While there are constant debates on what chickens can or cannot eat, many owners want answers to this particular question of can chicken to eat lentils. If you are looking for a one-word answer, then it is yes, you can feed your chickens with lentils but with some restrictions. Read this short blog to know the safe methods of feeding lentils to your chickens.
Can chickens eat lentils?
Lentils or popularly known as legumes, are a rich source of proteins and are known for their nutrient-dense properties. As much as we humans like to include lentils and other beans in diet due to its benefits, you would be surprised to know that it is applicable for your little friends as well. Now that we know the benefits of lentils, let us discuss the frequently asked question regarding the same.
Can lentils be eaten raw?
No, absolutely not. Raw lentils are harmful to chickens and thus, you should not feed them with it. Always make sure to cook the lentils and then give it your little friends. Including cooked lentils in their food can help them get the nutrients. Raw lentils often have toxins that can cause problems to your chickens. The method of sprouting the lentils is recommended to provide the chickens with the nutritional benefits of lentils.
Sprouting lentils for chickens
For sprouting the legumes, you just need to soak them in water and keep aside in a mason jar or other container that allows some flow of air. Depending upon the lentils and climate, it will start sprouting in a day or two. Once you have the sprouted lentils, you can use this for the meal prep for your chickens.
When you are giving them, lentils make sure that you don’t exceed the recommended quantity. Only 10% of the meal should be such lentils or cooked beans and the rest should be the food formulated for chickens. There are different lentils available today, but one of the most preferred ones are the red lentils that are rich in antioxidants too.
While we discuss lentils, you would be surprised to know that you can also feed your chickens with beans, oh wait, cooked beans! The same rule applies to the beans as well. Beans are hard to eat when raw and hence it is preferred to cook it before consuming it.
Many poultry owners yet ask that can chickens eat baked beans and the answer to that is yes, they can. As long as beans are cooked and not raw, you can give them to your little friends.
Concluding Remarks
Although lentils are a rich source of nutrients, please do not use it as a substitute for the chicken food. You can keep some cooked lentils or beans aside while making a meal for yourself and serve it to the chickens with their food. I hope this article helped you in getting all the needed answers.