Giving your hens tasty kickshaw does n’t have to be elaborate or expensive . In fact , you may tip them seasonal deary as they ripen in your own garden or come in your larder or refrigerator . While you and your hens are enjoying the same delicious foods you are adding call for protein , vitamins and minerals that will thread up in the egg you eat .
Your Chickens’ Diet Affects You
According to the American Egg Board , egg provide hoi polloi with choline ( which contributes to things like fetal brain ontogenesis ) , lutein and zeaxanthin ( contributing to eye health ) , phosphorus , selenium , and riboflavin . And , of course , eggs are a big source for protein .
These things come to hens in their intellectual nourishment sources , including through treats . At the same clip , treat may influence the nip of testicle . For example , if hens down onions , onion greens , garlic , Pisces and cheese , their testicle may have a take on a breath of these flavors . Even chou can ensue in cabbage - like look in the ball .
Dr. Tom Tabler , extension professor , Mississippi State University Extension , Department of Poultry Science explains that egg , like milk for Bos taurus or honey for bee , are a byproduct of a system . Just as milk or honey can take on the feel of seasonal plant consumed or claver by the animal , so can eggs .
Here are seven tasty kickshaw you may feed your hen throughout the year that are also packed with aliment to sustain intelligent eggs .
1. Tomatoes
The stunning colors of right tomatoes are attractive to your hen , and while they gobble up this tasty treat , they ’re profit from natural atomic number 20 , Mg , phosphorus , choline and vitamins A , C and K.
2. Cabbage
summertime or winter shekels and other leafy super C bring home the bacon your hens a rootage of protein , vitamins A and C , folate , calcium , iron , Mg , Lucifer , potassium , and selenium . Hang this fresh veggie in the crybaby running , offering an tempting treat that will keep you chickens well - entertain as the flock at it .
3. Raw Pumpkin
This autumn craw is a great source of vitamins A and C , folate , choline , calcium , magnesium , phosphorus and potassium . pumpkin are another veggie that hens find interesting to eat up — pecking their fashion to a clean pumpkin skin .
4. Blueberries
A smashing source of magnesium , K , P and calcium , blueberry also provide vitamin A , C and K , as well as choline and folate . They also extend chickens a natural source of antioxidants .
5. Watermelon
A coolheaded summer treat , this juicy yield ’s colouring material and flavor are attractive to hens , while also allow them with vitamin A and C , folic acid , choline , calcium , atomic number 12 , phosphorus , and atomic number 19 .
6. Oatmeal
During the coldest winter weather , oatmeal can be both warming and nutritious . A source of protein , folate and choline , atomic number 20 , Mg , phosphorus , selenium and potassium this larder - quick dainty is comfortable to prepare and popular when served .
7. Scrambled Eggs
As long as the eggs are well - cook ( and virtually unrecognisable as eggs ) , they can provide hen with sources of vitamins A and D , folate , choline , Ca , atomic number 12 , phosphorus , K , and selenium . They ’re also an excellent informant of protein . Prepared firmly , they will be well masked to your hens ; serving them undercooked or raw can further egg - eating in your pile .
Everything In Moderation
Tabler admonish that while treats proffer your mountain variety and nutrition , they should be usable on a circumscribed footing .
“ Chickens are like a lot of other creatures , ” Tabler says . “ If you throw a bunch of clobber out there , they know what their dead body necessitate . And , you do n’t desire to go overboard ; treats should be available in moderation . ”
A variety show of delicacy should go along with a balanced dieting , he explain . If biddy go off put down , begin producing thinly - crush eggs or eggs with no shell , that can be an indicator that they are be consume too many treats and not enough of their balanced provender . Treats should not be chicken ’ master source of food .
Offering your flock treats can be an interesting chance to observe which they favor or leave behind . It can be an opportunity to notice what your mountain is consuming when free ranging and what they might need as the seasons change .
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