Feeding your chickens a well-rounded and balanced diet is important for their health and well-being. As a backyard chicken keeper or hobby farmer, knowing what foods are safe and nutritious for your flock is important.
When it comes to feeding your chickens vegetables, it’s no surprise that carrots are often a favorite treat among these feathered friends. But can chickens eat carrots?
In this article, we take a look at the health benefits and cost savings of feeding carrots to your chickens, the cons to consider, if chickens can eat carrot tops, and if canned carrots are a viable option for your chicken’s diet plus the cost savings of growing your organic carrots.
Are Carrots Safe for Chickens to Eat?
Can Chickens Eat Carrots that aren’t Orange?
Oh my goodness, yes, and I hope you’re trying to grow some of the other colored carrots healthy available from nurseries and seed companies. \
Did you know that the original carrots were a blackish-purple color? Other colors of carrots are the most commonly known as Orange, as well as white, yellow, and red.
The white carrots are the sweetest of these colors, while the purple carrots have a nice spiced flavor, all still very beneficial to your flock and yourself.
Can Chickens Eat Raw Carrots?
Carrots in their raw form are a nutritious food treat from the prepared carrot options. However, it is harder to eat and digest than cooked carrots or smaller pieces like carrot peels or shredded carrots.
You can give your chickens raw carrots and see how well they respond before cutting up or preparing cooked carrots.
Will Chickens Eat Carrot Tops?
Yes. Carrot tops are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals for chickens. Feeding them the tops can add variety to their diet while providing them with valuable nutrients.
Carrot tops are much easier (and quicker) for your chickens to eat; no need to chop or prepare them in any way. If you toss whole carrots into the chicken yard, you’ll notice your flock will go for the greens first, then start pecking away at the raw carrots.
Important: Avoid feeding them carrot greens if they have been exposed to pesticides or other chemicals.
Can Chickens Eat Carrot Peels? Shredded Carrots?
The carrot peel and unpeeled carrots are a safe and healthy snack for your chickens. This means less waste in your kitchen if you are one to peel carrots before eating.
A whole carrot may take a while for your chicken to peck through, while leftover carrot peels have all the nutrients. They are easier than eating whole raw carrots.
Similarly, you can shred your carrots with a peeler, box shredder, or food processor.
Can Chickens Eat Cooked Carrots?
Chickens love cooked carrots. They are favored over raw carrots because they are easier to peck at and eat.
You can microwave, steam, boil, roast in the oven, or even roast on the grill (my favorite).
Can Chickens Eat Frozen Carrots?
Frozen carrots, even at the grocery store, don’t contain salts and other preservatives, so consider these safe to feed your flock. You can cook, microwave, defrost, or feed frozen from the bag (a nice treat on a hot summer day).
Consider freezing some of your leftover cooked carrots with other chicken-safe veggies in ice cubes or a bundt pan for a frozen chicken treat on a hot day.
Can Chickens Eat Carrots From A Can?
While it may be tempting to let your chickens eat canned carrots as a convenient option, it is not recommended. Canned carrots and canned foods generally contain added preservatives, sodium, and sugars that can negatively affect your chicken’s health.
They contain too much salt and sugar to feed your flock. Avoid canned vegetables, and stick to fresh or frozen carrots instead.
What’s In a Carrot?
The nutritional value of a single carrot (medium) is
Calories 25
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0.1 g
Saturated fat 0 g
Trans fat regulation 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 42 mg
Potassium 195 mg
Total Carbohydrate 6 g
Dietary fiber 1.7 g
Sugar 2.9 g
Protein 0.6 g
Vitamin C
Calcium
Iron
Vitamin D
Vitamin B6
Cobalamin
Magnesium
- Vitamin A: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A. This nutrient promotes good vision. It is also important for growth, development, and immune function.
- Biotin: A B vitamin, biotin plays an essential role in fat and protein metabolism
- Vitamin K1: K1 is important for blood coagulation and can promote bone health
- Potassium: This is an essential mineral. Potassium is important for blood pressure control.
- Vitamin B6: B6 is involved in the conversion of food into energy.
Major plant compounds:
- Beta carotene: Orange carrots are high in beta carotene.
- Alpha-carotene: An antioxidant that, like beta-carotene, is partly converted into vitamin A.
- Lutein: Aids in eye health. One of the common antioxidants in carrots is lutein. This is most predominant in yellow and orange carrots.
- Lycopene: An antioxidant found in many red vegetables as well as fruits. These include red and purple carrots. Lycopene may decrease the risk of cancer and heart disease
- Polyacetylenes: Research has identified bioactive compounds in carrots. These may help protect against leukemia and other cancers.
