpose? 

The Hamburg chicken is a popular show bird that also tends to be used fairly often for eggs. They are small in size, so using them for meat isn’t popular, and they don’t tend to enjoy humans, so they won’t make a good pet. They do tend to lay around 200 medium eggs a year and are solid layers. Most Hamburg chickens mature early and can start laying eggs around the 5-month mark. They are also a breed that tends to continue laying for a long period of time, although this will slow down after a few years have passed.

Hamburg chickens are an incredibly popular breed and even have a history as some of the first show chickens. The APA has already accepted six different colorations of the Hamburg, and they are beautiful birds that are perfect for someone who is just getting started in the show world. It will be incredibly important to source your chicks from a reliable choice if you intend to compete.

Keep in mind that if you buy chicks that have come from show champions, they are going to cost you a bit more than normal. But the up front purchase for quality birds is just a small cost in the overall cost to keep chickens.

When buying a Hamburg chick, make sure to do thorough research on the breeder or look for an owner at a show who sells chicks themselves. You will want to ensure that the chicken you buy meets the strict breed standards. While they aren’t the rarest breed out there, they are still rare and, depending on where you live, may be a bit harder to find. You should be ready to travel or pay high shipping prices to get Hamburg chicks. You are typically looking at spending a bit more on this breed than some more common ones, and the price of the chicks will vary based on sex and coloring.

Breeding Hamburg chickens can be a bit tough as the hens don’t tend to be very broody. If you intend to raise chicks, then you will need to have an incubator on hand.

Care and Health 

Hamburg chickens are hardy birds that are generally pretty easy to care for. To begin with, they do well in the cold, so raising them in regions that tend to be colder than normal won’t be much of a problem. You will need to build a sizable coop to keep this breed as they are active.

Make sure that the coop is well insulated to keep your chickens warm in the winter. When the weather gets cold, be sure to place some extra hay in the coop to keep your Hamburg chickens happy. And make sure you have a plan to keep their waters from freezing.

You should always provide access to food and water. While the Hamburg does love to forage, you shouldn’t expect them to find all their food this way. Hamburg chickens don’t do confinement well thanks to their active nature, so you will need to let them free-range to keep them happy. They are an alert breed and do well with handling predators, but you should still keep an eye on your chickens to ensure you don’t need to build a run to keep them from wandering too far away from home.

Make sure that you follow a strict schedule so your chickens will know what time they go out, and ensure that they are all in the coop with the door shut by sunset to keep them out of harm’s way. Even though this is an alert breed of bird when left out at night and asleep, predators like foxes can easily prey on your flock.

Hamburg chickens don’t have any type of special grooming needs. These chickens also don’t have any health issues outside of what you would find in most chicken breeds. You should still keep watch for any strange behavior like a lethargic hen, as any chicken can get sick regardless of breed hardiness. In addition, make sure to do weekly parasite checks. Mites are common in chickens and will quickly spread through your coop. 

FAQ 

Are Hamburg chickens rare? 

Hamburgs are a rare breed, so you may have to ship chicks to your home or travel to pick them up.

How many eggs do Hamburg chickens lay? 

Hamburg chickens tend to lay around 200 medium eggs a year.

Where did the Hamburg chicken come from? 

Hamburg chickens came from Holland and are a breed that has been around since the fourteenth century.

What age do Hamburg chickens lay? 

Hamburg chickens mature quickly and can actually start laying as early as five months old. In some cases, a Hamburg chicken may even start laying at four months old.

What color eggs do Hamburg chickens lay? 

Hamburg chickens lay white eggs.

Are Hamburg chickens broody? 

No, Hamburg chickens are not a breed that tends to go broody. If you intend to raise chicks, you will need to buy an incubator.

How much do Hamburg chickens weigh? 

Hamburg chickens are a small breed of chicken. The roosters tend to weigh between 4 and a half to 5 and a half pounds. Hamburg hens will weigh between 3 and a half to 4 pounds.

Are Hamburg chickens cold-hardy? 

Yes, Hamburg chickens do well in the cold and can easily live in some colder climates.

What does a Hamburg rooster look like?

Hamburg roosters look similar to hens, but tend to weigh more, have medium-sized waddles, and longer tails.

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

Red Star Chicken

By MrAnimal Farm

Red Star Chickens are a unique breed of chicken that is easy to sex at birth. They lay an extremely high amount of eggs each year. This makes them perfect if you’re looking for a chicken breed to primarily provide food. The breed is a hybrid, though, so there are quite a few things you should know before picking one up.

The Red Star chicken is a sex link breed, sometimes referred to as a red sex-link chicken, meaning that you can easily tell roosters and hens from each other when they are born. In addition, this is a hybrid breed that is made for laying a high number of eggs per year. You can expect your Red Star to lay around 300 large eggs a year, as well as grow large enough as a meat source.

Since they are hybrids, they aren’t recognized by the APA, and if you are planning to breed them, there are some special instructions you need to follow. The temperament of the Red Star chicken also tends to vary, so it’s best to take them on a case-by-case basis. They generally live between 5 to 8 years with proper care and are a hardy breed. If their incredible egg-laying capabilities have piqued your interest, then keep reading below to learn about what it takes to care for a Red Star chicken.

Red Star Chickens

Size 8 Pounds (Rooster)
6 Pounds (Hen)
Class SCCL
Color Light Brown
Red
Temperament Varies
Hardiness Hardy
Eggs/Yr 300
Egg Size Large
Egg Color Brown
Life Span 5 to 8 Years

In This Article

  • Red Star Chickens
    • History and Origin
    • What do they look like? 
    • Temperament 
    • What is their purpose? 
    • Care and Health 
    • FAQ 
      • What color eggs do Red Star chickens lay? 
      • How many eggs do Red Star chickens lay? 
      • Are Red Star chickens good for meat? 
      • How big do Red Star chickens get? 
      • Can Red Star chickens reproduce? 
      • Are Red Star chickens noisy?

History and Origin

Red Star chickens are a pretty new breed and don’t have as detailed a history as some other breeds do. They were created in the twentieth century by breeders who wanted to create a chicken that could lay a high number of eggs. They seem to become especially popular in the 1950s and haven’t really slowed down since then. This is because hybrids (like Red Rangers) are now seen as a popular way to create high production chickens, and the notion that pure breeds are superior has long been forgotten.

This was done by cross-breeding several different breeds. They are often bred with the Rhode Island chicken still to this day and aren’t recognized by the APA since breeding them means that you are constantly mixing breeds. Some other popular breeds used for this chicken are Delaware and Plymouth Rock chickens. Learning about the breeding process is extremely important if you want to produce your own Red Star chicks.



What do they look like? 

Red Star chickens are not an APA-recognized breed and will likely never be one as they are a hybrid. To begin with, you’ll sometimes find that it’s hard to get Red Star chickens that constantly fit the “breed standard”. The best you can do is follow the breeding recipe to create chickens that lay a high number of eggs. Even with these variations, though, they do have several things about their appearance that stay the same.

For starters, the hen and rooster are born with different colorings. This is called auto-sexing and is how you can tell their sex from birth. This breed typically has red or a light brown coloring to its feathers. In addition, they may have white or black coloring mixed in. Roosters are typically a lighter color than the hens, even when they are just born. They do have clean yellow legs and yellow beaks. They have a single comb that is red in color and usually has short red waddles.

