Rice Krispies have always been a favorite among people of all ages. Whether it is treats or cereal form, its simple yet delish taste never fails to bring happiness and pleasure to anyone. They also make a quick snack you can whip up if you’re in a rush or you simply don’t have the time and energy to cook a meal.
It’s no wonder why people never run out of Rice Krispies in their pantry. And the best part of having them? They can also be versatile snacks not just for humans, but also for animals. Some people feed them to their chickens from time to time as treats they enjoy.
But before you try to feed your chickens this yummy treat, let’s all first discuss the safety of Rice Krispies for them. (Read Can Chickens Eat Split Peas)
Can Chickens Eat Rice Krispies
Chickens can eat pretty much anything and this includes Rice Krispies. Those who have already fed their chickens this particular cereal can attest that their chickens truly love them.
In general, they make a great and safe treat since they’re made of rice, but the problem lies in its added sugar content.
When it comes to chickens’ food, it’s already known that you shouldn’t feed them anything that has too much sugar. Cereals are often high in sugar which makes them taste good but can be harmful to animals. But the good thing about Rice Krispies is its original flavor is less sweet compared to other cereals in the market, making them the best option for cereals you can toss and feed to your chickens.
Why Cereals Are Good For Chickens
If you’re wondering what makes cereals a good treat for chickens, here are some of its benefits:
They are a great power source
Cereals have carbs that help boost chickens’ energy throughout the day. Since it’s high in carbs, it can account for up to 30% energy content of a chicken’s diet.
They aid in digestion
Most cereals have fiber in them which aids in the digestion of chickens. This helps facilitate the bowel movement of chickens.
They boost their immune system
According to the official Rice Krispies website, their cereals contain vitamins and minerals such as Iron (ferric phosphate), niacinamide, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B1 (thiamin hydrochloride), folic acid, vitamin D3, and vitamin B12. These added vitamins and minerals can be beneficial in boosting the resistance of chicken to avoid getting diseases.
Best Ways To Feed Chickens Rice Krispies
Now that you know that they are safe and beneficial for your chickens, there are things you need to keep in mind once you feed them.
Here are some of the best practices you can do to prevent doing more harm than good:
- Feed only plain Rice Krispies. Rice Krispies come in different varieties and flavors, but only the original flavor should be fed to your chickens. The other varieties already have a high sugar content that can be very dangerous to chickens.
- Give them only small amounts. Do not feed chickens Rice Krispies the way you eat them! Give them only small amounts a time and limit it to once per day. Feed them only as treats and not their daily food. Their daily needed nutrients should still come from their feeds.
- Always be on the lookout when feeding them. If you own lots of backyard chickens, supervise them when you feed them Rice Krispies to make sure they don’t choke if ever they ate too much.
What Other Foods Can Chicken Eat
Apart from their feeds, there are also whole other foods chickens can eat to get optimum nutrients and benefits. These are just some of what they can enjoy in their daily diet:
Leafy Greens
Your chickens might not be fond of vegetables at first, but they can get used to them in time. Some of the best vegetables you can feed them are Kale, spinach, collards, turnip greens, and chard which provide enough nutrients for chickens.
Fruits
This is perhaps a chicken’s most favorite treat. Berries in particular are something they enjoy, plus it’s rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Other fruits that are also good for chickens include apples, grapes, and watermelon which all contain vitamins and minerals. (Read Can Chickens Eat Sweet Potato Vines)
Yogurt
Yes, yogurt makes great treats and a source of nutrients for chickens! Like in humans, yogurt aids in the digestion of chickens since it has lots of probiotics. It also has protein that can be good for them. But remember, just stick to pick plain yogurts to avoid feeding your chickens too much sugar.
What Can Chickens Not Eat
There are far more bad foods that shouldn’t be fed to them apart from sugary treats. Here are some of the most common foods that chickens should not eat:
Avocadoes
The flesh of an avocado is safe for chickens as long as fed in moderation. However, the skin and stone of the avocado are what makes them harmful. These parts carry a toxin called persin which causes birds like chickens to have heart problems. They’ll most likely have a difficulty in breathing once they’ve ingested it in their bodies.
Chocolates
Chocolates are just as bad for chickens the way they are bad for cats and dogs. Chocolates have theobromine and caffeine that can be dangerous to animals. Too much of it can cause heart problems in chickens which may lead to cardiac arrest.
Dried Beans
There is no problem feeding cooked beans to chickens, but dried beans are the ones that could be fatal. Dried beans contain a toxin called phytohaemagglutinin that can be very harmful to chickens and once they’ve ingested them, they’ll most likely die within an hour.
Green Potatoes and Tomatoes
You can feed your chickens cooked brown potatoes but never green ones. Green potatoes, as well as green tomatoes, have toxins called solanine and chaconine. They are found in the peel, the flesh, and even in the sprouts, so any part of it can be bad for your chickens. Even cooking or boiling them wouldn’t remove their toxicity so better not to feed them this at all.
Any Food With Molds
Even humans do not eat anything that already has molds and the same goes for chickens. Soft fruits in particular that had already grown molds produce a toxin called aflatoxin, which can be dangerous to the liver of both animals and humans.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have some unanswered questions regarding other foods they can eat, these pieces of information might help:
Can chickens eat cheerios?
Yes, chickens can eat them. However, you should stick only to the original flavor and small amounts if you plan to feed it to them.
Can chickens eat rice grains?
Yes, chickens can eat rice grains. They are low in fat and calories which makes them a great option for obese chickens.
Can chickens eat brown rice?
Yes, brown rice is safe for chickens. Just keep in mind they are harder to digest for chickens than white ones. (Read Can Chickens Eat Shrimp)
Final Thoughts
Like any other food, anything too much can be bad for animals. Always limit what you feed especially if you will feed them something for the first time. So, if you’re thinking of feeding them your favorite Rice Krispies, go ahead and let your chickens enjoy the treat you’ve always loved!