- Anthocyanins: Powerful antioxidants in dark-colored carrots like the orange, red, and purple varieties.
Source: Healthline; Carrots 101.
Health Benefits of Feeding Carrots to Chickens
Carrots are a great source of essential nutrients for your chickens. They provide vitamins A, D, E, and K, calcium, and potassium. These vitamins play an important role in maintaining chickens’ overall health, including strong bones, healthy feathers, and a robust immune system. Feeding your chickens carrots can even help them see better in the dark, thanks to their high vitamin A levels. Additionally, feeding your poultry carrots can be a cost-effective way to supplement their diet. You can grow your carrots rather than buying expensive commercial feed or supplementing with expensive protein sources.
Carrots Can Improve A Chicken’s Digestion
The fiber contained in carrots can aid in a chicken’s digestion.
Help With Chicken’s Feathering During & After A Molt
All carrots are good sources of antioxidants, potassium, carotenoids,, and Vitamins A and C.
Along with protein sources, regular small portions of the feeding of these vegetables help with quicker growth and re-growth of the feathering.
Carrots can help to prevent cell damage
Carrots are rich in antioxidants and can aid in cell damage prevention, improving the overall health of your livestock.
Carrots Can Aid In Eye Health
Vitamin A and Lutein in carrots are excellent sources for good eye health.
Increase the immunity of chickens
Vitamin A, Biotin, and Vitamin B6 work together to boost immunity. Combined with the Alpha Carotene, Lutein, and Anthocyanins rich in antioxidants, these help prevent and repair immunity problems.
Can Carrots Help With Healthy Bones?
Vitamin K found in carrots is good for maintaining healthy bones.
13+ Other Vegetables That Are Safe for Chickens?
Aside from carrots, several vegetables are healthy for backyard chickens to eat. Here are some examples of your chicken’s snack choices.
- Leafy greens such as spinach and kale
- Lettuce
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cucumbers
- Beet Greens /Tops/ leaves
- Carrots of all colors
- Parsnips
- Peas
- Pumpkins
- Strawberries
- Sweet potatoes/ leaves
- Swiss chard
- Squash
- Turnip greens
- Watermelon
Read the complete A – Z list of what chickens can eat here.
9 Vegetables That are Dangerous for Backyard Chickens to Eat
While many vegetables are safe for backyard chickens to eat, some are harmful and should be avoided. Here are some examples of vegetables that chickens should not eat:
- Apple seeds
- Avocado
- Beans – dried or raw (It is o.k. for chickens to eat cooked beans)
- Eggplant
- Green potatoes (green skins)
- Onions
- Pepper Leaves
- Potato leaves
- Tomato leaves and stems
Pros and Cons Of Feeding Carrots to Chickens
On the Plus Side:
Carrots are packed with vitamins and minerals that benefit chickens and humans alike.
It takes a while for chickens to eat this tasty treat when fed raw; this will keep them busy and entertained longer.
Carrots have a longer growing season than many vegetables, making them a year-round nutritious snack.
The Cons of Giving Fresh Carrots To Your Flock
Giving your flock too many treats isn’t healthy for them; it reduces their appetites for their regular feed that is packed with nutritional value. Chicken keepers follow the 10% rule for treats.
Too much of a good thing is just that. Too much sugar can imbalance your bird’s metabolism. Too much fiber can impact their digestive system.
NEVER feed store-bought carrots unless you wash them thoroughly or cook them; pesticides could be dangerous when consumed by your flock.
Are Carrots Expensive To Grow?
Not at all; you can grow 16 carrots in only one square foot; they just as easily in rows as in containers. You can start seeds in the spring and even extend their season by covering them in mulch hay in the winter, allowing you to pull up these delicious veggies under a snow cover.
One packet of seeds is less than $3 and contains 500 seeds; that one packet could yield 500 carrots or approximately 100 pounds.
If you’re planting carrots in your garden, be sure to fence them in, your flock will free-range and dig up all that sweetness before you harvest them all.
The Nitty Gritty on “If Can Chickens Eat Carrots”
Feeding chickens with carrots is an excellent way to support and maintain their health. Chickens can consume raw, cooked, or steamed carrots without adverse effects. Carrots provide a balanced dose of Vitamins and minerals essential for a chicken’s overall health.
As with all feeding, it’s essential to feed chickens with carrots in moderation. Overfeeding with carrots can imbalance their nutrient intake and lead to overall malnourishment. Avoid turning feeding chickens with carrots as the bulk of their diet.
If you’re a backyard chicken keeper or a hobby farmer, adding carrots to your chicken’s diet can save you money while giving you healthy, tasty eggs. Considering the tips and tricks in this article, you can easily include carrots in your flock’s diet plan.