Red Star hens typically weigh around 6 pounds, while the roosters grow to be around 8 pounds. The chicks usually have a bit of brown or red feathering but are extremely hard to identify from other breeds.  It’s best to get your chicks from an established breeder to ensure that they are the correct breed.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Temperament 

Figuring out the temperament of your Red Star chicken is a bit harder than with other breeds. Since your chick is a mix of different breeds, their personality can vary. You will find some Red Star chickens to be friendly, while others may be more flighty. It’s important to spend time with Red Star chicks as they grow to socialize with them as much as possible. It does seem that Red Star chickens typically like people better than other chickens, though.

This may cause problems when housing chickens together. It’s recommended that you introduce a Red Star to an already established coop and not the other way around. It’s also best to be cautious around the roosters as their temperaments will also vary. Never leave roosters together, with small animals, or alone with children. Luckily, the autosexing of the breed makes it easy for you to only take hens home.

If you plan to introduce new chickens or Red Star chickens to your coop, do so with caution. Be sure to monitor for any signs of fighting. Especially if you introduce a grown chicken instead of keeping a mix of chicks. If you intend to introduce a new breed into the coop with the Redstar, you will want to be especially vigilant. This is where owners tend to have more of a problem. Remember that a pecking order is normal, but fights and excessive pecking isn’t something that should be going on.

The Red Star chickens do seem to like to free-range and like to fly around. Since they have varying temperaments, it’s best to keep them in a run with a high fence that they can’t easily escape from. While some Red Star chickens may do well with free-range and sticking close to the coop, raising a flock can give you a mixed bag of temperaments.

Red Star chickens can also tend to be a bit noisy, which can cause a problem when you live close to others. Like with other things, this may vary from chicken to chicken, but you shouldn’t buy the Red Star if you are expecting to have a quiet coop.

What is their purpose? 

First off, the Red Star chickens are not a show bird and will probably not be accepted by the APA. The APA is also not likely to accept the Red Star chicken since they are a hybrid breed, like the Amberlink. The same goes for having a Red Star chicken as a pet. You won’t know what their temperament is until they grow up; while this is true for all chicken breeds to an extent, the Red Star is particularly hard to predict. They are primarily a food breed and are great at providing.

Red Star hens generally lay around 300 large brown eggs a year. They will even lay in the winter and will keep your family fed year-round. In fact, even if you are just keeping a few Red Star chickens, you’ll get more eggs than you know what to do with. These aren’t a small breed of chicken either, with the rooster regularly weighing in at 8 pounds. Both hens and roosters can be used to get a decent serving of meat. Due to this, they excel at both egg and meat production.

One thing you will need to be concerned with when trying to find chickens is breeders. This breed can be tricky to breed, so you’ll want to find someone who has experience with them. Since these chickens can vary a bit, it can be hard to pinpoint if you really have a chicken that is going to produce a high amount of eggs or not. It’s best to do thorough research on the breed before buying from a breeder. 

You may also find that you’ll have to travel or buy from a breeder who will ship them to you. This can add to the costs of the chick, so keep this in mind when shopping around. The hens typically cost around $4.50, while the roosters will go for $2.50.

This is a bit more than you would pay for other breeds. But many owners find that the egg production greatly outweighs the increased price for the chicks. You’ll also have a guarantee that you’ll get a definite hen or rooster, whichever you prefer.

And, keep in mind, the initial purchase is just a small amount of what it costs to own chickens.

If you are looking to breed them, you may find that it’s a bit more complicated than normal. In order to keep the Red Star chickens’ qualities, you will need to cross-breed them with a compatible breed. If you try to breed a Red Star rooster and hen, you won’t get a chicken that meets the standard. The most popular breed to do this with is the New Hampshire chicken. You can also try breeding them with the Delaware and Plymouth Rock chicken to get Red Star chicks.

 You will also need to pick up an incubator as this typically isn’t a broody breed. Once you successfully hatch the chicks, be sure to separate the roosters from the hens. Most always, the roosters will have a lighter coloring than the hens will.

Care and Health 

Red Star chickens aren’t a breed that you are going to worry about too much as they are hardy. They do well in all types of weather and are even able to stand the cold better than some other breeds. They do still have a single comb, so you should be careful not to leave them out too much in the colder months as they can get frostbite. This breed seems to do well in both large and small areas, and they are happy to rummage around your yard for food.

If you are planning to let your Red Star chickens free-range, then you should consider a run. Their varying temperament makes it a bit hard to judge how these birds will act when they are full grown. Many owners note that Red Star chickens do seem to enjoy foraging, though, so giving them a bit of outside time each day will be beneficial. They do seem to be good at catching their own food, which can give them extra nutrients. It has also been noted that this breed seems to like trying to fly, so you will want to make sure that your run has a tall fence that they can’t get over easily.

If you want to try free-ranging these chickens without a run, then keep them on a tight schedule. This will allow them to know when it’s time to come out and ensure that you have them all put up by the time night rolls around. If they do wander off away from the flock or go too far out, it can be dangerous as this makes your Red Star chicken an easy target for nearby predators like foxes or hawks.

When building their coop, you will want to make sure that it’s well insulated and that there are no cracks for cold air to creep in through. You may want to provide some extra bedding in colder months as well to help your flock stay as warm as possible.

Water should always be available to your birds around the clock. Especially in the winter, so be sure to have a plan to keep their waterers from freezing.

A properly balanced meal is also important, especially for the Red Star hens. Since these hens lay a high number of eggs, they will need a nutritional meal to keep them healthy and laying.

Red Star chickens don’t have any special grooming needs for you to worry about, and don’t get sick any more than a normal chicken. You should always be on the lookout for any strange behavior, though, as any chicken can become ill. In addition, you should do weekly checks to ensure that no parasites like mites have infested your birds; parasites typically spread quickly through a coop and should be stopped as soon as possible.

FAQ 

What color eggs do Red Star chickens lay? 

The Red Star chicken lays a brown colored egg.

How many eggs do Red Star chickens lay? 

You can expect your Red Star hens to lay around 300 large eggs per year.

Are Red Star chickens good for meat? 

Yes, the Red Star chicken is a large bird that is good for both meat and eggs.

How big do Red Star chickens get? 

Red Star roosters typically weigh in at around 8 pounds, while the hens will reach 6 pounds by the time they are fully grown.

Can Red Star chickens reproduce? 

Yes, Red Star chickens can reproduce, but they don’t tend to be broody. You will need to breed them with another breed to keep their qualities, making the breeding process a bit more complicated than normal. This is especially true since this means you will likely have to own different breeds instead of just focusing on the Red Star chicken.

Are Red Star chickens noisy?

Red Star chicken’s personalities can vary, but in general, they haven’t been reported to be a quiet breed. They shouldn’t cause too much of a noise problem though, unless you have several close neighbors or are specifically looking for a quiet breed.

Can Red Star Chickens swim?

Yes, like all chickens, red star chickens can swim. But, not like ducks. They can swim in the sense that they won’t drown, but can’t stay in the water long or they can have issues.

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

Can Chickens Eat Popcorn?

