Can Chickens Have Plums? Yes, But Without Seeds And Pits!
Plums contain high nutrients for chickens. But they are a family of stone fruits like apricots, peaches, and nectarines. So, removing the seeds and offering the flesh will be safe for chickens, I guess.
So, why bother asking, Can Chicken Have Plums? Yes, chickens can have plums when you remove the pits. Whether it’s raw, cooked, or frozen, poultries are all good with the flesh! But be aware of the cyanide compound.
This article is gonna share a big contribution of such dietary supplements. So, stay here and learn about feeding plums to chickens!
Table of Contents
Can Chickens Have Plums? Different Parts And Forms That Are Safe!
Certainly, it’s okay when chickens have plums. But chickens or ducks are sensitive to stone fruits for the seeds and pits. This is because of the risk of suffocation or choking.
I promise you that dried plum (DP) is a fantastic source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which is perfect for raising broiler chicken. It has a miraculous ability to lessen the heat stress that chickens experience during the hot summer days.
But not all forms, types, and parts of plums are safe for your feathered friend. The next queries gonna clear it out!
Can Chickens Eat Dried Plums?
Yes, chickens can eat dried plums in moderation. However, it is important to note that dried plums are higher in sugar than fresh plums. So, they should be given as an occasional treat or obviously a small quantity. Safe and secure!
Are Unripe Plums Good For Chickens?
No, chickens should not eat unripe plums. Unripe plums contain amygdalin, a substance that can release cyanide when digested. Cyanide is poisonous to chickens and ducks, so be careful.
Can Chickens Have Plum Pits Or Seeds?
No, chickens should not eat plum pits or seeds. Plum pits and seeds can cause choking or blockages in a chicken’s digestive system.
Do Chickens Eat Plum Tree Leaves?
No, chickens should not eat plum tree leaves. Plum tree leaves contain tannins, which can be toxic to chickens. Although the plum fruit contains different levels of tannins, leaves are specifically not recommended for feeding.
According to NCBI research, Tannin can negatively impact nutrient digestibility and decrease feed intake and food absorption.
Can Chickens Have Plum Skin?
Yes, chickens can eat plum skin. Plum skin is a good source of fiber and vitamins. The best part for chickens is the flesh of plums.
Does Chicken Eat Fresh Or Raw Plums?
Yes, chickens can eat fresh or raw plums or cherry plums. Fresh or raw plums are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Can Chickens Get Red Plums?
Yes, chickens can eat red ripped plums. Red plums are a good source of antioxidants.
Is Cooked Plums Good For Chickens?
Yes, chickens can eat cooked plums that you boil. Cooked plums are a good way to make plums more digestible for chickens.
Do Chickens Eat Wild Plums?
Yes, chickens can eat wild plums. Wild plums are a good source of vitamins and minerals like store-bought plums.
What About Moldy Plums For Chickens?
No, chickens should not eat moldy plums as it’s unhealthy. Moldy plums can contain harmful toxins that can make chickens sick.
So, Are Frozen Plums Okay for Chickens, Too?
Yes, chickens can eat frozen plums. Frozen plums are a good way to preserve plums so that they can be fed to chickens year-round. But people often let it be normal by keeping it for a while.
Can I Offer Plums To Baby Chicks? Safe With the Same Rules!
Baby chickens are safe to try plum, but in moderation and with caution. This is because they have a delicate digestive system. To feed them plums, make very small pieces, introduce them gradually, and monitor how chicks react and enjoy the plums.
Nutritional Table Of Plums For Chickens
Plums are healthiest when you feed them without the toxic seeds. Check the nutritional value of plums before we start talking about the benefits and drawbacks of feeding plums to chickens. All this data has been collected from USDA.
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Water | 87.2 g |
| Protein | 0.7 g |
| Fat | 0.28 g |
| Carbohydrate | 11.4 g |
| Fiber | 1.4 g |
| Sugars | 9.92 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 6 mg |
| Vitamin C | 9.5 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.029 mg |
| Vitamin A | RAE – 17 µg, IU – 345 |
10 Health Benefits Of Feeding Plums To Chickens
Well, you heard plums are quite nutritious for poultry chicken. And it’s true! Check out how such an occasional treat can be a part of their regular diet. But not daily, please!
1. Immune System Boost
A strong immune system depends on vitamin C, which plums are high in. This vitamin aids in shielding hens from illnesses and infections.
2. Potential Relief from Heat Stress
Researchers discovered that dietary supplementation of DP might mitigate the harmful effects of heat stress based on the health benefits of DP. Therefore, why not give your broiler chickens a delightful and nutritious treat?
