As you know by now, chickens have the amazing ability to eat everything that’s in their way, but this doesn’t mean they should. This is why it is very important for us to filter the things they eat.
In this article, we talk about collard greens and how this vegetable could affect the health of your chickens.
Can chickens eat collard greens? Yes, chickens can definitely eat collard greens. This amazing vegetable is rich in fiber and vitamins, so it will be very beneficial to your chicken’s health. However, it’s recommended to always mix it up with other types of vegetables or chicken feed in order to promote a balanced diet.
This vegetable has similarities to the turnip greens, which is also a very nutritious vegetable, but it can be distinguished by its dark green color when compared to turnip.
I mention this because some may confuse the vegetable, and although both vegetables are great for chickens to eat, it is important to know the difference.
These vegetables are easy to prepare and feed. The only thing you have to worry about is that if you are growing collard greens in your garden and your chickens acquire a taste for it, your vegetable might be in danger as chickens will go crazy about it.
You may like: Can Chickens Eat Turnip Greens?
Are Collard Greens Good for Chickens?
These leafy green vegetables are great for chickens, their native to North America, and have been part of Americans’ diet for hundreds of years.
They are part of the cruciferous vegetable family.
Collard greens are high in Fiber, Minerals, and Vitamins A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B-6, and VItamin K. Improving your chickens overall health and bone density.
By eating this vegetable, your chickens will also enjoy the benefits of:
Calories
Fat
Protein
Carbohydrate
Magnesium
Iron
Phosphorus
Sodium
Potassium
Zinc
Calcium
Thiamin
Pantothenic
Niacin
Choline
Also, when chickens eat this type of vegetable, it improves their digestive system, skin, and feathers.
Now imagine the power of mixing this type of vegetable with your chickens feed; you will definitely have super chickens.
This is great as it will also manifest in healthy and delicious eggs.
Can Baby Chickens Eat Collard Greens?
Yes, baby chickens love to eat all types of vegetables, and chickens feed.
When feeding these types of vegetables, just make sure to chop them into small pieces to make it easier for your baby chickens to have.
Also, make sure to keep a balanced diet because they will definitely need it for growth.
Can Chickens Eat Raw Collard Greens? (Or Cooked)
Chickens can definitely eat raw or cooked vegetables, including collard greens.
The only thing that will worry me in chickens eating cooked collard greens or other vegetables is the added salt or seasoning.
When feeding this and other vegetables to chicken, try to keep it as natural as possible when cooked.
Can Chickens Eat Collard Green Stems?
Yes, chickens can eat collard green stems; in fact, all parts of this vegetable are ok for chickens to eat.
A general rule to follow is that if you can eat it, your chickens can also eat it, of course, with some exceptions. Let me explain.
Avocado skins and pits, chocolate, coffee, tea, raw beans, and sugars. All these foods can be toxic to chickens.
What Greens Are Best for Chickens?
Chickens can eat turnip greens, collard greens, Lettuce, chards, kale, swiss chard cucumbers, and many others.
These are all great for chickens, and you can even mix it up with some perennials like daisies, roses, ferns, coneflowers, and daylilies. Your chickens will love it.
Can Chickens Eat Collard Greens Everyday?
Chickens can definitely eat collard greens on a daily basis as long as you keep their main source of food.
As you know by now, this is a very nutritious vegetable, but it is also important they consume other sources of protein and calories.
Conclusion: Can Chickens Eat Collard Greens?
Yes, chickens can eat collard greens. This vegetable is perfectly safe for your animals. It’s a very nutritional vegetable similar to Kale and Broccoli, so adding it to your chickens diet will benefit them greatly.
When feeding this vegetable, it’s recommended to mix it up with other types of vegetables for a higher nutritional value. If you don’t, just make sure not to overfeed, as chickens need to have a balanced diet. This includes their main source of protein and calories (chicken feed).
When introducing this vegetable, it is important to give the chickens time; if you notice they are rejecting it, try feeding them the vegetable several times as chickens might need the time to develop a taste for it.
But in the end, they will decide if they like it or not.