By MrAnimal Farm

Sweet popcorn in white bowls, vintage wooden background, selective focus

Once upon a time, I worked at a movie theater and we used to save all of our popcorn at the end of the night in huge 30 gallon trash bags. A friend, who ran a farm and non-profit horse rescue, would come by, pick it up, and use it as a supplementary feed for some of their animals. That got me to asking him, can chickens eat popcorn? I didn’t know back then.

Keep on reading if you want to find out whether or not chickens can enjoy popcorn or not!

Sweet popcorn in white bowls, vintage wooden background, selective focus

In This Article

  • Can Chickens Eat Popcorn?
    • Is popcorn safe for chickens to eat?
      • Can chickens eat popcorn with salt?
      • Can chickens eat buttered popcorn?
      • Can chickens eat popcorn kernals?
      • Can chickens eat sweet or flavored popcorn?
      • Can chickens eat microwave popcorn?
    • Is popcorn a healthy snack at all?
      • How to make “healthy” popcorn
    • Final Word

Can Chickens Eat Popcorn?

Obviously, yes, chickens can eat popcorn. Many chicken feeds are corn based so it’s safe to assume your chickens can safely eat the popped version of corn, as well. However, unlike my friend, you should probably skip the movie theater popcorn and go for something a little healthier.

Is popcorn safe for chickens to eat?

In general, yes, popcorn is safe for chickens, both hens and roosters, to eat. The particular reason movie theater popcorn, and many store bought popcorns, can be bad for your chickens is because they are, at a minimum, cooked in oil. To add on to that, many have added salt, butter, sugar, and other additive, natural and artificial, that chickens just should not eat.

Baby chickens are a different story. Chicks should not be given popcorn. Popcorn has so few helpful nutrients that it just isn’t worth feeding to them. It’s also difficult for them to digest properly.

So, while it is not a top choice to feed to keep your chickens healthy, it is fine as occasional treat.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Can chickens eat popcorn with salt?

No, chickens cannot eat popcorn with salt. The amount of sodium in salted popcorn can cause an imbalance in the chicken’s dietary health.

So, what does salt do to chickens? Not much, just excess salt can lead to thyroid issues, kidney disease, weak legs and muscles, dehydration, excess thirst, and can possibly be fatal (we left out the convulsions and leaking fluids).

So, maybe we just don’t give our chickens extra salt. They get what they need on their own.

Can chickens eat buttered popcorn?

No, similar to salt, butter can throw off a chickens balance of nutrients. Butter is high in fat and, as a dairy product, is not digestible by chickens. Too much can lead to digestive issues, diarhea, and potentially dehydration.

Can chickens eat popcorn kernals?

Chickens can absolutely eat popcorn kernals. They may have a rough time since popcorn seeds are much harder than the dried corn they may be used to.

Can chickens eat sweet or flavored popcorn?

There are a ton of different types of popcorn sold in bags like chips, microwaveable bags, decorative Christmas tins, etc. Wouldn’t you chickens love to try a cheese flavor like white cheddar? Or maybe a sweet popcorn like caramel or kettle corn?

NO! Don’t do it! Many of those additional flavorings can be harmful to your chickens; especially sugar. Chickens can actually form a sort of addiction if they have too much sugar which can cause them to stop eating enough of their proper feed.

It’s best to keep sweets and things with unnatural, or artificial, flavoring in them away from chickens.

Can chickens eat microwave popcorn?

Microwave popcorn follows the same rules as any other type of popcorn we have discussed today. Make sure it does not have extra oil, salt, butter, or other additives. If it’s just plain popcorn kernals, they should be fine. However, if you want to make sure they are getting the healthiest popcorn you can feed them, you can try making it yourself.

Is popcorn a healthy snack at all?

Popcorn is less a healthy snack and more not an unhealthy one, if that makes sense. It’s mostly just a bunch of empty calories. Now, to be fair, popcorn has zero cholesterol and does have good nutrients, some in high amounts, like:

  • Carbohydrates: give chickens energy
  • Vitamin B6: healthy blood vessels, eye/vision health, nervous system , immune system
  • Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
  • Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
  • Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; enery, growth, and digestive health, reduce cholesterol, controls blood sugar, digestive health
  • Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
  • Vitamin K: blood clotting, bone metabolism
  • Magnesium: bone strength and development, cellular metabolism, heart health, muscle function
  • Manganese: bone development, immune system, breaks down carbs, cholesterol, and amino acids; controls blood sugar
  • Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative
  • Protein: muscle growth and development

The table below, courtesy of the USDA FoodData Center, is the nutritional value of 1 cup (28.35 g) of air-popped popcorn.

Name Amount Unit
Water 98 g
Energy 44 kcal
Protein 1.21 g
Fat .11 g
Carbohydrate, by difference 10.3 g
Fiber, total dietary 1.87 g
Sugars, total including NLEA 4.66 g
Calcium, Ca 25.3 mg
Magnesium, Mg 11 mg
Potassium, K 161 mg
Sodium, Na 4.4 mg
Copper, Cu 0.043 mg
Manganese, Mn 0.142 mg
Selenium, Se 0.55 µg
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid 8.14 mg
Vitamin B-6 0.132 mg
Folate, total 20.9 µg
Carotene, beta 1.1 µg
Vitamin A, IU 2.2 IU
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) 0.44 µg

How to make “healthy” popcorn

If you want to avoid all of the additives that come with store bought popcorn, the best route is to get an airpopper, a container of popcorn kernals, and make it yourself. Plus, it’s cheaper in the long run.

Final Word

As you can see, chickens can eat popcorn. It is best to give them plain popcorn without salt, butter or other additives. And, it is also best to make sure that they don’t eat too much popcorn as it is just mostly empty calories.

Bottom line, be safe, and be conscious of what and how much you feed to your chickens.

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

Can Chickens Eat Onions?

By MrAnimal Farm

colorful onions on rustic wooden background

Wild onions grow in just about every part of North America and even stretches as far south as Cuba. There are also many other places in the world that cultivate onions where they do not grow naturally. We say that to say, it’s likely where you have chickens, there will also be wild onions growing. So, can chickens eat onions, wild or store bought, or is this a ticking time bomb waiting to go off?

The answer to that question is a bit more complicated than most other chicken treats. Keep reading to find out why!

colorful onions on rustic wooden background

In This Article

  • Can Chickens Eat Onions?
    • Are onions safe for chickens to eat?
      • What part of the onion is edible?
      • What are the nutritional benefits of onions for chickens?
      • How are these nutrients beneficial?
    • What happens if chickens eat onions?
    • How to feed them?
      • Cooked in a skillet
      • Roasted
      • Food and Fun
      • How many and how often can I feed onions to my chickens?
    • Final Word

Can Chickens Eat Onions?

Yes, chickens can definitely eat onions. Onions can be a healthy part of a balanced diet or the precursor to some major health issues. The key in staying on the healthy end versus the other is all in the amount they eat.

Let’s learn what that means.

Are onions safe for chickens to eat?

In general, yes, onions are safe for chickens to eat. However, it’s not really as simple as a nice, clean, yes or no. Let’s look a bit closer at what is edible and safe, what is not, and what problems can arise.

What part of the onion is edible?

Like many plants, for example mango and tomatoes, the fruit or vegetable is fine, and even healthy, to eat but the stalk, leaves, and flowers of the plant can be toxic; sometimes enough to make them feel bad and others can be fatal. That is the case with onions as well.

