During a random visit to my friend’s garden, I saw his hens eating green beans straight from the green bean plant. It made me think that are green beans safer for chickens? Should I give them to my chicken too? Did I ask my friend plenty of questions that can chicken eat green beans? Are green beans safer? And How much?Got all the details on the subject.
If these questions are buzzing in your mind then keep reading this resource.
Green beans are a young form of any variety of beans. They are nutritional and easily available. As everyone tries to feed their chicken the best diet with a variety of food available and trust me the options are limitless.
One treat for the hens that stand out the most is Green beans as they are easier to grow and feed. Green beans are at the top of the list of easy food to grow in your backyard. Dietary energy is necessary to support hens production and maintenance.
Can Chicken eat green beans? Yes, they can. In fact, hens develop a liking for green beans if fed frequently. They will even ask for more. Vibrant hues and a pleasant taste are enough to seduce hens into wanting more.
Feeding green beans to the chicken does not just end at throwing some beans in the feed bowl rather some precautionary measures must be taken into account. Feed green beans periodically and if the hen’s metabolism is welcoming the new addition, do not hesitate to add the nutritious treat to the diet.
Cooked green beans are safer for chickens than raw or undercooked. Raw beans contain phytohemagglutinin which is dangerous for your chicken breed. Cooking will neutralize their lectin and improve digestibility and antioxidant content.
Cooked beans have 14% fiber. Fiber is good for reducing heart disease in hens.
It is not recommended to feed them canned beans. When organic green beans are easily available in the market, there is no point in feeding hens canned beans filled with preservatives. Buy fresh beans from the market and cook them well before feeding. (Resource)
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Following measures are necessary for feeding green beans to the chickens.
- Make sure the beans are cooked as the raw green beans will only bring trouble to your flock.
- Avoid feeding canned green beans which are loaded with preservatives and chemicals.
- Add gradually and observe for any noticeable distress or other symptoms. If the chickens are loving it, go on to feed more. Apply within chicken coop fan for limited supply.
According to Princeton research, Green beans are a good source of vitamin A, K, folic acid, and fiber. Let’s discuss the health benefits attributed to 1 cup of cooked green beans.
Vitamin A is necessary for promoting better growth in chicken. It not only strengthens the immune system but vitamin A is good for the quality and quantity of egg production. Red spots in eggs are due to vitamin A deficiency. Green beans contain 5 % vitamin A.
Green beans are a rich source of vitamin K. Cooked green beans contain 22% of vitamin K. It plays an important role in bone health and wound healing. Vitamin K releases a protein that makes bones more strong and helps in normal blood clotting. Chickens with vitamin K deficiency have poor blood clotting mechanisms and will bleed excessively with a small injury.
Folic acid is an essential B vitamin that is good for chickens of all ages. Green beans contain 10% folate. Folic acid fights with anemia. It promotes strong growth, good feathering, and better egg production. Feed ginger to chicken as an alternative to folic acid.
Green beans contain 16% vitamin C. It is an essential vitamin for bone development and eggshell quality. It promotes healthy skin and blood vessels in chickens.
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Phosphorus amount in green beans is 5%, Which is the total amount of phosphorus needed to laying hens at various times during the egg-laying cycle. The deficiency of phosphorus can lead to the development of rickets. Other symptoms of deficiency include loss of appetite, weakness.
Magnesium is adequately present in plant-based food. Magnesium is important for cellular Metabolism and bone development in chickens. Magnesium has a positive effect on meat quality and body weight at certain developmental stages in chickens. Green beans contain 5% magnesium that is good for chickens.
Green beans have 4% potassium. Potassium maintains water balance in chickens. It helps to build better protein and maintains normal body growth.
Green beans contain 5% iron. Iron is good for general energy level and focus. It not only regulates the body temperature but also supports the immune system of chickens.
Green beans have 0.734 mg niacin in it. Niacin helps prevent leg deformities in hens. According to recent research, niacin deficiency can restrict growth, weight, and reduced egg production.
Green beans contain a little amount of vitamin B1 too that is 0.082mg. Vitamin B1 helps in building a strong immune system and improves the overall body’s ability to stand in chickens. The deficiency of vitamin B can lead to weakened shells, hearts, nerves, and digestive systems in hens.
Zinc promotes the strength of eggshells in older hens. It is a trace mineral that helps to activate different enzymes in the hen body. Zinc is 0.24mg present in green beans.
A little amount of vitamin B6 is present in green beans. It helps prevent clogged arteries and reduces the risk of heart disease in hens.
An omega-3 fatty acid is good for egg yolk. Green bean contains omega – 3 fats equals 5% which are good minerals for chickens.
Copper is good in chickens’ diet. Copper deficiency can lead to ataxia and spastic paralysis. Copper is 8% in one cup of beans.
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Protein is 5% in green beans. Protein should be included in chickens’ diet. Its deficiency results in restricted growth or reduced egg size or egg production.
Chromium is 6% present in green beans. Chromium is a good mineral that enhances productive performance in poultry. It enhances growth and improves the quality of eggs and weight gain in chickens.
Vitamin E is 4% present in green beans. Muscular dystrophy is due to vitamin E deficiency. It can be reversed if vitamin E is fed through the feed.
Carbohydrates are needed to keep the hens active and warm. It is also necessary for eggs too. Green beans contain 7g of carbohydrates.
Hence it is summed up that green beans are packed with all the good vitamins and minerals that are essential for chickens’ health. You can serve a cooked green beans cup along with other garden scraps or seeds, or you can serve alone. Moderation of everything is good for your chicken’s health. A good diet can enhance meat and egg quality.
Green beans are more nutritious than any store-bought food. Cooking green beans will add flavor to them. A cup of cooked beans can be served every other day.
