Everyone loves to eat a nut. But did you know that chickens love to eat walnuts? Walnuts make for an excellent high-protein, low cholesterol, and high-fiber food for your chickens.
What is the best way to feed your chicken walnuts? And what are the benefits of feeding your chicken walnuts in their diet?
Here is everything you need to know about feeding your chickens walnuts.
What Is A Walnut?
The walnut is the edible seed of the walnut tree that grows in temperate climates. The nuts grow on long stalks that grow from the trunk and branches of the tree. The nuts are encased in a hard shell with a green outer layer that turns brown when it is ripe.
It is important to note that not all varieties of walnuts have this green outer layer because some varieties have an outer shell that is already brown when it ripens.
They are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and other nutrients. They also have a high amount of polyunsaturated fats.
Why Feed Chickens Walnuts?
Chickens have a very strong preference for walnuts. This means that if you feed your chickens walnuts, they will take to it quite readily. In contrast, they may not be as fond of other varieties of nuts like pistachios or pine nuts. Feeding your chickens walnuts can also help combat obesity and obesity-related conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Additionally, feeding your chickens walnuts can help them to maintain a healthy weight and it provides them with the protein that their body needs for growth and development. Walnuts are also high in omega 3 fatty acids, which is beneficial for the immune system of your chicken.
Finally, giving your flock some extra walnuts on occasion will make them more productive in their environment as well as more lively and alert.
How Often Should I Feed My Chickens Walnuts?
It’s important to remember that the amount of walnuts that your chickens need to eat depends on the size of their beak or crop. The beak is where food travels down, so it’s a good idea to monitor when your chicken is full or not eating.
If you want to feed your birds walnuts as a regular part of their diet, it’s best to start by giving them just one ounce (28 grams) per day. If they can eat it without any problems, you can give them more.
The best time to feed your chickens walnuts is in the morning because they have had an hour or two for their digestive system to wake up and absorb the nutrients from the food.
Chickens like fresh food, so if you are going to offer them walnuts in addition to their usual meal, make sure that there isn’t anything else fresh on their plate first. As long as there is no other fresh food around for them, they will gladly consume their walnut treat!
What Are The Benefits of Feeding Your Chicken Walnuts in Their Diet?
Here are some of the benefits of feeding your chicken walnut in their diet:
Walnuts are beneficial for chickens’ skin and feathers.
Chickens will be better able to defend themselves against predators as they are stronger than other types of birds.
Protein levels can increase as a result of adding walnuts to their diet.
They provide a source of calcium, vitamin A, and other minerals that can help with the prevention and treatment of disease.
Walnuts are high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids which contribute to healthy eggs. We all know how important eggs are to chickens!
Can Chickens Eat Walnut Leaves?
The answer to the question is yes. Chickens can eat walnut leaves and they are very good for them. Walnut leaves are a rich source of natural minerals, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
The leaves also contain high levels of protein and vitamin A which is vital for the health of your chickens.
However, the chickens will not eat the leaves if you give them any. It doesn’t have any taste and the chickens will just ignore them.
Can Chickens Eat Walnut Shells?
No, chickens cannot eat walnut shells. The walnut shell is a hard and indigestible object which can cause intestinal blockages.
Conclusion
Chickens absolutely love walnuts! In fact, they are a nutritious addition to your poultry’s diet. The fiber in walnuts is great for the digestive tract and the antioxidants in walnuts have been found to have anticancer effects. Walnuts are also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are critical for healthy eggs.