Skip anything green that grows above the ground and stick to giving them the bulb that grows in the dirt. They can also eat the peel but generally won’t

Also, contrary to what some may say, chickens are not allergic to onions. Onions can be harmful but not due to any sort of allergy.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

What are the nutritional benefits of onions for chickens?

Onions, in moderation, are a good, low calorie food that is also high in protein, carbs, some healthy fats, various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidents.

The table below, courtesy of the USDA FoodData Center, is the nutritional value of 1 medium, raw, white onion (110 g).

Name Amount Unit
Water 98 g
Energy 44 kcal
Protein 1.21 g
Fat .11 g
Carbohydrate, by difference 10.3 g
Fiber, total dietary 1.87 g
Sugars, total including NLEA 4.66 g
Calcium, Ca 25.3 mg
Magnesium, Mg 11 mg
Potassium, K 161 mg
Sodium, Na 4.4 mg
Copper, Cu 0.043 mg
Manganese, Mn 0.142 mg
Selenium, Se 0.55 µg
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid 8.14 mg
Vitamin B-6 0.132 mg
Folate, total 20.9 µg
Carotene, beta 1.1 µg
Vitamin A, IU 2.2 IU
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) 0.44 µg

How are these nutrients beneficial?

Here’s a small sample of how a proper amount of onions and the nutrients they provide can help improve your chickens’ health.

  • Antioxidants: repair damage from free radicals, fight off/prevent future damage, protect from oxidative damage, anti-inflammaty, lower blood pressure, improve heart health in high enough doses, development and health of tissue, skin, and feathers
  • Vitamin B6: healthy blood vessels, eye/vision health, nervous system , immune system
  • Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
  • Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
  • Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; enery, growth, and digestive health, reduce cholesterol, controls blood sugar, digestive health
  • Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
  • Vitamin K: blood clotting, bone metabolism
  • Magnesium: bone strength and development, cellular metabolism, heart health, muscle function
  • Manganese: bone development, immune system, breaks down carbs, cholesterol, and amino acids; controls blood sugar
  • Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative

What happens if chickens eat onions?

In small quantities, chickens can eat onions with no problems. In fact, as we said above, they can even benefit from onions being in their diet. However, large quantities can be very harmful to chickens, as well as some pets and livestock.

Onions have a toxin in them called “n-propyl disulfide“. This toxin has been linked to “oxidative damage to erythrocytes, resulting in hemolysis” which can then become Heinz or hemolytic, anemia. This form of anemia is when a chicken’s bloodstream has all of it’s red blood cells “destroyed…before their normal lifespan is up.”

Some of the more apparent symptoms are a general unwell appearance (ruffled feathers, puffed up, weight loss), loss of strength in their legs, loss or change of color in their feathers, combs, and wattles, and an overall demeanor of lethargy.

A much less severe negative effect is that it can sometimes change the flavor of their eggs. We’re not sure if there are any studies behind this but it is a pretty popular belief. We have not experienced this ourselves so we cannot really offer an opinion.

How to feed them?

Chickens don’t typically care for the overwhelming scent and flavor of onions. They tend to prefer a nice meal worm, some fresh blueberries or even some frozen watermelon or bananas.

Cooked in a skillet

But, if you want to prepare some for them anyway, you can make them more appealing by cooking them a little first. Now, don’t make a delicious, perfectly seasoned stiry fry for your chickens. The extra oil, fat, salt, and other seasonings can be harmful. Instead toss them in a skillet with a bit of water and let them sizzle enough just to soften up and make them easier for your chickens to eat and digest.

Roasted

Cut the onion up and place them in the oven to roast them. Let them heat up until they are soft but not to the point that they caramelize. You can then mix them up with some other fruit, veggies, table scraps, their chicken feed, or even make a chicken trail mix out of cooked onions and meal worms (I can hear your mouth watering from here).

Just take note, cooking them is just to make them more appealing and easier to eat. Cooking will not destroy the n-propyl disulfide.

Food and Fun

One other way you can serve them is to have your treat play double duty. Since onions seperate into rings why not run a string through them and hang them up as a DIY chicken toy? This boredom buster can keep your chickens fed and entertained for a while. Plus, it’s fun to watch.

How many and how often can I feed onions to my chickens?

Due to the potential toxicity of onions, we don’t recommend making them a large part of their diet. Generally, we go by the 90/10 rule for chicken treats. Meaning that 90% of their diet should be a chicken specific feed, created with the nutrients a chicken needs for a balanced diet and only 10% should be other various treats, like cantaloup, peanuts, blackberries, mushrooms, rice, or apples.

Final Word

As you can see, chickens can eat onions but there is a lot to think about when feeding it to them. Depending on the amount they eat, onions can be very beneficial due to the sheer amount of beneficial nutrients or they can be detrimental by leading to anemia and other health issues.

Bottom line, be safe, and be conscious of what and how much you feed to your chickens.

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

Can Chickens Eat Mushrooms?

By MrAnimal Farm

Two Oak Mushrooms in the moss

Have you ever noticed right after it rains, there are always a ton of mushrooms, toadstools, and other various forms of fungi all over the place? Sometimes that includes the barnyard and around the chicken coop! Now, before your chickens realize a potential snack has popped up over night, you have to ask yourself, “Can chickens eat mushrooms or do I need to make a mad dash before they find them?”

If you’re ready to make like Mario on his way to save Princess Toadstool, keep on scrolling!

Two Oak Mushrooms in the moss
Two Oak Mushrooms in the moss

In This Article

  • Can Chickens Eat Mushrooms?
    • Will chickens eat mushrooms?
      • Will chickens eat morel mushrooms?
      • What are the nutritional benefits of mushrooms for chickens?
      • How are these nutrients beneficial?
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Q1. Aren’t mushrooms dangerous if you eat them?
      • Q2. So, how do I tell which ones are safe or not?
      • Q3. What are the best types of mushrooms for chickens to eat?
      • Q4. How do you serve mushrooms to chickens?
      • Q5. What if they’re growing in my yard/coop/barnyard?

Can Chickens Eat Mushrooms?

Yes, chickens can definitely eat mushrooms! Chickens can eat them, assuming they are among the 25-30% of edible, meaning safe to eat, mushrooms that we know of. Now, whether or not you can convince your chickens to eat these mushrooms is an entirely different question of it’s own.

Will chickens eat mushrooms?

This is the catch. While chickens can eat mushrooms and mushrooms may even be a good healthy food, they most likely will pass them up for just about anything else. If you’ve noticed, most of the time when we, as humans, eat mushrooms, it is cooked in a dish where they tend to absorb some of the flavor and characteristics of what they are cooked in.

Chickens do not have that luxury and tend to find mushrooms to be a little too bland. On top of that, many mushrooms have a sort of rubbery texture to them that chickens usually just spit out.

This isn’t always a bad thing though. Remember, if they are ignoring or spitting out the mushrooms you are giving them, they probably aren’t pecking at random, potentially dangerous, wild mushrooms that they happen by throughout the day.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Will chickens eat morel mushrooms?

Yes, and they seem to really like them. Unfortunately, morel mushrooms while delicious when cooked, are highly toxic when eaten raw.

What are the nutritional benefits of mushrooms for chickens?

