Chickens can eat all types of asparagus and many enjoy this vegetable. Some breeds may prefer steamed asparagus, and if serving raw, cut each stem down into smaller pieces.
Asparagus is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is low in fat and high in fiber. It can be tempting to feed your chickens asparagus because its healthy, readily available, and can add variety to their diets.
Chickens Can Eat Asparagus
Asparagus is a safe and healthy treat for chickens if fed in moderation. Many chickens enjoy eating it.
Keep in mind that too much asparagus can change the flavor of chicken eggs, so if this happens, you should cut back on the amount you are offering your flock. Always remove any uneaten asparagus at the end of the day to prevent it from going bad and contaminating the feeding area.
Even though asparagus is an incredibly healthy treat for your chickens, be sure that you offer a variety of healthy snacks in addition to their chicken feed, and remember that supplemental foods should not make up more than 10% of a chicken’s diet.
Asparagus is low in calories (only 20 calories per half cup) making it a great treat for your chickens! Asparagus has little fat, is high in dietary fiber, and offers several important vitamins and minerals that your chickens need!
Asparagus is a powerhouse food that contains the following:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin E
- Folate
- Phosphorus
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Riboflavin
- Glutathione
- Antioxidants
- Calcium
- Polyphenols
Just a half cup of asparagus per day will give your birds the following health benefits:
- Improves functioning of their digestive system
- Helps fight free-radicals
- Improves bone health
- Helps prevent blood clotting
- Keeps blood pressure stable
- Reduce inflammation
- Improves overall immune system
If you choose to feed asparagus as part of your chickens’ diet, you should see a boost in their overall health provided you are offering it to your flock in moderation as part of a healthy diet.
What Types of Asparagus are Okay for Chickens to Eat?
There are three different types of asparagus and all are safe for your chickens to eat:
- White Asparagus – mild in flavor and less dense texture than green and purple
- Green Asparagus – most common, readily available, inexpensive type of asparagus
- Purple Asparagus – sweeter and milder than green, will turn green when cooked
How Should You Prepare Asparagus for Chickens?
Chickens will enjoy fresh asparagus both raw and cooked. If you choose to offer them raw asparagus, be sure to feed chickens only smaller pieces that have been cut up as it is easier for them to eat.
As with any veggie, washing them beforehand is vital to remove any potential pesticides – you don’t want your chickens to get ill! You can also choose to give them organic asparagus instead.
If you want to offer your chickens cooked asparagus, the best way to prepare them is to cut the ends off and steam them whole. You won’t want to use fat in the cooking process because chickens can’t digest fat.