Can chickens eat sunflower seeds is a standard query. A correct weight loss program is important to your chickens’ well being and growth. Offering your birds the precise scientifically formulated feed for his or her stage of life ensures that they obtain all of the important vitamins and minerals they should develop and thrive. Whereas treats and kitchen scraps given often can undermine a flock’s absorption of vital vitamins, an occasional snack provided sparsely won’t solely not derail your chickens’ weight loss program however may assist develop a greater bond between you and your birds.  

Feed Sunflower Seeds for Added Vitality

A favourite tidbit—and one simply discovered at feed retailers, farm-supply shops and even supermarkets—is black oil sunflower seeds. Generally utilized in wild-bird feeders, black oil sunflower seeds include roughly 50 % fats and 20 % protein, making them a terrific supply of vitality.

These seeds additionally characteristic skinny shells, making them simple for chickens (and different birds) to eat. Due to their fats and protein content material, black oil sunflower seeds needs to be fed in very small quantities, roughly a tablespoon for a flock of three to 6 birds.

To supply the seeds, scatter them round your rooster run or yard to not solely deal with your hens but in addition present them with train. In case your birds are docile, you may also supply black oil sunflower seeds out of your palm. Remember to maintain your palm open and flat slightly than cupped to forestall beaks from unintentionally grabbing your pores and skin as an alternative of seeds.  

Learn extra: These 5 treats are positive to maintain your yard chickens joyful!

Can Chickens Eat Sunflower Seeds – What to Keep away from

Sunflower seeds bought within the snack part of supermarkets ought to by no means be provided to chickens. Processed for human consumption, these forms of sunflower seeds usually include sodium, flavorings  and preservatives, that are unhealthy for birds to eat.

Farm-supply and wild-bird shops normally promote sunflower hearts, that are the shelled sunflower kernel. You’ll be able to supply sunflower hearts to your flock if you’re averse to sunflower shells strewed all through your yard or run. Sunflower hearts run a bit costlier than unshelled seed, however they’re higher in your backyard, as sunflower seed shells include allelopathic toxins , which stop different seeds—together with grass seed—from germinating.   

An alternative choice your chickens and you could each take pleasure in could be to plant a black oil sunflower backyard. Black oil sunflowers develop to a top of 8 to 10 toes and have golden yellow petals round a big brown middle. These tall vegetation will present shade in your flock and exquisite blooms so that you can admire.

The flowers’ facilities shall be chock filled with seeds at harvest time, supplied wild birds don’t get to them first. Wild birds adore black oil sunflower seeds, so remember that providing these seeds to your chickens could imply you’ll have some freeloaders hanging about.  

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