Can Chickens Eat Edamame?

Yes, chickens can eat edamame pretty safely. But, these beans should be cooked before feeding them. Raw edamame beans contain a particular toxin that can be harmful to flocks when fed in large quantities.

Uncooked or raw edamame or soybeans should never be a part of your chicken’s feed. Here is everything you need to know about feeding chickens edamame. 

In this article, we shall discuss whether the beans are good for them, the health benefits, and the ideal quantity that should be fed to chickens.

Is Edamame Good for Chickens?

Edamame beans, commonly known as soybeans, are a great option for your chicken’s feed as they are rich in protein and nutrients. 

These beans can be served as cooked soybeans mixed with other vegetables or with a quality commercial feed. 

Health Benefits of Edamame for Chickens

Edamame is high in folate, copper, thiamine, riboflavin, iron, manganese, and vitamin K1. Here are the benefits of each of these nutrients explained below:

• Riboflavin enhances the egg quality and protects chickens from Curly-toe Paralysis.
• Folates boost the production of RNA and DNA that subsequently stabilize their emotional and mental health.
• Zinc promotes feather and bone health.
• Thiamin present in coconut enhances the chicken’s appetite.
• Iron prevents them from anemia.
• Copper boosts energy metabolism, red blood cell formation, oxidative defense, and tissue growth.
• Vitamin K1 is required for the regulation of proteins and blood coagulation.
• These beans are high in protein, and chickens need protein in abundance to build and repair muscles.
• Calcium present in these beans helps in strengthening bones, better egg production in laying hens, and healthy eggs.
• The high fiber amount ensures a healthy digestive system.

All these minerals and vitamins are found in edamame in abundance. Feeding a soybean meal once a week or mixing cooked edamame in their animal feed can ensure optimal growth and nutrition. 

Can Chickens Eat Edamame Pods or Shells?

All the parts of these beans are good for poultry. The only thing you need to be sure about is that it should be cooked properly. Furthermore, as the shells are hard to eat, they should be cut into small pieces before serving.

Can Chickens Eat Dried Edamame?

Dried edamame has certain toxins that are harmful to their health. If you are feeding them cooked and dried soybeans, it is fine as the toxins are eliminated once the beans are cooked.

Can Chickens Eat Uncooked or Raw Edamame? 

No, chickens should not be given uncooked or raw edamame beans. As chickens pretty much eat anything that is offered to them, you must be careful about what you are feeding them.

A few uncooked edamame won’t intoxicate them, but it is better to avoid raw beans completely. However, some chickens are picky eaters and may not develop a taste for green legumes.

How Much is the Ideal Quantity to Feed Them?

Chickens need a balanced diet to grow optimally. Although edamame is high in protein, calcium, and various other vitamins and minerals, it should not be given everyday as it does not contain the necessary carbs and calories required for their growth. 

Technically, they can feed on a diet of cooked soybean meal everyday, but it will not give them wholesome nourishment. Soybeans should be given as treats along with other foods. 

How to Feed Edamame to Chickens?

When feeding soybeans to poultry, ensure that they do not eat raw. The soybeans should be cooked properly.

These can be mixed in a small amount with other foods to ensure whole nourishment and well-balanced meals. You can mix the cooked legumes with cooked or roasted peanuts or peas to make a superfood blend. 

Most beans are cooked and seasoned with salt. But, as chickens do not need salt in their food, ensure that you do not add any seasonings for added flavor.

Whether you are feeding them raw or frozen soybean, ensure that it is cooked at all times. You can serve this nutritious food in between meals as well.

Conclusion

Chickens love to eat edamame or soybean. In fact, most chickens can eat all kinds of green vegetables, including edamame. But, you should never feed them raw or uncooked edamame. 

When feeding poultry, always cook the soybean properly. Raw soybeans or any other dried beans have certain toxins that are harmful to them. 

Furthermore, although edamame is easy to digest and a great source of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fibre, it lacks sufficient carbohydrates required for their optimal growth. It is best to feed chickens edamame once or twice a week, mixed with their main feed or as a treat.