Have you ever wondered if chickens can eat peanut shells? Chickens have been raised by humans for thousands of years with no problems.
Peanut shells are high in valuable nutrients that can help your chicken have a healthy egg-laying time and nice, shiny feathers. In fact, chicks are not just for eating anymore, they can be fed peanuts right up to adulthood! Just read on to learn more.
Can Chickens Eat Peanut Shells?
Chickens can eat peanut shells, but you have to watch their intake. Peanuts have a high fat content, which means that too many of them can cause some health problems for your chickens. If you are thinking about offering your chickens peanut shells, it is important to understand the issues associated with overconsumption, especially if you are planning on giving them as a food source in addition to their regular feed.
Is It Safe For Your Chickens To Eat Peanut Shells?
You may have heard that peanut shells are good for chickens to eat. Some people say they’re great for the digestive system, while others claim they’re not safe at all, and can cause some serious problems for your hens.
So, is it safe for chickens to eat peanut shells?
The answer is yes, but it’s not a good idea.
We understand why you might be tempted to give peanut shells to your chickens—they’re free! They’d be a great protein source, and they’re an easy way to supplement their feed. The only problem is that peanut shells are a choking hazard and can become lodged in the throat or esophagus of your chicken. In severe cases, the shell could even block the airway completely if it’s inhaled into the lungs.
Cows and horses will chew peanut shells before swallowing them, so they don’t normally have any issues eating this treat. Chickens, on the other hand, will swallow their food whole without much chewing. That’s why these shells can pose such a risk.
A better idea than feeding your hens peanut shells would be to use cracked peanuts in their feed instead! This will provide them with extra protein and make them happy as clams (or hens).
What Are The Benefits Of Feeding Peanut Shells To Chickens?
Chickens are great foragers and will eat almost anything. So, when you have a peanut shell laying around, don’t feel bad about giving it to them as a treat. Not only will they appreciate it, but it’s also a source of good protein. Just make sure you don’t feed them too many, as this can cause digestive problems.
Peanuts have been shown to have a lot of benefits for chickens:
-The shells provide fiber which helps with digestion.
-They contain oil that helps keep their skin healthy and shiny.
-Peanuts are high in protein which is essential for egg production.
-They contain calcium which strengthens bones and muscles in chickens.
-Peanut shells also provide vitamins A, B12, and E, all of which are necessary nutrients for growth and development.
Can Baby Chickens Eat Peanut Shells?
The thought of a baby chick eating peanut shells might seem strange, but it’s safe to say that baby chickens can indeed eat peanut shells. Peanut shells provide a good source of protein and calcium for many birds, and chicken feeds often contain crushed peanut hulls.
As a matter of fact, the makers of one particular brand of chicken feed have been using them in their products since the 1920s. The shells are also typically ground fine enough that they don’t pose any choking hazards.
However, while it may be safe for baby chickens to eat peanut shells, there’s no guarantee that they’ll like the taste. It might be wise to test out this food on your chicks before you buy large quantities of it.
How To Feed Peanut Shells To Chickens
You can feed peanut shells to your chickens. Here’s how:
1. Pre-crack the nuts if you don’t want to make a huge mess of shells everywhere.
2. Soak the shells for about two hours, or until soft.
3. Drain and toss into a bucket that has a lid, or something that you can shut off from being opened by curious chickens.
4. Mix in the shell with their regular feed once they are finished with the food they have been eating.
5. Replace the feed with fresh shells every few days.
6. Any leftover shells can be fed to ducks and geese as well!
Note that there are certain times when you should avoid feeding your chickens peanut shells. For example:
- Do not feed peanut shells if they have been sprayed with pesticides or other harmful chemicals.
- Do not feed peanut shells if they have been treated with artificial flavoring or coloring.
- Do not feed peanut shells that contain high levels of salt or sugar (these are not good for your chickens).
How Often Should You Feed Your Chickens Peanut Shells?
Peanut shells are great for your chickens, who will enjoy scavenging for the last tasty bits of peanut, and also for enriching their diet with a protein boost. There is no harm in allowing them access to peanut shells daily, but there is also no real benefit to it.
Try to save them for a once- or twice-weekly treat that all the chickens can enjoy together.
Conclusion
You don’t have to throw out peanut shells if your chickens get into them, although you should remove and replace any particularly chewed shells. There’s nothing toxic in peanut shells, so your chickens won’t become sick from the shells themselves.
