Can Chickens Eat Plums? A Complete Guide to Feeding This Sweet Treat
As a long-time chicken keeper, I’m often asked about feeding various fruits to backyard flocks. When it comes to plums, I’ve learned quite a bit through experience and research. Let me share everything you need to know about feeding plums to your feathered friends.
The Quick Answer: Yes, But With Caution
Chickens can absolutely eat plums, but there’s an important catch – they should never eat the pit. I’ll explain why this is crucial in just a moment. The flesh of plums is not only safe but can be a healthy addition to your chickens’ diet when offered in moderation.
Nutritional Benefits of Plums for Chickens
I’ve found that plums pack quite a nutritional punch for chickens. They contain:
• Carbohydrates (11g per 100g): Providing energy for daily activities
• Protein (0.7g per 100g): Supporting muscle maintenance
• Fat (0.3g per 100g): Offering sustained energy
• Various vitamins and minerals
What I particularly love about plums is their high water content, which helps keep chickens hydrated during hot summer days. They’re also rich in antioxidants, which can support your chickens’ immune systems.
The Dangerous Pit Warning
Here’s where I need to be crystal clear – plum pits are absolutely dangerous for chickens. They contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when digested. I always remove the pit completely before feeding plums to my flock. It’s not worth risking their health over something so easily preventable.
How to Safely Feed Plums to Your Chickens
Through years of experience, I’ve developed a foolproof method for serving plums to chickens:
1. Wash the plum thoroughly
2. Remove the pit completely
3. Cut into small, manageable pieces
4. Remove any spoiled portions
5. Serve in moderation
I typically offer plums as an occasional treat, not a daily food source. Think of them as chicken dessert rather than a main course!
Portion Control and Frequency
I’ve learned that moderation is key when it comes to feeding plums to chickens. Too much fruit can lead to loose droppings and potentially impact egg production. I stick to offering plum treats no more than 2-3 times per week, and I limit the serving to about one small plum per four chickens.
Common Misconceptions About Feeding Plums to Chickens
Let me clear up some confusion I often hear about feeding plums to chickens. First, while the flesh is sweet, it won’t make your chickens stop eating their regular feed. I’ve found that my hens maintain a healthy appetite for their layer feed even when offered occasional fruit treats.
Another misconception is that all parts of the plum except the pit are safe. Actually, I always remove the skin if it’s particularly tough or bitter, as it can be harder for chickens to digest.
Seasonal Considerations
In my experience, plums make an excellent summer treat when chickens might need extra hydration. However, I’m careful not to leave them out too long in hot weather, as they can quickly spoil. During winter months, I tend to reduce fruit treats and focus more on scratch grains for extra energy.
Signs Your Chickens Might Not Tolerate Plums Well
While most chickens love plums, I’ve noticed some signs that indicate when they might not be the best treat for certain birds. Watch for loose droppings, decreased appetite, or unusual behavior after feeding plums. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to discontinue offering plums to those particular chickens.
Alternative Fruit Options
If your chickens don’t take to plums or you’re looking for variety, I’ve had great success with other fruits like:
• Watermelon (especially refreshing in summer)
• Apple pieces (seeds removed)
• Berries
• Grapes (cut in half)
Final Thoughts
In my years of raising chickens, I’ve found that plums can be a wonderful treat when offered properly. They