If you own chickens, then you know that they can eat a range of fruits and veggies; but can chickens eat apples? Yes! Chickens can eat apples and applesauce, and it’s a healthy addition to their diet. Before feeding, you’ll want to make sure the pieces are small or that the applesauce doesn’t contain any added sugars. Let’s discuss the benefits of feeding apples to chickens and how to do it safely!
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Can Chickens Eat Apples?
Chickens can most definitely eat apples! Apples are a great source of vitamins and minerals for your feathered friends. Apples contain vitamins A, B, and C, as well as potassium and fiber. They also have a high water content, which can help to keep your chickens hydrated. Best of all, apples are a low-calorie treat that is safe for chickens of all ages. When feeding apples to your chickens, be sure to remove the seeds and cut the fruit into small pieces to prevent choking or as a whole apple for them to peck at. Read our related article, Can Chickens Eat Pineapple? Find out if this tropical fruit can be added to your chickens’ diet!Can Chickens Eat Applesauce?
Yes, chickens can have applesauce! Refrigerated applesauce is a great cold treat for chickens on hot summer days and has the same benefits as apple pieces. If you have a picky eater, applesauce may even stimulate its appetite with its sweet taste! Just remember to feed your chickens applesauce that contains no added sugars, preservatives, or other additives. Read our related article, Can Chickens Eat Strawberries? Strawberries are another great food to feed your flock. Here’s how!How to Feed Your Chickens Apples
Chickens are typically thought of as creatures that eat just about anything, and apples are part of that anything. We also love to feed the chickens apples because it’s truly a healthy snack for them. However, it is important to feed them in moderation, as too many apples can cause digestive problems. When feeding apples to your chickens, be sure to cut them into small pieces to prevent choking. You can also remove the seeds, as they contain trace amounts of cyanide that can be harmful to your chickens in large quantities. Here are a few different ways you can feed apples to your chickens:- Cut up into tiny cubes or bite-sized pieces
- Scraps including the skin and core (without seeds)
- Whole apple for them to peck at
- Refrigerated applesauce
How Often Should Your Chicken Eat Apples?
Chickens will often eat the skin and core of the fruit, which means that you don’t have to do any extra prep work when feeding them apples and can serve them as is. Just be on the lookout for seeds, and remove them once they’re exposed. However, you should be aware that apples are a high-sugar fruit and should therefore be given in moderation. A good rule of thumb is to offer your chickens one or two small apples every other day. If you have a large flock, you can also put a whole apple in their coop for them to peck at as they please as was shown in the video above. This gives them both a treat to eat and an activity to keep them busy. Read our related article, Can Chickens Eat Tomatoes? An abundance of home-grown tomatoes could make you curious about feeding them to your chickens. Here’s what to know before you do!Benefits of Feeding Apples to Chickens
Chickens love apples! Not only are they a tasty treat, but apples can also provide many benefits to your feathered friends.- For one, apples are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, which can help to boost immunity.
- Additionally, apples can help to promote good digestion by providing dietary fiber.
- The crunchy texture of apples can keep chickens busy and entertained as they peck away!