Chickens are frail little birds that need a lot of attention and care. If you have a coop, you will know what we are talking about. Everything from the living conditions to the bird feed has to be carefully chosen so that chickens survive and grow up healthily.
This often brings up an interesting question about wild bird seed. This is what we shall address in this article.
Can chickens eat wild bird seed?
On the surface of it, we would say yes. Chicken can eat wild bird seed. It is considered quite safe and non-toxic. But, having said that, wild bird seed is not nutritional. It has high fat content and low content of vitamins and minerals, which are essential for chickens’ nourishment.
Egg-laying chickens, especially will not be able to benefit from this type of feed.
Ingredients in wild bird seed
Wild bird seed has sunflower seeds, millets, and corn. Many other ingredients such as oats are used as fillers. All these have low nutritional value but are very delicious for chickens, which is why they are happy to fill up on them.
Wild bird seed is a great treat for sure. But, we advise that you do not feed your birds with only this. It should be an occasional treat with the primary source of food being something else.
What can you feed your chickens regularly?
Instead of wild bird seed, you can feed your chickens a few healthy items such as vegetables, fruits, earthworms, bees, and insects. All of these have vitamins and minerals, which are important for their health and survival.
Foods that you should avoid
On the Absolutely No list of foods for chickens are:
- Green potatoes
- Green tomatoes
- Avocado
- Beans
- Any food with mold
People also ask
1) Can you feed your hens wild bird food?
Yes, but in moderation.
2) Can baby birds eat bird seed?
They can eat finely chopped fruits and small insects.
3) Do chickens eat sunflower seeds?
Yes, they absolutely love sunflower seeds.
4) Can chickens eat rice?
Yes, they can eat cooked rice.
5) How many times should I feed my chickens?
Most owners feed their chickens twice a day.
6) Can chickens eat carrot?
Yes, they can.
7) How long do chickens live?
5-10 years.
8) Can chickens eat raw potatoes?
Yes, but they should be ripe. They cannot eat green potatoes.
Conclusion
Wild bird seed is a good option to have but only if it is treated as a treat. Since many chickens like it, it will serve as a great snack. The actual diet should revolve around healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and insects. This is especially important for egg-laying hens. We hope this article helped you understand the importance of food and how you can make wild bird seed a part of their diet. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with us.