Chickens, as omnivores, require a range of nutrients in their diet in order to remain healthy and bird seed is an easy way to add nutritious treats into their daily mealtime regimen.
But when birdseed is fed as the only source of nutrition for chickens, serious health complications may result. Therefore, feeding your poultry birdseed in moderation should be done.
Table scraps may also serve as an effective addition to their daily diet, although this should never replace their complete layer feed regimen.
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Black-Oil Sunflower Seed (BOSS)
Sunflower seeds are one of the easiest-to-access feed options for poultry. Chickens love them as an abundant source of protein, calories and essential minerals such as methionine, vitamin E and magnesium.
Seeds may be fed whole or hulled. Many people prefer shelling them to avoid unwanted debris underneath feeders and reduce potential waste problems caused by discarding husks. Hullled seeds also tend to remain fresh for longer due to reduced rancidity risks.
BOSS contains healthy fats which add an additional layer of insulation for feathers in cold weather, making this food perfect for molting birds!
Grey-Stripe Sunflower Seed (GSS)
Sunflower seeds are one of the most readily accessible high-protein food sources for chickens, providing methionine, vitamin E and magnesium which all play important roles in maintaining good health in their bodies.
Black seed varieties contain between 40-50 percent more oil than their striped counterparts, providing greater health benefits and easier digestion for birds.
Be careful about overfeeding sunflower seeds as they contain high amounts of fat – too much can be fatal! Incorporate sunflower seeds as treats or part of a balanced diet as part of an optimal plan and make sure there is access to enough grit so your flock is safe from choking hazards.
Corn Seed
Cracked corn is an indispensable staple in chicken diets, whether whole kernel or crushed. As part of scratch grains and complete chicken food formulas, cracked corn provides both crude protein and various other essential nutrients like calcium, omega 3 fatty acids and vitamins and minerals to their diets.
Growing fresh, organically-grown corn for your flock is easy! Seeds germinate best in soil rich in nitrogen. When planting seeds two weeks after the last frost has passed and keeping soil moisture levels consistent through germination is key. A seed has three parts – its pericarp protects its embryo from infection while its endosperm provides energy reserves needed by seedlings.
Sprout Canola
Sprouting grains is an effective way of adding more nutrition to your chicken feed, since sprouting removes its protective packaging, making the vitamins and minerals more bioavailable to your flock.
Canola seeds contain high concentrations of abscisic acid (ABA), which typically prevents precocious germination until they pass through their dormant stage during pod development. However, heat stress during flowering can lower ABA levels and shorten how long seeds stay dormant.
Seeds begin germinating early, producing small seed pods which are harvested and crushed to make canola oil and meal. Canola meal has lower metabolizable energy content than soybean meal but contains higher methionine and cystine concentrations, in addition to providing abundant sources of lysine and arginine.
Chia Seed
Chia seeds offer the ideal source of antioxidants and calcium for strengthening eggshells and supporting regular laying cycles in your flock.
Chia seeds can be given to chickens either raw or cooked; they can be scattered on their feed or mixed in as a nutritious treat for them. To maximize digestibility, soak the seeds first to expand them before giving to the flock.
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fiber, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins provide many essential benefits. Their high soluble fiber content aids digestion while also regulating cholesterol levels and speeding up nutrient extraction from food sources.