Can Chickens Eat Cherries? Are Cherries Good For Chickens?

Can you feed cherries to chickens?

YES, you can, but it’s best to remove the cherry pits first.

Chickens can eat cherries, but it is important to keep in mind that cherries should only be given to chickens in moderation, as part of a well-balanced diet.

Chickens do not require fruit in their diet, as they can get all of the nutrients they need from a balanced diet of grains, greens, and insects. However, it’s OK to give them a treat every once in a while.

Are Cherries OK For Chickens?

my chicken ate a cherry
Feeding my chicken’s cherries

We have a very fruitful cherry tree at home and we give our backyard chickens a handful every few days.

In these pictures, some of the cherries have a bit of rot from where they’ve split from too much rain. I used to give the chooks these cherries which weren’t good for us.

Regular backyard birds all eat them, so I’m sure they’re not bad for chooks and the chickens love them. However, these days, I do not feed rotten or rotting cherries to the chickens.

Instead, I give them the cherries that are small and underdeveloped or ones that the birds have pecked and not finished.

Cherries can be a tasty treat for chickens, but they do contain some sugar, so it is important not to overdo it.

A few cherries here and there will not harm your chickens, but it is not advisable to give them a large number of cherries on a regular basis.

For us, our cherry tree is only fruiting for 2 or 3 weeks of the year mid-summer, so that’s the only time they get them. They can be an expensive fruit to feed chickens otherwise!

Are Cherries Safe For Chickens?

chickens eating cherries
Our chickens go wild for cherries

In addition to the sugar content, cherries also contain small pits that could potentially cause blockages in a chicken’s digestive system. It is best to remove the pits before giving cherries to your chickens.

It is also important to be sure that the cherries you are giving to your chickens have not been treated with any pesticides or other chemicals. Chickens are sensitive to these substances, and ingesting them can be harmful to their health.

Cherries also contain a small amount of cyanide, which is toxic to humans and animals in large amounts. However, the amount of cyanide in cherries is usually not enough to cause harm to chickens.

It is important to remove the pits from the cherries before feeding them to chickens, as the pits contain a higher concentration of cyanide.

It is also a good idea to be cautious when introducing any new food to a chicken’s diet, as their digestive systems are sensitive.

If you have any concerns about feeding cherries to your chickens, you should consult a veterinarian or a poultry expert for advice.

Are Cherries Healthy For Chickens?

Cherries are high in antioxidants, which are substances that help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.

They are also a good source of vitamin C and other nutrients, such as potassium and magnesium, which may help to extend their life.

In general, it is beneficial for chickens to have a varied diet that includes a mix of different types of food, including fruits and vegetables.

Chickens can derive many health benefits from eating a diverse range of foods, such as different types of produce that provide different types and amounts of nutrients.

We let chickweed, brassicas, grass, and other leafy greens grow solely to feed the chickens. For those who are really organized, learn how to grow lentil sprouts for chickens.

While cherries can be a nutritious treat for chickens, they should not be the sole source of nutrition.

Chickens also need access to good quality commercial feed that is formulated specifically for their nutritional needs, as well as access to grass, insects, and other sources of nutrition.

This will help to ensure that they receive a balanced diet that meets all of their nutritional requirements.

Can chickens eat cherries?

In summary, while chickens can safely eat cherries, it is important to do so in moderation, remove the pits, and ensure that the cherries have not been treated with any harmful chemicals.

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