First of all, they ar super low in calories and are packed with vitamins, protein, antioxidants, and various minerals. All of these nutrients are beneficial to a chicken’s overall health.

The table below, courtesy of the USDA FoodData Center, is the nutritional value of 1 cup of raw morel mushrooms. These may change a bit when cooked (so they are no longer toxic) but should still be close enough to give you a good idea of their value.

Name Amount Unit
Water 59.1 g
Energy 20.5 kcal
Protein 2.06 g
Total lipid (fat) 0.376 g
Carbohydrate, by difference 3.37 g
Fiber, total dietary 1.85 g
Sugars, total including NLEA 0.396 g
Calcium, Ca 28.4 mg
Iron, Fe 8.05 mg
Magnesium, Mg 12.5 mg
Potassium, K 271 mg
Sodium, Na 13.9 mg
Zinc, Zn 1.34 mg
Copper, Cu 0.413 mg
Manganese, Mn 0.387 mg
Selenium, Se 1.45 µg
Vitamin B-6 0.09 mg
Folate, total 5.94 µg
Vitamin D (D2 + D3) 3.37 µg

How are these nutrients beneficial?

Here’s a small sample of how some of the above nutrients can improve your chickens’ health.

  • Vitamin B6: healthy blood vessels, eye/vision health, nervous system , immune system
  • Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
  • Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; enery, growth, and digestive health, reduce cholesterol, controls blood sugar, digestive health
  • Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
  • Magnesium: bone strength and development, cellular metabolism, heart health, muscle function
  • Manganese: bone development, immune system, breaks down carbs, cholesterol, and amino acids; controls blood sugar
  • Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Aren’t mushrooms dangerous if you eat them?

There are more than 10,000 types of mushrooms that have been identified across the world and it’s probably safe to speculate there are thousands more we haven’t found yet. They can range from pure delicacy to doornail dead if you eat them.

According to The Mushroom Journal, about 20% of mushrooms can make you ill, while 50% are just not good to eat, being too tough or something we can’t digest. Another 25% are technically edible but son’t really offer much in the way of taste. And finally, 4% are desireable to eat, as in they have a good flavor or offer some other benefit while only 1% of mushrooms are potentially fatal.

Q2. So, how do I tell which ones are safe or not?

Here are just a few things to look out for. However, there are many other dangerous mushrooms that do not fit into the following descriptions. They are merely a small sample of some of the easier features to spot.

  • White and slightly brown mushrooms are typically poisonous
  • Dangerous mushrooms have gills or ridges under their caps
  • red is almost always a warning, especially on the cap of a mushroom

Q3. What are the best types of mushrooms for chickens to eat?

Chickens can eat morel, button, hen of the woods, chicken of the woods, magic (just kidding), oyster, portabello, porcini, shittake. If you can buy it in a store, it will be safe for your chickens to eat. Store bought is really the best route to go if you want to feed mushrooms to your flock.

Unless you are a pro at identifying mushrooms in the wild, it’s usually best to not take the potential risk.

Q4. How do you serve mushrooms to chickens?

As we mentioned, the rubbery texture and bland flavor are an almost instant turnoff for most chickens. However, you can cook them first and that will harden up the more rubbery quality a bit. You won’t want to add salt or oil or anything, that can cause in imbalance in their diet.

Q5. What if they’re growing in my yard/coop/barnyard?

Most likely your chickens will not mess with them as there are more interesting things for them to eat. However, if you are concerned that your chickens or any other animals may give them a little nibble or two, you can scoop them up and throw them out.

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

Can Chickens Eat Peanuts?

By MrAnimal Farm

peanuts on a wooden table top

Peanuts are one of the tastiest, most convenient snacks you can eat. They’re easy and full of protein, but can chickens eat peanuts also?

Wanna know what we found out? Scroll down a little and find out!

peanuts on a wooden table top

In This Article

  • Can Chickens Eat Peanuts?
    • Can chickens eat peanut shells?
    • Can chickens eat boiled peanuts?
    • Can Chickens eat Raw Peanuts?
    • Can Chickens eat Roasted peanuts?
    • Can chickens eat unsalted peanuts?
    • Are peanuts toxic to chickens?
      • So, are peanuts bad for them?
    • Are there health benefits in peanuts for chickens?
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Q1. Why won’t the birds eat my peanuts?
      • Q2. Can you wash salt off peanuts for birds?
      • Q3. Can I feed birds peanut butter?
      • Q4. Do peanuts make chickens lay bigger eggs?
      • Q5. What kind of nuts can chickens eat?

Can Chickens Eat Peanuts?

Yes, chickens can eat peanuts. As long as you feed peanuts that are not raw and are unsalted they are a healthy snack when fed in moderation. Peanuts should be fed in moderation due to their high caloric count and aflatoxin.

Can chickens eat peanut shells?

Yes, chickens can eat peanut shells. The shells can be very good for them too since they have a lot of antioxidants which are known to provide a wide variety of health benefits.

The best way to feed shells is to first roast them (yes, chickens can eat roasted peanuts) and then crush them up. In this form you can even feed them to baby chicks, in moderation. The shells do contain a high amount of cellulose and fiber, the latter which can lead to constipation and other digestive issues if fed too much.

Can chickens eat boiled peanuts?

Yes, chickens love boiled peanuts and it’s generally safe for them to eat. However, just like regular peanuts, make sure they are plain and have no added salt.

Boiled peanuts are actually more beneficial for a chicken’s health and wellbeing than either roasted or raw peanuts. In fact, according to Peanut-Institute.com, boiled peanuts have been known to have up to 4 times the amount of antioxidants as their unboiled counterparts.

Can Chickens eat Raw Peanuts?

No, chickens should not eat raw peanuts. Peanuts are not nuts, but are legumes. And they contain trypsin. Trypsin has been shown to affect growth, gut health and overall health for chickens, poultry and even squirrels.

Can Chickens eat Roasted peanuts?

Yes, chickens can eat roasted peanuts. Roasting peanuts, boiling peanuts or otherwise cooking the causes substances such as trypsin to be significantly decreased making peanuts a safe snack for feeding chickens.

Can chickens eat unsalted peanuts?

Yes, chickens can eat unsalted peanuts. Salted peanuts, however are not safe for feeding to your chickens.

Are peanuts toxic to chickens?

Peanuts, and some other nuts, contain a substance called aflatoxin. Consuming aflatoxin can lead to Aflatoxicosis, sometimes known as “turkey X-disease”. Aflatoxicosis can cause a whole host of problems in chickens ranging from a suppresses immune system, to organ damage, and a reduction or complete shut down of egg production and loss of quality.

Generally, this condition is a result of poor quality chicken feed, feed that is not stored properly, and the overconsumption of foods high in aflatoxin, like corn (including popcorn at times), rice, and, yes, peanuts.

With that being said, there have been studies that show roasting peanuts can reduce aflatoxins by almost 90% at 200ºC (392ºF) and boiling or pressure cooking rice can destroy between 50% and 70%. To be safe, we recommend feeding your chickens roasted or cooked, boiled or roasted, peanuts, if you feed your chickens peanuts at all.

Please keep the dangers related to aflatoxin and aflatoxicosis in mind while reading the rest of this post.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

So, are peanuts bad for them?

