Feeding Poultry Safe on the Menu
harmful if consumed in large quantities. She also notes that raw, fibrous skins can lead to an impacted crop.
• Anything Overly Salty or Processed: A chicken ' s system is not designed to handle high levels of salt or processed fats. Tina Hines, owner of Cluck It All Farms, puts it bluntly: " Everyone watches out for chocolate, but the real danger is in the stuffing, literally. Onions, leftover gravy and even raw bread dough are way more likely to end up in the chicken run, and they can seriously hurt your birds." These foods can lead to dehydration and kidney problems.
• Dairy and Rich Foods: Chickens have difficulty processing dairy. " Chickens lack the lactase enzyme, which people rely on to process dairy," says Gregori. " Feeding excessive amounts of dairy to chickens can sometimes lead to bloating, diarrhea and even liver damage if they ingest too much."
• Dried or Raw Beans: Uncooked beans contain hemagglutinin, a natural insecticide that can be toxic and even fatal to chickens unless they are thoroughly cooked.
• Raw Bread Dough: As Hines mentioned, raw bread dough is a surprising hazard. The yeast can expand in a chicken ' s warm crop, causing blockage, fermentation and alcohol poisoning.
Safer Substitutes: Flock-Friendly Holiday Snacks
Sharing treats with your flock can still be part of the holiday fun. You just need to choose safe and healthy alternatives.
• Pumpkin and Squash: This is a universal favorite among chickens and experts alike. " Pumpkin! My flock loves pecking a jacko '-lantern," says Kristin Jordan, the Florida Chicken Tender. She freezes pumpkin pulp and seeds for a healthy treat throughout the year. Dr. Kong agrees, recommending " a plain, cooked pumpkin or squash seeds. Not only are they a fun, peckable snack, but they also act as a natural dewormer."
• Seasonal Veggies: " Want to share the holiday spirit? Toss them plain chopped pumpkin, sweet potatoes or green bean trimmings, just skip the sugar and spice," said Hines. Leafy greens such as kale, cooked squash and carrots are also excellent choices. You can serve them raw or lightly steamed without any butter or salt.
• Cranberries: Gregori suggests setting aside some fresh cranberries before you make your relish or sauce.
• Oats or Warm Mash: A simple warm
18 Winter 2025 www. chickenwhisperermagazine. com