There are tons of foods chickens will enjoy but can they also eat mashed potatoes? Mashed potatoes are delicious dishes made primarily from boiled potatoes and usually garnished with milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Normally, mashed potatoes are served as a side dish and a large number of people enjoy them.
However, some would wonder if chickens can also enjoy this dish as well. Especially when there are a lot of mashed potatoes to go around.
Yes, chickens too can eat mashed potatoes. This meal contains a good amount of carbs and starch. Birds like chickens could use a lot of care to give them enough energy to be active during the day. But while sharing this meal with them be sure to give them in moderation.
Although chickens can eat just anything edible, not all foods are safe for them. When you have a flock of chickens to care for, it’s best to be quite selective about what you feed them. As their diet is one of the important factors that could guarantee their survival.
And as for mashed potatoes, you will be learning a lot of details about whether chickens can have them right after reading this article. So let’s get into it.
Can Chickens Safely Eat Mashed Potatoes?
Yes, mashed potatoes are safe for chickens to eat. It provides their bodies with some necessary nutrients to boost their chances of being healthy. It is common knowledge that chickens are susceptible to several illnesses.
They do not do so well in cold weather like turkeys and when they don’t consume the right meals that would benefit them they will fall sick. When it comes to breeding chickens, a lot of care must be taken as to their accommodation, medications, and feeding.
Which is one of the good reasons why it is best to be sure if a particular food is right for them before going ahead to indulge them in it. Mashed potatoes, on the other hand, don’t pose any threat to their health as it is rich in nutrients and would benefit chickens.
However, it is best to note that mashed potatoes must not take dominance over the usual chicken feed. It must be fed to them in moderation, due to ingredients like milk and butter which are not exactly good for chicken in large quantities.
5 Reasons Why Mashed Potatoes Are Good For Chickens
You must have heard mashed potatoes or potatoes, in general, are good for chickens but you are not quite sure why. Do not think too hard on it, we are about to straighten things out so you can fully understand why. Below are 5 reasons why you need to include mashed potatoes in your chickens’ diet;
1. Boosts Immune System
Potatoes are rich in vitamin c and this nutrient can help boost chickens’ immune system. This means adding mashed potatoes to your chicken’s diet could reduce the risk of them falling sick. It also contains quercetin and alpha-lipoic; these properties can help to preserve and prevent the body from damage and other diseases.
2. Improves Bone Structure
Mashed potatoes contain nutrients such as zinc, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. These nutrients can help strengthen chickens’ bones. With strong bones, chickens are sure to go about their activities properly.
3. Increases Metabolism
Vitamin B6 helps the body to break down and absorb food. It is an essential nutrient and it can be found in mashed potatoes. Vitamin B6 helps convert food into energy, maintaining healthy cells and generating blood cells. This can help improve chicken productivity.
4. Maintain Healthy Heart
Mashed potatoes can help reduce the risk of heart diseases in chickens. It is low in cholesterol and is enriched with potassium. These features can assist in keeping the heart healthy and also ensure that chickens don’t get too overweight.
5. Aids Digestion
Potatoes are high in fiber, this makes them easy to digest. It also helps prevent constipation and all other digestive system-related issues especially when given to them in moderation. Chickens love to eat a lot but mashed potatoes can help keep them satisfied for a long period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chickens eat potatoes?
Yes, chicken can eat potatoes. Potatoes are high in fiber, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients can help enhance their wellness and also provide them with enough energy they may need in their day-to-day activities. However, it is best to ensure that they are not excessively fed this meal.
Do chickens eat potato peels?
Yes, chickens do eat potato peels. However, precautions should be taken. The green or slightly green potato peels contain toxic properties called solanine. And when they are consumed in large amounts by chickens it can cause nerve disorders and gastrointestinal problems. You can cook potato peels to eliminate these toxins.
Can chickens eat raw potatoes?
Chickens can eat raw potatoes. Cut the raw potatoes into smaller pieces to make it easier for them to eat the raw potatoes. Also, ensure that green potatoes are not offered to chickens as they contain solanine which could be harmful to chickens’ health.
Conclusion
Chickens love to eat a lot, they can eat bugs, insects, seeds, leaves, and grains. Mashed potatoes however can also fit into their diet as it contains nutrients that could improve their health.
More importantly, ensure to add this meal to their diet in moderation as it may contain ingredients that their bodies will find hard to digest in large quantities.