In general, peanuts are not bad for chickens to eat. However, many prepackaged peanuts are going to be sold coated in a lot of salt or some other kind of flavor enhancer. You do not want to feed anything like that to your chickens as they can vary from “not great” to “dead cluck”. There are too many different types of additives to list here. So, suffice it to say skip them all and opt for plain, unsalted peanuts (unless you know for certain it is harmless and safe).

Are there health benefits in peanuts for chickens?

Sure, peanuts are chock full of protein and good fats. They also contain a lot of vital vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients.

Name Amount Measurement
Water 61 g
Energy 464 kcal
Protein 19.7 g
Total lipid (fat) 32.1 g
Carbohydrate, by difference 31.10 g
Fiber, total dietary 12.80 g
Sugars, total including NLEA 3.61 g
Calcium, Ca 80.30 mg
Iron, Fe 1.48 mg
Magnesium, Mg 149.00 mg
Phosphorus, P 289.00 mg
Potassium, K 263.00 mg
Sodium, Na 1,100.00 mg
Zinc, Zn 2.67 mg
Copper, Cu 0.73 mg
Selenium, Se 6.42 µg
Thiamin 0.38 mg
Riboflavin 0.09 mg
Niacin 7.68 mg
Vitamin B-6 0.22 mg
Folate, total 110.00 µg
Folate, food 110.00 µg
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) 5.99 mg
Fatty acids, total saturated 4.47 g

  • Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
  • Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; enery, growth, and digestive health, reduce cholesterol, controls blood sugar, digestive health
  • Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
  • Magnesium: bone development, cellular metabolism
  • Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why won’t the birds eat my peanuts?

If your chickens are not eating the peanuts you give them it means they are either spoiled or may have some sort contamination, like mold. The other option, which is more likely, is that you may have just given them too many and they are full.

Q2. Can you wash salt off peanuts for birds?

You can try, but if they have been roasted or boiled in salt, it may not do much good. It’s best to give your chickens peanuts that have never been salted.

Q3. Can I feed birds peanut butter?

Peanut butter is, for the most part, fine for your chickens to eat. The things that we would caution you on with peanut butter is the risk of aflatoxin, although it is likely low since peanuts are usually roasted first. We would also remind you of the high fat content in peanut butter which can become a health issue. And last, but not least, peanut butter can be very sticky and be a choking hazard.

Q4. Do peanuts make chickens lay bigger eggs?

Yes, peanuts can make chickens lay bigger eggs up to a certain point. A study out of California from 2004 showed that adding 2, and then 4, ounces of peanuts to a hen’s daily diet increased the height, width, and weight of the egg. However, in each instance that the amount was increased to 6 oz, the hens stopped laying altogether.

Q5. What kind of nuts can chickens eat?

Most nuts are safe for chickens to eat. However, they are generally high in fat and calories so should only be fed as a snack and in moderation. The one thing you should be aware of is whether or not the nuts contain tannins; like acorns, for example.

Tannins are “antinutrients” and can cause your chickens’ bodies (and yours, in high enough quantities) to “reduce [it’s] ability to absorb essential nutrients from food.” They have also been linked to cancer and liver damage.

So, if you’re wondering if chickens can eat all nuts, they can’t

Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/can-you-eat-acorns#nutrition

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

Can Chickens Eat Mango?

By MrAnimal Farm

mango cut into cubes on wooden table

Nothing says sunshine, warm weather, and relaxation like sitting back and enjoying some ripe, fresh, delicious tropical fruit. As you take another juicy bite from your second mango of the day you notice your chickens starting to gather around like Raptors in Jurassic Park. Is it safe to toss your mango and run? Can chickens eat mango or will this all turn out poorly?

Find out what happens by scrolling down just a little bit!

mango cut into cubes on wooden table
mango

In This Article

  • Can Chickens Eat Mango?
    • Can chickens eat mango skin or mango peels?
    • Can Chickens eat mango pits or mango seeds?
    • Can chickens eat mango leaves?
    • Can chickens eat unripe mango?
    • Is it healthy for chickens to eat mangos?
      • What are the nutritional benefits of mangoes for chickens?
      • How do these nutrients help?
    • How do you feed chickens mango?
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Q1. Can chicks eat mango?
      • Q2. How many mangoes can I feed my chickens?
      • Q4. Is it true that eating mangoes can change my chickens’ behavior?

Can Chickens Eat Mango?

Yes, chickens can eat mango! Mangos provide lots of nutrients. They can eat the entire mango, flesh and skin.

No need to worry that your chickens will get sick or poisoned it you toss your fruity snack at them in an attempt to escape with your life. In fact, in moderate amounts, mangos are a good and healthy snack for chickens. So, maybe you should have just run instead of giving those clever girls (and roos) more fuel.

In all seriousness though, mangoes are packed with all sorts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidents, and other nutrients that are very good for your chickens’ overall health and appearance.

Can chickens eat mango skin or mango peels?

Yes, chickens can eat mango skins or peels. They are full of fiber and other vitamins and minerals. However, they may not be as excited for the peels as the rich, juicy flesh.

Can Chickens eat mango pits or mango seeds?

No, chickens cannot eat mango pits or seeds. The pits of a mango are large and very hard.

Can chickens eat mango leaves?

Chickens cannot eat mango leaves. Much like how chickens can eat onions, but only certain parts or how chickens can eat rhubarb stalks, but must avoid their leaves due to poisonous oxalic acid.

They should not eat mango leaves because they contain urushiol, which is a chemical shared by another avoidable plant, poison ivy. You don’t want your feathered friends getting that in their mouths, do you?

Can chickens eat unripe mango?

No, chickens should not eat unripe mango. While it is not particularly dangerous, unripe mangos are hard. It is better to only feed ripe, clean, unspoiled fruits.

Is it healthy for chickens to eat mangos?

Yes, it is very healthy for chickens to mangos as long as they are not eating too much in one sitting. The high sugar content in the fruit can be harmful if not monitored. But, unless you have a mango tree growing near your coop, you should be able to monitor how much they eat just fine.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

What are the nutritional benefits of mangoes for chickens?

A single serving of mango (around ¾ cup) has 70 calories and no fat or cholesterol. Here is the nutritional analysis, according to Mango.org.

Name Amount
Calories 70
Total Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 g
Sodium 0 g
Total Carobohydrate 19 g
Dietary Fiber 2 g
Total Sugars 17 g
Protein 1 g
Calcium 14 mg
Iron 0.2 mg
Potassium 208 mg
Vitamin A 67 mcg
Vitamin C 45 mg
Vitamin E 1.11 mg
Vitamin K 5.2 mcg
Vitamin B6 .147 mg
Folate 53 mcg
Phosphorus 17 mg
Magnesium 12 mg
Copper .137 mg
Manganese 0.078 mg
Selenium .7 mcg

How do these nutrients help?

For all of us, not just chickens, a healthy balance of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients is what keeps us going. Here are some of the benefits that chickens get just from the nutrients found in mangos.

  • Vitamin A: eye, skin, respiratory, and digestive health
  • Vitamin B6: healthy blood vessels, eye/vision health, nervous system , immune system
  • Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
  • Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
  • Vitamin E: immune system support, cell regeneration
  • Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
  • Vitamin K: blood clotting, bone metabolism
  • Magnesium: bone strength and development, cellular metabolism, heart health, muscle function,
  • Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative

How do you feed chickens mango?

