Keeping chickens in your backyard can be quite a fun and rewarding experience. Not only are they great pets, but they can also provide you with fresh eggs every day. But as a chicken owner, it's important to know what foods are safe and what foods can be harmful to your feathered friends. To ensure your chickens are happy and healthy, here are some of the foods you should never give to them.

 

Avocado - Although avocados are healthy for us humans, they contain a toxin called persin that can be very toxic to chickens. Consumption of avocado can lead to heart failure and death, so make sure to keep them away from your chickens.

 

Chocolate - Chocolate contains theobromine, which can cause harm to chickens' digestive and nervous systems. Eating chocolate can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death. Keep chocolate and any sweet treats away from your chickens.

 

Onions and Garlic - Onion and garlic are part of the allium family, and they contain compounds that can cause anemia in chickens. Consumption can lead to hemolytic anemia which is characterized by increased red blood cell destruction. This can be fatal if not treated early.

 

Salty foods - Just like humans, chickens also need to maintain a certain level of sodium balance in their bodies. Feeding them too much salt can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and even death. Make sure to avoid feeding them salty snacks or treats.

 

Citrus fruits - Citrus fruits contain citric acid which can upset chickens' digestive systems. Feeding them too many citrus fruits can lead to diarrhea and digestive issues, which can also cause dehydration and other complications.

 

Conclusion: As a chicken owner, it's important to pay attention to your feathered friends' diet to ensure they remain healthy and happy. While it's tempting to share some of your favorite foods with them, make sure to avoid the above-mentioned foods to avoid unnecessary health risks. Stick to a balanced diet, give them lots of fresh water, and provide them with plenty of fruits and vegetables to keep your chickens healthy and strong. Happy chicken keeping!

If you're currently raising backyard chickens, you might have wondered how you could take their diet to the next level. And if you're all about giving them something more nutritious than the usual corn, then dried grubs are some of the best choices you can offer your feathered friends! So in this blog post, we'll guide you on how to feed dried grubs to your chickens like a pro.

 

First off, why would you want to feed dried grubs to your chickens, and what makes them so nutritionally superior? Well, unlike corn or other grains, dried grubs can offer your chickens a more balanced and complete ratio of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. Plus, they're rich in healthy fats and vitamins like A, B, and E, which can help improve your flock's immune system, growth, and feather health. 

 

Our Supreme Grubs contain 100% dried black soldier fly grubs, and are a high-quality dried grub brand with one of the most nutritious and easy-to-digest insects for poultry. 

 

When it comes to feeding your chickens dried grubs, you have several options. You can either give them as a standalone snack or mix them with your chickens' usual feed, whether it's pellets, crumbles, or scratch grains. Some owners like to sprinkle some dried grubs on top of their chickens' food to entice them to peck more, while others offer them as treats during training or bonding sessions. 

 

One thing to consider when feeding dried grubs to your chickens is the amount and frequency. While dried grubs are healthy, they're also high in calories and protein, so you don't want to give them too much that it messes up your chickens' natural diet or metabolism. It's suggested that you feed them dried grubs as a supplemental snack, not a replacement for their main feed. You can give them around 5-10% of dried grubs daily, or a handful as a treat once or twice a week. 

 

Lastly, don't forget to monitor your chickens' reaction and health when feeding them dried grubs. Some chickens might have a preference or aversion to the taste and texture of dried grubs, so observe if they're eating them happily or ignoring them. Also, be aware of the smell and mold growth of the dried grubs, as they can go rancid over time and cause digestive issues for your birds. Always check the expiration date and storage instructions of the brand you're buying, and keep them in a cool, dry place.

 

In conclusion, dried grubs can be a nutritious and delicious addition to your chickens' diet, as long as you source them properly and feed them in moderation. By feeding your chickens dried grubs, you're enriching their nutritional profile, boosting their health, and satisfying their palates. Try incorporating some dried grubs in your chicken-keeping routine, and see how they love it!

When it comes to feeding backyard chickens, it's important to provide them with a balanced diet that meets all their nutritional needs. A good diet should include a variety of protein sources, and one new option that has gained popularity in recent years is Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL). Prior to BSFL, mealworms were the most frequently used insect protein treat but since the farming of BSFL became more widespread and its benefits over mealworms more well-known, the BSFL have become the grubs of choice for many backyard chicken keepers. Not only are they a great source of protein, but there are many other benefits to feeding BSFL to your hens. In this article, we'll explore some of the reasons why BSFL is a great treat for hens.


(1) High Protein Content
One of the most significant benefits of feeding BSFL to your hens is their high protein content. Insects, in general, are incredibly rich in protein, and BSFL are no exception. They contain over 40% protein, making them an excellent source of amino acids for your chickens. Amino acids are essential for the growth and maintenance of muscles, skin, feathers, and other tissues in your chickens' bodies.

(2) Easy to Digest
Unlike other protein sources, such as meat or fish, BSFL are easy for your hens to digest. Their digestive systems are designed to process insects and other small creatures, making BSFL a natural and straightforward addition to their diet. As a result, they can absorb the nutrients in BSFL more efficiently, allowing for optimal growth and development.

(3) High in Calcium
BSFL are also an excellent source of calcium, an essential mineral that is crucial for the development and maintenance of strong bones and eggshells. Calcium is particularly important for hens as they lay eggs regularly, and their bodies require a constant supply of this mineral.

(4) Gut health
Specific amino acids found in the BSFL can also help promote good gut health in chickens. The amino acids in BSFL are easily digestible, and the larvae also contain beneficial bacteria that can help improve digestion and reduce the risk of digestive issues like diarrhea.

(5) Natural immune booster
Black soldier fly larvae contain natural prebiotics, which are substances that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. By feeding hens black soldier fly larvae, backyard chicken owners can improve gut health, which can lead to better nutrient absorption, disease resistance, and overall health.

(6) Low odor
Unlike other protein sources, such as fishmeal, BSFL has a low odor. This can be a benefit for backyard chicken owners who may be sensitive to strong smells or who live in urban areas where keeping odors to a minimum is important.

(7) Variety in Diet
Finally, feeding your hens a diet that includes BSFL can provide variety in their diet. While it's important to provide your hens with a balanced and nutritious diet, adding new and different foods can help to keep them happy and healthy. BSFL are an excellent way to provide your hens with a new and exciting treat that they are sure to love.

In conclusion, black soldier fly larvae are an excellent addition to your hens' diet. They are high in protein, easy to digest, low in fat, and high in calcium. They also help to reduce waste, are environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and provide variety to the hens' diet. All of this leads to improved egg production, better egg quality, and better overall health. Feeding your hens BSFL will help to keep your hens healthy, happy, and productive.