Chia seeds are a nutrient-dense superfood for humans, but what if your chickens encounter them while foraging? Can chickens eat chia seeds? The answer is yes!
But how about its sprout and plants? Is it edible for your flock?
In this article, we’ll discuss:
- if chickens can eat chia sprouts, plants, and seeds daily
- how to serve and how much chia seeds to feed
- and how your chicken can benefit from this superfood
So, without further ado, let’s get right into it!
Can Chickens Eat Chia Seeds Daily?
Definitely, yes. Chickens can eat them daily but in moderation. It’s packed with nutrients, but too much can result in adverse effects.
But to know exactly what happens when a chicken overeats chia seeds and how they benefit from them, let’s continue digging.
First, let’s learn what chia seeds are and does it come from.
What are Chia Seeds?
Chia is the seeds from Salva Hispanica, a mint family desert plant common in the central and southern parts of Mexico.
It has an oval shape that measures two millimeters and is gray with spots of white and black.
Others call it a superfood because of its nutritional content, which is good for humans and chickens.
When chia seeds get to soak in water, they absorb up to 12 times their water molecules’ weight, resulting in a mucilaginous coating.
That’s why they give distinct textures in beverages and foods.
Can Chickens Eat Raw Chia Seeds?
Chickens are omnivores. It means they can eat any food, whether from plants or meat.
So, they can also eat chia seeds. But can chickens eat chia seeds if it’s served raw?
Absolutely, yes. However, it is essential to know there’s a limit to feeding. Even if it’s beneficial, you should limit your flock’s consumption.
Can Chickens Eat Chia Sprouts?
A chia seed sprout is safe for your chickens because it doesn’t have toxins that might harm them.
It is a good addition to a salad and beverages. You can also roast it or feed it directly to your flocks. It still packs many nutrients even if it starts growing.
To make the chia seed sprout, spread the seeds on a paper towel or cloth wet with water and mist the seeds with water.
Put the towel in a closed container with drainage at the bottom. Then wait for two to three days to get them ready.
Can Chickens Eat Chia Plants?
The Chia plant, or what they called Salvia Hispanica, is edible, including its leaves and seeds, even the sprouts.
It can be eaten raw, freshly picked up from the plant, or you can cook it like spinach. You can also add it to a salad and sandwiches.
But is it safe for chickens? Absolutely, yes. Your flocks can enjoy it, depending on how you feed it.
So, if you have chia plants in your backyard, you don’t have to worry if your chickens will pick them up.
Are Chia Seeds Good for Chickens?
The chia seeds have a mild and nutty flavor making them a perfect addition to sweet and savory dishes.
It is also packed with many nutrients that your flock can benefit from.
Nutritional Benefits of Chia Seeds for Chickens
Now let’s break down all the nutritional elements in chia seeds and how your chickens can benefit from them.
Calcium
Chia seeds are one of the best sources of calcium. Calcium deficiency in laying chickens can cause eggshells to become thin and easy to break.
It will affect the production of your chickens. That’s why they need calcium from foods like chia seeds, crushed oyster shells, and many others.
Fiber
Chia seeds have a significant amount of fiber. So, allowing your chickens to peck even a tiny amount of it will instantly aid in maintaining good intestinal health.
As a result, it will be quick and simple for them to extract vitamins and minerals from what they eat. Moreover, it will lessen constipation.
Yet, watch out for their chia seed consumption because too much may result in digestive health problems.
Antioxidants
Another essential nutrient of chia seeds that significantly benefits your flock is the antioxidant.
It is the vital element that helps chickens fight free radicals and prevent cell damage, like what cancer does in cells.
So, don’t hesitate to give your chickens nutritious treats like chia seeds.
Aside from those three main components of chia seeds, it also contains proteins, carbohydrates, calories, copper, magnesium, selenium, manganese, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and fats.
You can see the breakdown of fats in the table below.
Fat content | Amount of content in grams (g) |
Polyunsaturated | 23.67 grams |
Omega-3 | 17.83 grams |
Omege-6 | 5.84 grams |
Saturated Fat | 3.33 grams |
Monounsaturated | 2.31 grams |
Trans Fat | 0.14 grams |
Can Chia Seeds Replace Pellet Mix?
Chia seeds are not only healthy for all chickens, but they can also be an alternative to your flock’s feeds.
How is that possible? It is because chia seeds have all the nutrients chickens need for a balanced diet.
So, now let’s discuss what those nutrients are.
Carbohydrates
It is also known as carbs. These sugar molecules are the essential energy source as they break down into glucose.
This nutrient can be found in most foods, like grains, starch, and drinks.
Proteins
This molecule is a result of the building blocks of amino acids. It helps build muscles, nerves, beaks, cartilage, feathers, skin, and body tissue of chickens.
It can be found in many foods that they eat, like chia seeds and other insects and worms.
Fats
The table above shows chia seeds are packed with different fats.
This nutrient is an essential component in the growth of cell membranes and the production of hormones.
It comes from the foods that have natural and vegetable oils, like meats and fish.
Vitamins
Vitamins play a big role in production. It helps chickens in their overall growth, reproduction, and body function.
It is present in carrots, yeast, beans, fish, spinach, banana, and chia seeds.
Minerals
This chemical element is essential to help the internal organs of chickens perform well, especially in the digestive system, muscle function, and chemical reactions.
Besides chia seeds, they are also present in bone meals and oyster shells.
How Much Chia Seeds Can Chickens Eat?
Though chia seeds have almost all the nutrients for a balanced chicken diet, you must feed them in moderation to avoid digestive problems.
