Can Chickens Eat Juniper Berries

Can Chickens Eat Juniper Berries



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Blueberries

Chickens are omnivores and can eat a variety of foods without facing any complications. And with this, you shouldn't just feed your hens anything. So, can chickens consume juniper berries? Do juniper berries benefit chicken health?

Chickens free-ranging generally will not eat potentially toxic plants, this bird has a kind of instinct to pinpoint poisonous plants when pecking around the field. For hundreds of years, juniper berries have been used to flavour alcoholic beverages like gin. These berries seem like berries but are actually meaty cones. There are various juniper species. Eat only juniper if you can identify the species because not all junipers are safe to consume.

Can Chickens Eat Juniper Berries?

No, chickens should not eat juniper berries. It contains Savin oil, which is toxic to the kidneys even in little quantities, is present throughout the entire juniper plant. Long-term consumption can seriously harm the kidneys.

Chickens

Health Benefits Of Juniper Berries

Despite their toxicity, juniper berries provide several health advantages. They have anti-oxidants that aid in illness prevention. They have flavonoids and bioflavonoids, which help to fight against free radicals. They include 87 distinct antioxidant molecules altogether.

Also, the anti-oxidant capabilities aid in controlling blood pressure and bringing down high triglyceride levels. They promote heart health in this way. Additionally antifungal and antibacterial, juniper berries are used to treat a variety of skin issues, including eczema, rashes, and other diseases. They can reduce inflammation and can aid in healing.

While it's true that juniper berries have some health advantages, it's vital to limit your intake. Larger doses may result in symptoms including diarrhea, kidney issues, or gastrointestinal problems.

Can Chickens Eat Juniper Berries Leaves?

Juniper berries leaves should not be given to chickens. Juniper leaves are poisonous to chickens. They may get gastrointestinal pain and kidney damage if they consume too many juniper tree leaves.

Are Juniper Berries Toxic To Animals?

Although the quantities of toxins in juniper berries vary, they all do contain some toxins. They are dangerous because horses may eat a lot of juniper berries quickly, and they are poisonous to chickens. While the toxicity of each berry may be minimal individually, when combined, they can produce a large number of poisonous substances.

Juniper berries' 46% carbohydrate content is another issue for chickens. This may result in an increase in glucose, which may trigger an increase in insulin and induce laminitis. You should shift your chickens if the fields has juniper trees.

Other Treats For Chickens

You can give your chickens other treats.

Cheese cottage

Give your chickens a slice of cottage cheese if you're unsure whether they'll enjoy it or not. If people enjoy eating it, it is evident by the joy and contentment on their faces. Cheese is delicious and healthy because it contains calcium and protein, two nutrients that are crucial for hens who lay eggs. Make sure you pick the proper cheese.

Watermelon

Not only is watermelon healthy for you, but it's also beneficial for your hens. It contains a lot of minerals, vitamins, and water. Chunks of watermelon can be served on their own or added to the water you give your hens. In either case, your chickens will appreciate it by showing more enthusiasm when they see you.

Pasta

Although it's uncommon, chickens adore it. Don't season the pasta after it has cooked. As an alternative, you might combine it with veggies like kale, asparagus, broccoli, etc. As they run about your lawn, you can see how much they like eating the macaroni that is coming out of their beaks.

Lettuce

With chickens, lettuce helps keep the intestinal system healthy and aids in digestion. However, overeating might result in diarrhea and an upset stomach because it is so high in water content.

Kale

Due to the presence of antioxidants including beta-carotene, flavonoids, and polyphenols, kale is also advantageous for chickens. These anti-inflammatory compounds also support the development of tissues like skin and feathers and safeguard the heart.

Turnip greens

This turnip portion has calcium, potassium, magnesium, folate, vitamins A and K, and zinc, all of which can help chickens' defence  mechanisms.

Strawberries

There is no reason to be concerned if you enjoy strawberries and wish to feed some to your chickens. These delicious fruits are rich in antioxidants, vitamins B9, and C, all of which are good for hens. Just keep an eye out for the quantity and mould, as both can be harmful to their health.

Blueberries

Blueberries

Blueberries, like strawberries, are sweet, tasty, and high in fibre, vitamin C, and K, and they also make a terrific treat for chickens.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are also a great choice because they include significant levels of potassium, fibre, manganese, magnesium, and the vitamins C, K, and A. Cucumbers, like watermelon, have high water content and can help you stay hydrated.

Carrots

This nutrient-dense diet, which offers antioxidants, potassium, and carotenoids, is a holy grail requirement for lovely feathering and quicker plumage growth.

Do not overfeed your hens with carrots, whether they are provided raw or cooked.

Pumpkin

It is understandable why pumpkin is regarded as one of the most nutrient-dense treats for poultry given its high vitamin E, thiamine, niacin, iron, and vitamin B6 concentration.

Furthermore, the seeds of these plants are a good source of fibre, zinc, protein, and healthy fats.

Yoghurt

Similar to humans, chickens can benefit immensely from yogurt's probiotics.

Make sure to avoid flavoured yoghurt and just give the chicken a tiny amount because it can improve its immune system and gut flora.

Conclusion

Juniper berries cannot and should not be fed to chickens. Keep your chickens, kids, and any other pets out of the reach of your juniper berries plants if you love them. This is because even though it plays a good role at fighting against free radicals and also acts as an anti-oxidant.  The good thing is that, juniper is not tasty, so most animals will avoid eating it.

Farmers are advice to protect their flocks from eating any part of this plant.



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