Chickens provide you with a steady source of eggs and fertilizer.
They can also be trained to perform various tasks.
With so many things to recommend this productive species, it’s no wonder their owners are always concerned about their diet and welfare.
So, if you’ve been hoping to add flora to your chick’s diet (Chrysanthemums, in particular) and are wondering about the pros and cons – you’ve come to the right place.
Question is – Can chickens eat mums?
Chickens can eat mums safely as the flowers aren’t toxic for them. However, chicken parents might want to reserve feeding Chrysanthemums as a treat because too much of the stuff can give them diarrhea.
If you want to learn more about how you can feed mums to your chickens safely or whether or not chicks can partake in the treat, too, give our chicken-centric guide a once-over and discover all the info you need.
Sound good?
Let’s get started!
Can My Chickens Eat Mums? (Answered In Detail)
You know the saying – you are what you eat?
That applies to pets too.
Chickens, especially free-range chickens, are healthier and produce more nutritious eggs than their enclosed counterparts.
That’s because they have the chance to get in more exercise and forage for bugs, herbs, and other healthy food sources.
So, don’t worry if you have Chrysanthemums growing in your backyard that your chickens like to chow down on.
Mums aren’t toxic for chicks, so you don’t have to worry about your feathery pets suffering from ill effects.
But, here’s the thing.
You may have to monitor exactly how much of the flower your chicks are eating.
Why?
That’s simple.
If your chicken eats one too many mums in one go, it’ll develop runny poop.
Chrysanthemums can contain trace amounts of Pyrethrins (a pesticide) that’s harmful to mammals.
But, since your chicken is a member of the Aves family and qualifies as a bird, it’s spared most of the harm.
Nonetheless, consuming mums in excess can lead to diarrhea, which you want to avoid.
How Often Should I Allow My Chicken To Eat Mums?
Things can get a little tricky when deciding how often you should let your chicken eat mums.
Here’s a good rule of thumb: always err on the side of caution.
Since there’s no sure-shot way of being able to identify how much pesticide your Chrysanthemum plant contains, there’s no set figure for how often chickens can ingest mums safely.
Plus, there’s also the fact that chickens are pretty diverse when it comes to immunity.
For example, some chicken owners reported no ill effects when their chicks demolished a singular plant in one go.
Others stated runny poop after feeding their chickens Chrysanthemums more than three times a month.
More often than not, experts recommend feeding chickens mums no more than twice a month.
This will help your chickens avoid the negative side-effects of gorging on mums and allow them to derive benefits from eating them at the same time.
Can Baby Chicks Eat Mums?
Chicks are more vulnerable to illnesses and toxic substances because their systems are still developing.
That’s one reason why you should never give or allow baby chicks to eat mums.
Aside from all that, chicks require a nutritious diet to ensure optimal growth.
Their diet needs to contain nutrients like calcium and protein, both of which are essential for promoting growth.
In fact, did you know that any diet you serve baby chicks needs to include at least 18% protein?
That’s one big reason why feeding your chicks mums isn’t a good idea.
That’s because Chrysanthemums don’t include calcium or protein.
Which means they don’t offer much for a chick’s early-stage development.
The fact that mums contain Pyrethrins is another significant reason you should avoid feeding them to chicks.
Even the smallest amount of the pesticide can affect your chick’s vulnerable system and result in gastric distress or worse.
Other Treats You Can Give Your Chicken
If you’re feeling a little disheartened at not being able to fulfill your chicken’s love for mums, don’t worry.
That’s because this section includes various other treats you can surprise your chickens with.
What’s more, all these alternatives are healthy and will likely be loved by your chicks.
Cottage Cheese
Cats and chickens may not mix, but the species share a love for cheese.
You can feed your chickens cottage cheese as a treat, especially when they’re laying because it’s jam-packed with calcium and goes well with most types of veggies.
Watermelon
Are you looking for a summertime chicken treat?
If yes, then say hello to the diverse watermelon.
Not only is the fruit full of essential minerals and vitamins, but can also be a great way to help your chickens stay cool during hot, sunny days.
Broccoli
Not only does broccoli contain calcium, but it also packs in a hefty punch of Vitamin C, which helps improve a hen’s egg-laying performance and improves egg quality.
Treats Your Chicken Should Stay Away From
Now that we’ve covered healthy treat options for chickens, it only makes sense to do a quick rundown of the treats you should avoid feeding your chicks.
Ready?
Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a perennial plant with edible stalks.
Being a springtime plant, rhubarb can find its way into many recipes.
However, this plant is a strict no-no when it comes to chickens.
Rhubarb contains anthraquinones, which cause your chickens to develop runny poop.
What’s more, the plant also includes high concentrations of oxalic acid, which can be fatal for your feathered pals.
Under-cooked Beans
Chickens tend to love pecking at corn, which can make some owners think they’d take a liking to beans too.
While feeding your chickens properly, cooked beans is alright; feeding them dried, raw, or undercooked beans can be fatal to your chicks.
That’s because dried or undercooked beans contain hemagglutinin – which can interfere with your chicken’s digestion and can also prove fatal.
Avocado
Another food item you should keep away from chickens is avocado.
This peel and pit of this fruit contain persin (a fungicidal toxin), which is toxic to all birds – including chickens.
Before I wrap up
Here’s some other interesting articles about what chickens can eat so do check them out!
Can chickens eat parakeet food?
Wrapping Up
We’ve reached the end of our Chickens and Chrysanthemums Guide and hope all your queries have been answered.
Just remember to keep mums as the once-in-a-blue-moon snack category for your chicken, and we’re sure you and your feathery pal will do just fine.