First off all, pick out a fresh and ripe mango. You can tell it’s fresh by how soft it is and it’s bright yellow color. When it’s green and unripe it’s still safe but too bitter and hard for your chickens to eat it.

Next, wash the outside skin very well. You want to remove any dirt, pests, or potential residue from pesticides off before your chickens eat it. If you want to be extra safe, only get your mangos from a source that is pesticide free (if an option, of course).

Once it’s good and clean just cut it up, into halves, quarters, or cubes, and serve it to your birds. They love just about every part of the mango and, fortunately, it’s all safe for them to eat; fruit, skins, seeds or pits (although the seeds are probably too hard and can technically be a choking hazard).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can chicks eat mango?

Baby chickens, or chicks, should not eat mango. If they get a tiny bit, they will likely be okay, but in general, it is far to sweet and sugary for them to handle.

Q2. How many mangoes can I feed my chickens?

If you ask your chickens how many mangos you should feed them they will likely just cluck at you because chickens don’t speak human languages. But, if they did they would probably say give them all the mangos *bwawk*.

The truth is, and this applies to any kind of extra treat, mangos should not exceed more than 10% of their daily feed. This is known as the 90/10 rule and means that 90% of what they eat in a day should be a good and healthy, well balanced, chicken feed.

The same rule applies if you want to know how often to feed your chickens mangos. As long as they are not eating more than 10% of their daily intake in mangos, they should be okay.

Q4. Is it true that eating mangoes can change my chickens’ behavior?

Eating mangos, and other fruits high in sugar, can change your chickens personality and behavior. Buuuuut, just for a short period of time until the sugar rush burns out.

Think about when your little brother (or sister, cousin, friend, you) ate an entire bucket of Halloween candy and how they behaved. They (you?) probably weren’t actually posessed by evil speed demons, but it sure may have seemed that way for a while.

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

Can Chickens Eat Blackberries

By MrAnimal Farm

close up picture of blackberries on a cookie sheet

Where we’re from it seems like you can’t go 10 feet without running into a wild blackberry bush. We’re not complaining though. They’re delicious, convenient, and a healthy snack…for us. But, if we can get to them, so can our chickens. That got us wondering can chickens eat blackberries or are all of these berry bushes a disaster waiting to happen?

Wanna know what we found out? Scroll down a little and find out!

close up picture of blackberries on a cookie sheet

In This Article

  • Can Chickens Eat Blackberries?
    • Are blackberries safe for chickens?
      • Chickens and hypoglycemia
      • What are the nutritional benefits of blackberries for chickens?
      • What do these nutrients do?
    • How do you feed chickens blackberries?
      • How to prepare them
    • What fruit is bad for chickens?
      • Berries

Can Chickens Eat Blackberries?

Yes, chickens can eat blackberries! There can be some adverse health risks if they eat too many at once, but overall, blackberries are perfectly safe for your chickens.

There will be no poultry related disasters today (at least not due to blackberries, anyway). Blackberries, store bought, garden grown, or free ranged are a pretty easy and healthy snack for your flock.

Are blackberries safe for chickens?

Yes, blackberries are safe for chickens and are part of a healthy treat routine for your chickens. In fact, there aren’t too many berries your chickens can’t eat. Just from our own garden we treat them with blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and, of course, blackberries. One thing they really love is when we freeze the blackberries (or blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, etc) before bringing them out. The extra cold berries are a fantastic summer cool down treat.

The only berries you really want to avoid letting your chickens eat are elderberries and gooseberries. Both of them are can be toxic and make your chicken sick or worse. Some say they are not bad and it’s the plants that are toxic but we err on the side of caution with our flock.

Really one of the main worries you can have with your chickens eating blackberries is the high sugar content and the risk of them becoming hypoglycemic.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Chickens and hypoglycemia

When sugar is metabolized in the body it is converted into glucose, which is where the body gets most of it’s energy. Unfortunately, glucose burns very quickly and can leave your chicken bottoming out with their blood sugar levels. This is, at best, uncomfortable and, at worst, deadly.

What are the nutritional benefits of blackberries for chickens?

As you can see on the table below, blackberries are full of many of the nutrients and vitamins that a chicken needs to live a healthy life. Some key minerals to pay attention to are both copper and selenium. Depending on where you live, there may be a copper deficiency. And almost everywhere, at least in the US, is deficient in Selenium.

The table below from the USDA’s FoodData Center has a breakdown of the nutritional analysis based on a serving size of 1 cup (144g) of raw blackberries:

Name Amount
Water 127 g
Energy 61.9 kcal
Protein 2 g
Fat 0.706 g
Carbohydrate 13.8 g
Fiber 7.63 g
Sugars 7.03 g
Calcium 41.8 mg
Iron 0.893 mg
Magnesium 28.8 mg
Phosphorus 31.7 mg
Potassium 233 mg
Copper 0.238 mg
Manganese 0.93 mg
Selenium 0.576 µg
Vitamin C 30.2 mg
Vitamin B-6 0.043 mg
Folate 36 µg
Carotene, beta 184 µg
Vitamin A 308 IU
Vitamin K 28.5 µg

What do these nutrients do?

Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are essential to living a long and healthy life. Here is a brief synopsis of what some the nutrients found in blackberries can do to help your chickens.

  • Vitamin A: eye, skin, respiratory, and digestive health
  • Carotene, Beta (Beta Carotene): egg, feathers, skin, beak, and comb color; converts to Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
  • Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
  • Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; enery, growth, and digestive health, reduce cholesterol, controls blood sugar, digestive health
  • Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
  • Vitamin K: blood clotting, bone metabolism
  • Manganese: bone development, immune system, breaks down carbs, cholesterol, and amino acids; controls blood sugar
  • Magnesium: bone development, cellular metabolism
  • Omega-3: heart health, egg production
  • Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative

How do you feed chickens blackberries?

If you have a blackberry bush, you don’t really have to do much other than make sure they aren’t eating so much that it bottoms out their blood sugar. If you notice that starting to happen, maybe consider building some sort of barrier so you chickens can longer help themselves to the all-you-can-peck blackberry buffet.

For homegrown, store bought, or from the local farmer’s market, you just want to go through the same steps you would for your own snack. Make sure there are no berries that are rotting or moldy. As a general rule, if you wouldn’t eat your food under those conditions you shouldn’t feed your animals their food in subpar condition.

Depending on where you get your blackberries, you may want to remove any green parts of the plant. Pesticides tend to hang around on stems, leaves, and the calyx (green leaf at the top of the berry) even after you wash them. Pesticides, even in small amounts, can be very dangerous for a chicken. It’s best to either grow them without using pesticides, purchase them from a pesticide-free organic source, or, if those options are not available, make sure all the greenery is gone from the berries before serving them to your chickens.

If there is no rick of pesticides being ingested, blackberry leaves and plant stems are completely safe for your chickens to eat. They probably won’t since they prefer the berries, but it’s safe if they do.

How to prepare them

Like we said above, prepare them like your own snack

  • Wash them
    • make sure you get any dirt, tiny bugs, and potential pesticide residue cleaned off
  • Serve them
    • serve them freshly washed, mixed in with some other treats or in their daily feed, or freeze them and help them cool down

What fruit is bad for chickens?

