Yes, chickens can eat artichokes. This vegetable is absolutely safe to add to a chicken’s diet. The raw ones can be tough to break, but cooked artichokes are delicious and your flock will love to peck on them.
This healthy vegetable can offer a lot of fiber to a chicken’s diet. It promotes healthy bowel movements and will help in better digestion of any food eaten by the birds.
So, if you are still wondering whether chickens can eat artichokes or not, scroll down below for more information.
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Are Artichokes Good For Chickens?
Artichokes are a type of thistle and not actually a vegetable. But, these are commonly considered as a vegetable. Artichokes are power-packed with nutrients. They are low in fat and rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and have various other health benefits.
Chickens can enjoy various health benefits from cooked artichokes. Of all the different types of artichokes, the variety sunchokes, also known as Jerusalem artichokes are the most popular. Chickens can eat raw or cooked artichokes without any worry.
It is best to give them cooked artichokes chopped into smaller pieces. Chickens do not have teeth. They swallow any hard food and let their gizzards do the work on digesting the hard pieces.
But remember, it is best to feed them artichokes along with other nutritious food. Artichokes alone do not have enough nutrients to fulfill a chicken’s nutritional requirements. It can be fed as a healthy treat along with other meals.
But, you should not feed artichokes daily as well. It is best given twice a week along with other healthy food. They can benefit from this healthy treat for the added dose of fiber.
Health Benefits Of Artichokes For Chickens:
Artichokes have proven to offer a lot of health benefits to chickens. Some of these are:
Boosting Immune System
Artichokes are power-packed with Vitamin C. A sufficient amount of vitamin C in a chicken’s diet has shown a better immune system. Chickens who eat artichokes regularly fall ill less frequently when compared to those who do not eat.
Improving Digestive Health
The fiber present in artichokes aids in easy bowel movements. The fiber also prevents constipation.
Can Chickens Eat Artichoke Leaves?
Yes, chickens eat artichokes and artichoke leaves safely. However, the leaves or the artichoke skins may be too tough for them. Some chickens may prefer to leave the leaves and focus on other food.
Can Chickens Have Artichoke Hearts?
Yes, chickens have artichoke hearts safely. However, the artichoke skins or the outer portion of the leaves, the bottom hairy portion, and the stem should not be eaten. It is best to have cooked artichoke hearts. Although no part of the plant is poisonous, it has been proven that trying to eat an entire artichoke can lead to stomach upsets.
What Can Chickens Not Eat?
You can give them woody vegetables, cooked vegetables, uncooked broccoli, uncooked broccoli stems and certain other foods. But, there are certain foods that should not be given to chickens at all as they contain some toxic elements that can harm them:
Raw Beans
Raw beans contain a toxin that can be very harmful for chickens.
Coffee and Tea
Coffee and tea contain caffeine that can be bad for chickens. Ensure that there are no coffee grounds or used tea bags in their foraging area.
Chocolate
Chocolate also contains caffeine that can be very bad for chickens. It can cause serious health issues in poultry and pet animals.
High Sugar Foods
Chickens do not need sugar in their diet. Too much sugar can cause gastrointestinal issues in them.
Salty Foods
Chickens do not need too much salt in their diet. If chickens eat too much salt, they may end up feeling very thirsty and drink too much water, leading to bloating and even death.
Green Tomatoes
Green tomatoes contain a compound called solanine. It is quite toxic for poultry. You must avoid vegetables of the nightshade family.
Conclusion
Yes, chickens can eat artichokes safely. All parts of the artichoke plant are safe for chickens. Feeding artichokes can lead to healthy egg production and better immunity in your poultry.
But remember chickens should eat cooked artichokes rather than raw ones as the latter can be quite tough. Feed artichokes to your flock after dicing them into smaller pieces and cooking them until soft and tender.
Give them once or twice a week along with rice krispies or other whole grain food. They will benefit with a healthier digestive system and better egg production with a diet containing artichokes regularly.
