Who does not simply love raisins? That sweet sour taste that goes so well with all the cakes and baked sweet treats! So, as they are utterly tempting for us to have, can raisins be fed to our pets as well? Can chickens eat raisins? Have you ever thought about giving your flock raisins as treats?
Maybe you have already fed your chickens raisins or not. Perhaps you have been thinking about it, or maybe that didn’t even cross your mind until now. Whatever your current state is in relation to this aspect, this article will serve you as a guide to whether you should or should not feed your flock with this delicious ingredient.
Can Chickens Eat Raisins?
We know that raisins are more than delicious treats for us to enjoy but are they good for your chickens as well? Are they beneficial for them or do they affect their health in a negative manner?
Why so many questions? Well, the truth is that there are many foods that might be beneficial for us but they will end up being quite damaging for the overall health of your flock. Even though, many people assume that chickens would eat almost anything, that doesn’t mean that this is always correct. They might eat almost anything you would possibly feed them but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s always healthy and good for them.
Therefore, it is best to do some research before introducing a new delicious treat to your flock’s diet. This way, you can significantly diminish the detrimental risks of possibly damaging your chickens’ health. And that is something you wish to avoid at all costs, isn’t it? Additionally, researching provides you with specialized information in order to get acquainted with your chicken’s dietary needs so your flock can truly benefit from a healthy, well-balanced diet. That’s something every chicken owner should aspire to.
When it comes to raisin treats, they are safe to spoil your feathered pets with. You can give them as occasional snacks after having fed them their main meal according to their age. They start devouring the raisins in less than an instant having no second thoughts whatsoever. Spoiling your feathered pet is surely something fun for every chicken owner. Your flock’s behavior is funny and you have your share of enjoyment. They also reward you greatly for every tiny attention you offer them with a daily set of fresh, organic egg supply! Chickens are truly great pets, aren’t they?
Are Raisins Healthy Treats for My Flock?
Raisins are excellent treats for your flock to relish. Among their many beneficial properties, they are an excellent source of energy, minerals, vitamins and electrolytes. Raisins contain fiber and powerful, natural antioxidants as well. Raisins are loaded with high levels of minerals such as potassium and iron. To sum it up, they embody a wide range of health benefits besides being utterly delicious.
Consequently, you shouldn’t worry about raisin treats harming the health of your feathered pets. They’re healthy and great for them!
A good idea when feeding your flock raisins is soaking them in water for a couple of minutes before. This will soften the hard texture of the dried fruit. Another alternative may be considering adding a couple of sweet, flavorful raisins in their regular water portions in order to give them something for them to be occupied with. They’ll instantly get on looking for the sweet snacks in their water can! It’ll prevent them from being bored. Chickens get bored quite easily, especially in the winter time when there are no greens for them to dig for. Offering them a wide range of treats is a positive prevention measure.
If you own quite a large flock, you may have to feed it really large amounts of raisins in order for every chicken to have its share of this savory snack. However, that can turn out to be quite difficult and pricey. Nonetheless, you may consider mixing a couple of ingredients and create a homemade, healthy combination treat for your flock to relish! Sounds good? Here is a delicious recipe you can try to make:
Cranberry, raisin and peanut butter cakes (for chickens)
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp of raisins
- 2 tbsp of dried cranberries
- 6 tbsp of oats
- ¼ cup of dried mealworms
- ½ cup of salt-free peanut putter
- ½ chicken starch feed
Preparation
Microwave the peanut butter until it becomes soft and liquid. Add the given amounts of chicken feed, oats, dried mealworms, cranberries and raisins. Place the obtained mixture in any sort of cupcake pan you might have and afterwards you may place it in the freezer. After the mixture has become firm, you may remove the treats from the cupcake pan and leave them to cool down at room temperature before feeding them to your flock.
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References:
http://www.communitychickens.com/top-5-myths-and-facts-about-treats-for-chickens/
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/raisins.html
http://janicecole.net/recipes/extras/cranberry-raisin-peanut-butter-cakes-for-chickens/
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/400857/raisins-okay-for-chickens
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