3. Proper Digestion
There is a natural laxative called Sorbitol found in plums. It can aid in preventing digestion problems in hens.
Additionally, they provide fiber, which promotes good digestion and maintains the digestive tract.
4. Ensuring Good Eye Health
Vitamin A in plums helps the chickens to have healthy eyesight. It helps shield the eyes from harm and shields against vision issues.
Feeding plums to chickens is another core point that prevents coccidiosis. It’s basically a parasitic condition in the intestinal tract. So, plums can keep them safe from such parasitic attacks.
5. Improved Feather Quality
Essential fatty acids found in plums support the normal formation and development of feathers. These fats maintain the strength and sheen of feathers, reducing the risk of breaking and enhancing appearance overall.
6. Organic Antioxidants For Overall Health
Antioxidants included in plums help shield hens from the cellular harm that free radicals can cause. These antioxidants can lower the chance of developing certain illnesses and improve general health.
7. Vital Minerals For Physiological Process
Minerals like manganese and potassium found in plums are essential for chickens. It helps in their varied physiological processes and electrolyte equilibrium.
8. Strong Bone Health
Plums are rich in vitamin K, which is essential for the growth and mineralization of bones. In chickens, this vitamin helps maintain strong bones and guards against fractures.
9. Egg Production
Plums contain calcium, which helps hens produce eggs, albeit in small amounts. It’s also important for you to realize that deficient calcium can cause your hens to stop producing eggs. Thus, feed diets with calcium in them!
10. Proper Weight Management
Due to high fiber content and low-calorie content, plums can aid hens in maintaining a healthy weight. Fiber helps people feel fuller and avoid overindulging.
Check this video to get more facts about plums in chickens’ diet part.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF3mvtvdtMY
Related Readings:
6 Potential Health Issues Of Feeding Plums To Chickens
With 10 notable benefits, I found some negative facts that you must consider. Check them out!
1. Cyanide Poisoning
Plum pits and seeds contain amygdalin that releases cyanide when digested. Cyanide is highly toxic to chickens and can cause serious health problems or even death if ingested in large quantities. So, we remove it first just before feeding.
2. Pesticide Presence
Plums may contain pesticide residue, which could be harmful to chickens. So, washing the fruit properly is the first job.
3. High In Sugar
Plums contain a lot of sugar, which can cause adverse effects on chickens. So, we prefer a moderate amount.
4. Digestive Distress
Excessive sugar intake can lead to digestive issues in chickens, including diarrhea, bloating, and discomfort. So, limit the amount of plums when offering to chickens.
5. Choking Hazard
Plum pits and seeds pose a choking hazard to chickens. These hard objects can block the chicken’s digestive tract, causing respiratory distress and potentially death. So, ensure there are no seeds and pits.
6. Nutritional Imbalances
Feeding plums too much makes chickens habituated to plums and causes nutritional imbalance. So, keep it as a supplementary diet.
Proper Way To Feed Plums To Chickens
How do you feed plums to chickens in the right manner? The question comes to mind when you have a flock of chickens in the yard. Let’s know the guidelines!
How Much to Feed Plums To Chickens?
A small handful or two will be enough to feed your chickens or chicks. But you need to adjust the quantity based on the size of your flock and their overall diet. Plus, be sure it’s not their staple food.
How Often to Feed Plums To Chickens?
You can feed plums to chickens once or twice a week. Also, you don’t need to provide multiple times each day you offer plums. And observe their response to plums.
How To Prepare Plums To Chickens?
To prepare the plums for your chickens, follow the given tips:
- Start by removing the pits and seeds to avoid the risks of choking hazards and the impact of a cyanide compound.
- Rinse plums under running water to remove any dirt or contaminants. Pesticides are usually present in it.
- Cut the plums into bite-sized, manageable pieces for comfortable consumption.
- The best way is to provide fresh plums or the cooked form.
- Remove any moldy plums when you offer such nutritious treats on the ground.
- You can also serve plums in a tray or feeder.
- Mixing plums with other nutritious fruits like berries or melons would be healthier.
Related Reads:
Final Words
As a poultry expert or a newbie chicken owner, you understand can chickens have plums or not. It’s completely safe as an occasional treat, just without the seeds and pits. And except for the leaves, chickens are all good with other forms, parts, and types of plums.
In fact, it’s quite a nutritious contribution to chickens’ health, from an immune boost to proper weight management. Besides, the potential health issues should be taken into consideration.
Sources & References:
- https://jasbsci.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40104-021-00571-5
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7765034/
