Chickens are fascinating creatures and as a responsible chicken owner, it is important to provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet. Many chicken keepers wonder if their feathered buddies can enjoy fruits like plums.
In this article, we will delve into the topic and answer the burning question: Can chickens eat plums?
Exploring the Nutritional Needs of Chickens
Before we dive into the specifics of plums, let’s understand the dietary requirements of chickens. These delightful creatures need a well-rounded diet consisting of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
A diverse range of foods ensures that they receive all the essential nutrients for optimal health and productivity.
Can Chickens Eat Plums?
Yes, chickens can eat plums as part of their diet, but moderation is key. Plums offer various nutritional benefits to our flock of hens.
Benefits of Plums for Chickens
Here are some amazing health benefits of plum fruit for your chickens:
Provide Antioxidants to chickens
Feeding plum to your chickens will boost energy and also keeps the chicken’s body healthy. Plum can provide antioxidants to your chicken body which prevent or reduce the damage caused by oxidation.
According to the National Library of Medicine, One serving (100 g) of plums can provide antioxidants equivalent to 144.4-889.6 mg of vitamin C.
Plum Will Help Chickens In Boosting their Immune System
Plums are rich in Vitamin C and will help to boost the immune system of your chickens. If the immune system is strong enough then it will protect your chicken from all diseases. By feeding plums to your chicken, it will fight a parasitic disease like coccidiosis that affects the intestines of chickens.
Improves Digestive System Of Chickens
Plums are well-known for their natural laxative properties, thanks to the presence of various compounds like dietary fiber, sorbitol, and isatin. These components work together to support and improve the digestive system.
You should include plums in your chickens’ diet which can promote a healthy and efficient digestive system for them.
Plum Is a Good Source Of Vitamin A For Chickens
In chickens, vitamin A is very important for their health, because vitamin A helps in normal growth, reproduction, and maintenance of epithelial cells in good condition. Plums are a good source of Vitamin A, single plum contains 227.710 IU (International Unit).
Plum Is a Good Source Of Vitamin C For Chickens
Ascorbic acid or Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for poultry. It improves chicken’s health and also increases the growth performance of your birds. A plum can be a good provider of vitamin C for your chickens because a single plum contains (6.3mg) for your feathered buddy.
Plum Is a Good Source Of Calcium For Chickens
Calcium plays a crucial role in the health of laying hens as it contributes to the strength of eggshells. Insufficient calcium can result in fragile eggshells and weakened bones, making them more prone to fractures.
Fortunately, plums can help address this issue by providing a source of calcium. By incorporating plums into their diet, chickens can obtain approximately 6.00mg of calcium per 100g of plum, ensuring the development of sturdy bones and robust eggshells.
How Should You Feed Plums To Chickens?
Plums are a great treat for your backyard poultry, because of their magical benefits. It’s so simple to serve your chicken by cutting it into pieces and serving them.
But before serving plum to your chickens, make sure to wash it and cut it into pieces, and remove the pit from it. Put the pieces in their feeders and let them enjoy the treat.
How Much And How Often Can Chickens Eat Plums?
For Adult chickens, half of the plum is enough for them. For baby chicks, a small piece is enough for them but make sure to cut it into small pieces so that they can easily eat and enjoy.
Plums are not regular food for your chickens, they can be served to your chicken occasionally like once a week. Plums are high in fructose, sucrose, and glucose which are not safe for your chickens if they consume in excessive amounts.
Can Chickens Eat Plum Pits?
While plums can be a tasty treat for chickens, there are a few precautions to keep in mind. Always remember to remove the pit before feeding plums to your chickens. The pit contains cyanide, which is toxic to both humans and animals.
Additionally, it’s crucial to offer plums in moderation to avoid potential digestive issues. Too much fruit consumption can upset the delicate balance of a chicken’s digestive system.
Other Fruit Options for Chickens:
If you are looking to provide a varied diet to your flock, there are several other fruits that chickens can enjoy. These are the other fruits you can serve to your chickens once or twice a week, or you can serve them in pieces with plum fruit.
- Berries
- Grapes
- Apples
- Bananas
- Melons
Conclusion
Chickens can indeed eat plums however, it is important to exercise caution and feed them in moderation. Plums offer nutritional benefits and can be a healthy addition to their diet.
Remember to remove the pit before offering plums to your chickens, and consider other fruit options as well. By providing a diverse and balanced diet by which you will be supporting the overall health and happiness of your feathered buddy.
We hope this article has answered your question about whether chickens can eat plums. If you have any further experiences or questions, we encourage you to share them in the comments section below.
For more information on chicken nutrition and care, feel free to explore our other related articles.
