As a backyard chicken owner, you want to give them food that is nutritious and healthy for them. If you enjoy eating kimchi, you may wonder if your chickens can eat them.
So, can chickens eat kimchi? Yes, chickens can eat kimchi. This fermented food is safe and nutritious for them. However, kimchi is usually made with salt and other seasonings, it can cause chickens health issues if it’s in a large amount. To prevent any health issues, feed kimchi to your chickens in moderation.
What Is Kimchi?
Kimchi is a traditional food that’s a staple side dish in Korea. It usually consists of salts and fermented vegetables such as napa cabbage and radishes.
Also, peppers and garlic an addition to create different flavors.
Is It Healthy For Chickens To Eat Kimchi?
Kimchi is healthy for the chickens to eat, only if it’s fed to them in moderation. It’s a good source of protein, fiber, and many other nutrients.
Kimchi Nutritional Information
100 grams of cabbage kimchi contains the following nutrients:
- Sodium 498 grams
- Dietary Fiber 1.6 grams
- Protein 1.1 grams
- Vitamin B6 0.213 mg
- Thiamin 0.010 mg
- Choline 15.5 mg
- Vitamin K 43.6 mcg
- Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) 0.11 mg
- Vitamin A 93.00 IU
- Niacin 1,100 mcg
- Sugar 1.1 grams
- Potassium 151 mcg
- Iron 2.50 mg
- Phosphorous 24.00 mg
- Zinc 0.22 mg
- Water 94.30 grams
The above data is according to NutritionalValue
Below are some of the health benefits of feeding kimchi to your chickens:
Good for Hydration
Kimchi has a high amount of water. This is due to the kimchi being fermented in water. By feeding them this food, it will keep them hydrated.
Improve Digestion
Kimchi is a good source of fiber, which is important for the digestive system. Fiber is carbohydrates that are not digestible. Instead, fiber helps bulk up the stool, which prevents constipation.
Strengthen Muscles
Kimchi has a good amount of protein. This nutrient is important to building and maintaining the muscles.
Chickens that are fed a good amount of protein such as those found in kimchi will have healthy and strong muscles.
Can Baby Chickens Eat Kimchi?
Yes, baby chickens eat kimchi, but it’s recommended to wait until they are at least 3 weeks old. For the first couple of weeks when they hatch, their digestive system has not developed enough to properly digest the kimchi. Instead, chicks should be on a diet of starter feed.
Once they are about 3 weeks old, you can start to introduce kimchi to them. Start with a small piece to see if they will eat it. Avoid kimchi that has too much salt in them.
If they are around their mother, the hen will teach them to eat kimchi.
Is Store Bought Kimchi Bad for Chickens?
If you bought kimchi from the grocery store, it is safe for them to eat, only if it’s in small quantities.
When buying kimchi, each type will vary in the number of ingredients that they use. Some may use a lot of salt, while others may not have any at all.
Below are some of the popular kimchi that you may find at your local grocery stores:
Baechu (Napa Cabbage) Kimchi – This is the most popular type of kimchi. It is made of salted and rinsed cabbage.
Ponytail Radish Kimchi – This type of kimchi is made using radishes. It has a crunchy and firm texture that isn’t very salty.
Gat-Kimchi – This type of kimchi is made using mustard leaves, which are then coated in a mixture of red peppers and chili flakes.
All the above kimchi are safe for the chickens to eat, but only feed them in moderation.
Can Chickens Eat Freeze-Dried Kimchi?
Freeze-dried kimchi is safe and nutritious for chickens to eat. However, like most dehydrated foods, extra additives and preservatives will be added. One of the ingredients that are used a lot is salt, which in large amounts can harm the chickens.
Therefore, it’s best to give them freeze-dried kimchi that doesn’t use a lot of additives and preservatives.
I recommend feeding your chickens Yuho Dried Kimchi. Not only is it low in calories, but it doesn’t contain a lot of salt.
How Do You Feed Kimchi To Your Chickens
When it comes to kimchi, it’s pretty straightforward to feeding your chickens. You can toss the whole piece of kimchi to them. They will start to peck and eat pieces of it.
You can also feed them kimchi that is cut into smaller pieces. This will make it easier for them to eat it.
How Many Kimchi Should You Feed Your Chickens?
Chickens should be fed kimchi in small quantities. This means for an adult chicken, you can give them a piece of kimchi. For baby chickens, a small piece of kimchi for each of them.
How Often Should You Feed Kimchi To Your Chickens?
Kimchi should be fed to your chickens in moderation. While the cabbage is safe for them to eat, the additives such as salt are usually added to it. Too much salt is unhealthy for your chickens.
For that reason, kimchi should not be fed to them daily. This food should be given to them as a treat. This means, giving them kimchi, once or twice per week is enough for them to enjoy it.
Other Fermented Food That Chickens Can Eat
Pickles
Pickles contain a ton of vitamins and minerals, plus antibiotics and probiotic bacteria. You can feed your chickens the whole pickle or cut them into smaller pieces, which will make it easier for them to eat it.
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is a probiotic and can aid in the development of good bacteria in the guts. This helps prevent salmonella and E. coli in chickens. Due to their high salt content, only feed sauerkraut to your chickens in moderation.
Yogurt
Yogurt makes a great treat for feeding the chickens. It contains probiotics that help build up good bacteria in the gut. This is good for them after worming or an illness. Make sure to avoid yogurts that have artificial flavors or sweeteners, as they hurt them.
Conclusion
Kimchi is safe for chickens to eat. However, since this is fermented and usually has salt and other additives added to them, it should be fed to them in moderation. Too much salt in their diet can cause health issues for them. Kimchi should be given to them as a treat.