A tablespoon is enough for the mature and old ones to get all the nutrients.
If you have many adult chickens, you can add more, but not much.
But if you have chicks, you can give around one teaspoon and make sure to separate them from the adults.
How Often Should Chia Seeds Be Consumed?
Chia seeds are often served as chicken treats, not primary feed.
But you don’t have to worry much about feeding them with chia seeds daily because they will surely benefit from every seed you give.
For the chicks, it is better to wait until they reach four weeks old before gradually feeding them to avoid food shock.
How to Feed Chickens Chia Seeds?
Chickens would love picking on chia seeds. There are two ways for you to serve chia seeds to your flock.
Cooked Chia Seeds
There are many ways to cook chia seeds for your chickens. You can cook it alone by just boiling it or with other foods.
After cooking, let the chia seeds soak for 10 minutes in water. It will help them digest it quickly because it will look like oatmeal after being submerged in water.
Chia seeds can also be included in the pellet mixture you will serve your flock. You can combine it with other things without risk.
Make sure to stir it to remove any concentrated seed areas thoroughly.
But giving the chickens more chia than 5% is not advised since it will make them easily bloated.
Uncooked Chia Seeds
Feeding your flock uncooked seeds is easy, but you must ensure that each bird consumes just the right amount—never too much.
Don’t forget to prepare drinking water for your hens to prevent choking. They might regard it as a treat.
Other Seeds Chickens Can Eat
Aside from chia seeds, your flock may also benefit from eating the following seeds.
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are one of the best treats that are delicious and provide several health benefits.
It is the best choice, especially when your chickens are molting.
The sunflower seeds will help feathers fall out for faster molting. So they will be changed easily.
Just don’t give the salted seeds because salt is harmful to them.
Safflower Seeds
Safflower seeds are from the Asteraceae family, the Safflower. It is a flowering plant with seeds that looks the same as sunflower seeds but only differ in size.
It’s also beneficial for chickens because of its high protein and low fiber content. That’s why it can also be a perfect treat and addition to their diet.
Buckwheat Seed
Like other seeds, Buckwheat seeds are also safe for chickens because of their packed nutrients. It can take up to 30% of poultry diet feed as recommended.
You can also prepare it any way you want as long as it doesn’t have seasonings to avoid unwanted health problems.
Hemp Seed
Hemp is a seed from a Cannabis sativa plant. It also contains various nutrients like antioxidants, protein, fiber, etc.
It is the best choice of feed and treats when hens are laying. The nutrients will help produce great eggs and chicks.
Flax Seed
Flax seed is from the Linum Usitatissimum, mostly called the Flax plant. It was cultivated as food because of its nutritional content.
Pumpkin Seed
Pumpkin seeds are not only nutritious for humans but also for chickens. It contains vitamins E, B, and A.
These vitamins will aid your flock’s neurological development, prevent coccidiosis and respiratory issues, and boost their energy level.
Canola
For all varieties of fowl, canola food can be a significant part of a balanced diet in terms of nutrients.
Canola meal is a fantastic substitute for or in addition to other protein components because of its high protein level and superior amino acid profile.
Cracked Corn
Chickens love cracked corn as a treat as it contains a lot of carbohydrates, making it perfect for the winter season.
Nonetheless, cracked corn must be consumed in moderation as with any treat. Give your birds no more than they can finish in 10 to 20 minutes.
Barley
Barley can be used as an energy source in animal feed.
But because there are more non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) in barley than in corn, poultry cannot digest barley’s carbs as easily as corn.
Oats
Oats are safe for your flocks. In fact, it’s one of the preferred wintertime treats. Warm oatmeal is a nourishing and refreshing snack for chickens.
Oats are a great source of protein, vitamins, and antioxidants; chickens love gorging on them.
Quinoa
Quinoa contains a lot of different nutrients, including calcium, protein, and some other minerals and vitamins. That’s why it’s great for chickens.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chia Seeds
Is chia seed good for chickens?
Definitely yes! Chia seeds are an excellent source of nutrients for your birds.
However, remember that chia seeds must be fed in moderation. Adult chickens only need one spoonful of chia seeds.
Can birds eat soaked chia seeds?
Yes! In fact, it is easier for them to digest and eat chia seeds when soaked in water because they will be softened, especially if cooked.
Soaking the chia seeds within ten minutes is enough to make them look like oatmeal.
What seeds are best for chicken feed?
As mentioned above, many seeds are edible for chickens. It might be hard to choose the best because they vary in nutrient content.
So the best chicken feed will depend on your flock’s needs and preferences.
What grains do chickens like the most?
It will vary depending on your chickens because others like whole wheat, oats, or barley, while other birds prefer corn or sorghum grain.
Can hens eat chia seeds?
If you’re wondering if chia seeds are safe for all chickens’ stages, yes. It’s safe for the chicks, hens, or roosters.
So you don’t have to worry about your hens even when they forage in your chia plant garden.
Final Recap: Can Chickens Eat Chia Seeds?
To sum up, chickens can eat chia seeds and even the leaves in moderation. Too much consumption can lead to digestive problems.
But they’re beneficial for your flock. They’re rich in calcium, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a great addition to your chicken’s feed.
Sprouting chia seeds for chickens is good, too, because they retain nutrients even after germination.
Now that we’ve answered the question “Can chickens eat chia seeds” you may be wondering about other edible vegetables, like cauliflower.
If you’re curious if you can toss a bunch of cauliflower into your chicken coop, check out the article below.