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Is it OK to give hens peanuts?
I live in the Highlands and the temperature is -7 and is forecast to remain on the freezing side.
I am considering giving the hens something like peanuts (unroasted and unsalted, like the ones you put in bird feeders) for its fat and protein content during these cold periods but was wondering if this is OK. Are hens able to digest peanuts easily?
The hens are fed on layers mash as their staple diet. I am considering using the peanuts as a supplement to their staple diet.
Wacky: First off Christmas wishes from one sassanach to another! I've been giving them porridge on the frosty mornings much to the amusement of my friends and family. Thanks for your answer!
Thanks for your info Des C, have a good Christmas!!
12 Answers
- SuziLv 71 decade agoFavorite Answer
A search on "chickens and peanuts" brought up more recipes than anything, but I did find some information.
First of all, peanuts are not a nut - they are a legume.
One chicken owners forum had conflicting information. Some say peanuts are safe, others say not. Those that do feed peanuts, agree that it should only be as a treat.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.ph...
I found other links that suggest peanuts are fed to laying hens to increase egg size.
One study showed that adding peanuts to the feed of laying hens make bigger eggs. However, if too many peanuts were added, the hens stopped laying eggs altogether.
- GoldyLv 71 decade ago
I Don't suppose giving your hens peanuts would do any harm as long as it is not too many,the best thing for hens this time of year is Oats these give them internal warmth and puts on fat which in theory is the best way for them to keep warm.
(Or give them a wee bit o Porridge)
Then there's always the oven.
Merry Xmas and a Happy Hogmanay.
From a Sassanach
Source(s): xx - 1 decade ago
Try pigeon condition mix as an alternative. It contains loads of oil-rich seeds and high protein beans etc. I feed it to my hens during the moult and in hard weather. Its great for young birds too. It costs around £11 - £12 for a 20 kilo bag which is cheaper than peanuts and it's safe!! Give it a try and see their condition improve within days.
Source(s): I keep hens too. - Anonymous5 years ago
1. Trail mix 2. Peanut Brittle (sp?) 3. Certain Chinese dishes have peanuts in them 4. Certain candy bars have peanuts in them 5. Peanut Oil 6. Peanut Sauce Those are all I can think of right now.
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- 1 decade ago
No, peanuts are too heavy in the natural oil they have, I would not recommend this! They are the hardest nuts to digest. The only birds I know that eat peanuts from my feeder are the Blue Jays. I put out sunflower seeds for the other birds.
- Anonymous1 decade ago
Much better to go to your feed supplier and buy a bag of proper chicken food. Either chick crumb, growers pellets or layers pellets depending on the age of the birds.
- 1 decade ago
Ha ha - just saw the first line of your question and burst out laughing, I thought you meant salted peanuts. Great question lol.
- Anonymous1 decade ago
yes that's fine, they should enjoy it, its very fattening
