Are you looking for some natural treats to feed your chickens?
Lemons may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but believe it or not, they can actually provide tons of health benefits and make great snacks for your feathered friends.
In this post, we’ll look in-depth at how chickens can safely eat lemons.
All the potential benefits these tangy fruits offer– from boosting their immune systems to adding fun and new flavors to their diets.
Will Chickens Want to Eat Lemons?
It varies from chicken to chicken and from flock to flock.
Still, yes, chickens will typically eat lemons in a matter of moments.
The trick is to slice the lemons for them first so they can quickly eat the fleshy inner part first.
I have a few hens who will pick at the skin and eat parts of it, but for the most part, my goats will eat the skin after the feathery little raptors have had their share.
The Lemon Nutrition Profile
One lemon (84 grams) is:
- 24 calories
- 8 grams of carbohydrates
- 2.1 grams of sugar
- 2.4 grams of fiber
- 0.3 grams of fat
- 0.9 grams of protein
- 2 milligrams of sodium
- 116 milligrams of potassium
- 59.2 milligrams of Vitamin C
- 0.36 milligrams of Iron
- 0.065 milligrams of Vitamin B6
- 3.1 milligrams of Magnesium
The Specific Nutrition Needs of a Chicken
| Nutrition Item | Amount Present in a Cup of Peanuts | How Much a Chicken Needs Per Day |
| Protein | 0.9 grams | 17 grams, for a light breed hen, or23 grams for growing broilers |
| Fat | 0.3 grams | 6 grams |
| Fiber | 2.4 grams | 3 grams |
Is It Safe for Chickens to Eat Lemons?
Yes, it is perfectly safe for chickens to eat lemons.
The only time you should be cautious about feeding lemons to your chickens is if you’ve had them soaking in beverages, especially those with higher amounts of caffeine or sugar, like sweet teas.
If you have a large flock (at least six chickens), then even a few drink-soaked lemons should still be safe in moderation.
As you can tell, lemons are more for variety and their good flavor and less about meeting nutritional needs.
不过,他们有更高的反对tent and a great taste.
They are also relatively high in Vitamin D, which can be extra beneficial during the colder, darker parts of the year.