Can Chickens Eat Strawberries?
Photo by driftlessstudio / iStock / Getty Images Plus
Strawberries are just as packed with flavor as with nutrients and can be enjoyed in countless recipes or alone as a quick, easy snack for people. There’s a lot to love about this bright red, ever-so-juicy, heart-shaped fruit. But can chickens eat strawberries too?
We talked with veterinarians to ask whether chickens can have strawberries. We also learned more about the health benefits and risks of strawberries, how many are safe to feed, how to prepare them for chickens, and more.
Before introducing any new food into your chicken’s diet, always check with your veterinarian.
Are Strawberries Good for Chickens?
Yes! Strawberries are a healthy food choice for chickens. Their key nutrients include vitamin C, fiber, potassium, folate, and manganese—all of which can be beneficial to a chicken’s health.
It’s safe to feed strawberries to chickens, along with many other organic foods we eat, says Chris Cauble, DVM, veterinarian and owner of Mobile Vet in Glendale, California.
Leftovers or trimmings are safe for chickens to eat as well—as long as they’re given properly.
A few potential health benefits of strawberries for chickens include:
- Rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants
- Low in calories
- High water content
- Good source of fiber
- Low in sugar
In addition to being a nutritious and delicious treat for chickens, strawberries also provide environmental enrichment, Dr. Cauble says. Chickens are curious and intelligent animals, and feeding strawberries helps keep them engaged and improves their overall well-being, he adds.
Recommended Product
Are Strawberries Bad for Chickens?
Despite being a safe fruit to feed to chickens, strawberries can have potential risks, including:
- Mold risk
- Pesticides
- Germs and parasites
- Loose stool (if overfed)
The potential risks of strawberries for chickens aren’t from the strawberry itself but from how it’s fed, Dr. Cauble says.
How Many Strawberries Can I Give My Chicken?
Treats, including fruits, should be fed in moderation, making up no more than 10% of your chicken’s daily diet. The rest should come from a high-quality, balanced layer feed.
Adult chickens can safely have approximately one full strawberry per day as a treat, or two to three strawberry tops with a little bit of fruit attached, says Susan Tyson, VMD, MS, veterinarian and owner of Avian & Exotic Philly Vet Medical Surgical Clinic in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
How To Safely Feed Strawberries to Chickens
Strawberries can have promising health benefits for chickens when given in appropriate amounts and in moderation.
Our experts share these tips on how to prep strawberries before serving them to your chickens:
- Wash strawberries thoroughly to remove pesticides or dirt.
- Check for signs of mold on strawberries and discard any that appear rotten, as well as those in direct contact with the moldy berries.
- Chop strawberries into bite-size pieces or mash them to make it safe and easy for your chicken to eat.
- Feed strawberries/strawberry tops on a clean plate or board to prevent them from rolling in dirt and eliminate the risk of germs and parasites.
To keep your chickens safe, opt for fresh strawberries. Preserved or dried strawberries can also technically be given because they’re non-toxic—however, these contain high sugar content and should be fed only in very limited amounts, if at all.
“The less healthy [a form of strawberry] is for humans, the less healthy it is for birds,” Dr. Cauble says. “For example, strawberry jelly is not very nutritious due to its high sugar content, while fresh strawberries are a much healthier option.”
A few healthy treat options for chickens include:
Recommended Products
My Chicken Ate Too Many Strawberries—What Do I Do?
Despite their health benefits, eating one too many strawberries can cause adverse reactions.
“If chickens eat too many strawberries, they may experience diarrhea, which might appear red due to the natural pigment in the strawberries,” Dr. Cauble says. “This can make it seem like a bigger problem than it really is, but it’s usually just the chicken’s body trying to eliminate excess moisture.”
Although eating strawberries in excessive amounts can irritate their digestive system, rest assured that it isn’t a major issue, he adds. If you notice signs of digestive upset, switching to dry feed can help balance their system and allow the moisture to pass.
Other potential side effects of a chicken eating too many strawberries include the following, according to Katrina Bocchine, DVM, veterinarian at Avian & Exotic Philly Vet Medical Surgical Clinic:
- Soft eggshells
- Reduced egg production
- Weakness
If your chicken shows any symptoms, it’s best to reduce or eliminate strawberries from their diet.
What Other Fruits Can Chickens Eat?
Want to feed your feathery friend a tasty variety of nature’s candy?
Some fruits that are safe for chickens to eat include:
- Blueberries
- Apples
- Pineapple
- Melons
- Bananas
It’s always a good idea to introduce any new food in small amounts to see how your chicken tolerates it. If they can eat strawberries without experiencing any symptoms, you’ve found an im-peck-able new treat to feed!
FAQs About Strawberries for Chickens
Q: Can baby chicks eat strawberries?
A: Yes, baby chicks can eat strawberries as a snack in reasonable amounts and in moderation, Dr. Cauble says.
However, feeding too many strawberries to a young chick could cause diarrhea, leading to dehydration, which can be dangerous.
Make sure to mash any fruits—including strawberries—prior to giving them to your chicks.
Q: Can chickens eat strawberry tops?
A: Yes, strawberry tops are non-toxic and safe for chickens to eat.
Q: Can chickens eat moldy strawberries?
A: No, chickens shouldn’t eat moldy strawberries, as moldy food can make them sick.
Q: Can chickens eat frozen strawberries?
A: Yes, chickens can eat frozen unsweetened strawberries. In fact, these make for a refreshing spring or summer snack!
Dr. Cauble recommends thawing frozen strawberries first and to avoid feeding chickens frozen strawberries directly.
Attributions
This content was medically reviewed by Teresa Manucy, DVM, Chewy veterinarian.
