Chicken are not picky eaters, as a matter of fact they would eat almost anything you’d feed them. So it is fun to spoil them and give them treats that they would enjoy. So, while trying to come up with new treats for your pet chickens, perhaps you asked yourself: can chickens eat rice? And the answer is yes, they can! But keep in mind, it must be cooked. Just keep on reading to find out all the information you need to know concerning this subject and other useful tips about chickens and what they should and should not eat!
Can Chickens Eat Rice And Do They Like It?
Rice can be a great snack for your chicken, provided it’s cooked. Avoid feeding your chicken uncooked rice because it can be dangerous for it. The rice might swell after coming in contact with moisture, causing gut problems. However, when feeding your chicken cooked rice, try giving it pilaf mixes. The plain rice has little nutritional value for the chicken. It is always important to find treats that will improve your pet’s health and at the same time being something fun for it to eat.
Do you wonder if your chicken will enjoy the rice? Yes. It most certainly will! The shape, color and texture of cooked rice makes it an appealing, exciting treat for her. So, if you happen to have leftovers, do give it a try and feed it to your pet chickens. They will most definitely have a blast eating it.
How To Choose The Right Treats For Your Chickens
In order for your chickens to be in a good shape and function properly, you should provide them with a well-balanced diet. Keep in mind that treats should not exceed 5% of your pet’s overall diet. Everything in moderation! Immoderate treats can harm their health and hinder egg production.
Nonetheless, there is the exception of green treats such as: kale, parsley, berries, salad, broccoli, carrots and so on. Your pets can feast on these treats without interdiction as they are rich in nutrients your chicken needs to lay eggs.
But when should you feed your pet these treats? The perfect timing for this is in the afternoon, after your chickens have had their necessary share of organic food.
Excessive Treats Can Be Harmful For Your Chickens
Your chickens will enjoy eating treats but bear in mind that feeding your pets excessive treats can harm their health in several ways. This can lead to obesity, feather-picking, decreased egg production, heart problems and even heart stroke. Therefore, no matter how much you delight in pampering your pets, be aware of the fact that they should not exceed 5% of their overall diet in order for their body to function properly. The bottom line is that treats should be fed to chickens in moderation!
Other Foods That You Should Not Feed To Your Chickens
- Citrus is rich in vitamin C and citric acid, which seem to determine your pets feathers to pluck.
- Dried Beans consist of hemaglutin, which can be lethal for birds. Cooked beans however are fine for your chickens.
- Salty Foods. Chickens have small bodies that are not supposed to take in salt in large amounts. Salty foods might cause the appearance of salt poisoning or water restraint. Consequently, try to avoid feeding your chickens any foods rich in salt!
- Apple seeds. Your chickens might enjoy apple treats greatly but be sure to remove the seeds if you do choose to give them apples. The seeds might present particles of cyanide which could be poisonous for your feathery pet.
- Sugar, chocolate, and any type of candy are detrimental for the digestive system of your chickens, so you should dismiss feeding them chocolate. Additionally, chocolate contains a certain toxin called methylxanthines theobromine which can actually be poisonous for chickens. Moreover, adding sugar to their diet should also be avoided as it is not good for them.
- You certainly ought to steer clear of eggs when feeding your chickens. If they do attempt at eating the eggs they lay, it either means they are stressed out or their diet is short of certain nutrients they need. A suggestion is to try adding crushed oyster shells to their diet and perhaps improving the environment they live in.
- Onions shouldn’t be fed to chickens because they consist of a substance called thiosulphate which harms the red cells of your pet. If you feed it immoderately, it can determine anemia and even death. However, if given occasionally and in tiny portions, onions may not be detrimental for your pet.
References:
http://www.almanac.com/content/chicken-feed-and-dont-forget-grit
http://readynutrition.com/resources/10-foods-you-should-not-feed-your-chickens_09022014/
http://www.rentacoop.com/Chicken-Treats.html
http://www.citygirlfarming.com/Chickens/ThingsChickensShouldNotEat.html
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/08/chicken-treats-guide-dont-love-your.html
Thank you, your information was exceedingly helpful!