There are very few fruits or veggies that are truly bad for your chicken. Most of them, when fed in moderation, can end up being very beneficial. Some fruits, veggies, and berries that are safe for chickens to eat are:

Fruits

  • Apples (not the seeds)
  • Bananas
  • Cantaloupe
  • Cherries
  • Currants
  • Peaches
  • Pears
  • Watermelon

Vegetables & Gourdes

  • Pumpkin
  • Tomatoes
  • Yellow Squash
  • Zucchini

Berries

  • Blackberries
  • Blueberries
  • Mountain Ash Berries
  • Mulberries
  • Raspberries
  • Rowan Berries

Now, there are plenty of other natural and man made things that are not good for chickens to eat.

  • Acorns: contain tanic acid which can cause vomiting, diarhea, dehydration, and, in some cases, be fatal
  • Alcohol: you already knew this one
  • Apple seeds: in small amounts okay but too much can be toxic due to the cyanide present in apple seeds
  • Candy: the loads of sugar in candy wreak havoc on a chicken’s blood sugar levels
  • Dry beans: even small amounts of phytohaemagglutinin can be deadly. Beans MUST be cooked before eaten. This applies to chickens, pets, AND humans
  • jam, jelly, or preserves: same as candy
  • pesticides: we already covered this but it’s literally poison
  • raw/green potato skin/unripe tomatoes: the solanin in many nightshade plants is toxic. Peel your green potato skins, only give ripe tomatoes, and don’t let your chickens eat the green parts of the plants.
  • tea bags: same as acorns, many teas contain tannins

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

Can Chickens Eat Tomatoes

By MrAnimal Farm

Have you ever accidently left the gate open to your garden only to come back and find it infested with chickens? If you haven’t, trust us, you will. What’s worse is they won’t eat that much but they will “taste” just about everything. Except bright red tomatoes. They will attack and devour them. So, can chickens eat tomatoes or will your flock be joining their cousin the Dodo in eternity?

Keep on reading and we will find out together!

In This Article

  • Can Chickens Eat Tomatoes?
    • Are tomatoes healthy for chickens?
      • What are the nutritional benefits of tomatoes for chickens?
    • What types of tomatoes can chickens eat?
    • When are tomatoes harmful for chickens to eat?
      • Nightshade plants aka Solanaceae
      • Solanine
    • How do I feed my chickens tomatoes?

Can Chickens Eat Tomatoes?

Yes, chickens can eat tomatoes. They are a nutrient rich with potassium, vitamin K, Vitamin C and antioxidants just to name a few. You do need to be careful about feeding them only the actual tomato though as the other parts of the plant can be dangerous.

Are tomatoes healthy for chickens?

Aside from chickens loving to eat tomatoes, tomatoes are actually good for them too! Nutritious and delicious? You can’t beat that. Tomatoes are chock full of many vitamins and nutrients that a chicken needs in it’s regular diet.

What are the nutritional benefits of tomatoes for chickens?

Vitamins and nutrients like Vitamins C and K, and minerals like potassium, as well as a whole host of antioxidants are ever present in tomatoes. So tomatoes can help your chickens improve their immune systems, lay eggs with strong shells, have brighter combs, wattles, feet, beaks, AND feathers! Plus. they’re low in sugar which means your chickens are less at risk of having a hypoglycemic episode.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Nutritional analysis – Per 5 raw grape tomatoes (49.7 g)

Name Amount
Water 46 g
Energy (Atwater General Factors) 15.4 kcal
Protein 0.413 g
Fat 0.313 g
Carbohydrate, by difference 2.74 g
Fiber, total dietary 1.04 g
Potassium, K 129 mg
Calcium, Ca 5.47 mg
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid 13.5 mg
Folate, total 4.97 µg
Vitamin K 2.09 µg

What types of tomatoes can chickens eat?

Chickens can eat all types of tomatoes. The nutritional analysis above is based on a handful of grape tomatoes, but it could have been cherry, Roma, beefsteak, or just a regular old normal tomato like a globe or slicing tomato.

When are tomatoes harmful for chickens to eat?

Most of the times, in nature, bright colors, especially red, mean “stay away!”. Green is usually considered to be more benign and not risky. Like driving a car, red means stop and green means go. However, with tomatoes, the opposit is true and, in some cases, can be a fatal mistake.

Some unripe tomoatoes are still safe to eat for you or your chickens. If they are turning red but still a little green and not completely ripe, they should be fine. They may not taste great but they aren’t dangerous. But green, unripe tomatoes, just like are dangerous.

Additionally, just in the way that chickens can eat onions, but only part of the plant, the stalks, leaves and other parts of the tomato plant are also dangerous.

Nightshade plants aka Solanaceae

There are a couple of reasons the tomato plant is toxic. Two reasons are common amongst the family of nightshade plants; which include tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplants, and even tobacco (so don’t let your chickens smoke either). The presence of lectins and phytochemicals.

Lectins are in almost all foods but tend to have a higher concentration in nightshades. The reason they are problematic is they cause proteins to bind to carbohydrates which leads to cells binding together. This can lead to problems like excess inflammation, arthritis, and other auto-immune diseases.

Phytochemicals are a plant’s natural defense against pests; like a natural bug spray. The particular phytochemical in a tomato is called tomatine. In high concentrations, tomatine can give the affected individual symptoms similar to solanine poisoning.

Solanine

As you may be able to tell from the family name, Solanaceae, solanine is also present in nightshade vegetables and is very dangerous, not just for chickens, but for other animals and humans too.

Solanine can cause a ton of health concerns when consumed. Some of the potential problems range from annoying to fatal:

  • problems with digestion, gastrointestinal issues, and diarhea
  • nausea and vomiting
  • inflammationaches and pains
  • fever
  • paralysis
  • death

Worse yet, solanine is there to stay. In fact, a study conducted in 1996 found that cooking will decrease solanine a bit but not enough to significantly decrease it’s toxicity levels. So your chickens should not eat unripe or green tomatoes and, frankly, neither should you.

How do I feed my chickens tomatoes?

Fortunately, chickens are pretty good at spotting things that can harm them if eaten. It’s not 100% fool-proof, but even the dumbest of clucks seems to do pretty well. But, if you want to make things easier on them you can use a couple of these recommendations to make sure you are feeding your chickens tomatoes that are completely safe.

First of all, don’t over feed them. You should always follow the 90/10 rule when feeding chickens. All that means is 90% of their diet should be a good, high quality chicken feed balanced specifically for their nutritional needs. That leaves another 10% left for any sort of extra treats they may want like cherries, cantaloupe, grapes, or bananas.

Make sure their food is fresh, clean, and free from things like mold or mildew. A good rule of thumb is don’t feed your chickens their food in a condition that would be harmful if you ate your food in a similar condition.

Keep the green parts of the tomato plant, as well as unripe tomatoes, away from your chickens.

Finally, just like if you want to chew gum in school, make sure you bring enough for everyone. If there is more tomato than chickens they will be less inclined to fight each over this delicious surprise.

If you need more help with taking care of your chickens, check out The Organized Chicken Keeper for a complete system for managing their health through keeping their supplies stocked and coop clean.

Access The Organized Chicken Keeper Here

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