How to Feed Sunflower Seeds to Chickens

Chickens should not be given seasoned sunflower seeds.

What and how you feed your chickens is dependent upon their age, their purpose and your budgetary constraints. For example, young chickens should not receive excess oyster shell, while adult layers often produce more durable eggs when crushed shells are added to their normal rations. Feeding your chickens sunflower seeds is easy, but they are best considered a supplement to rather than a replacement for regular feed provisions. Although some farmers believe that sunflower seeds increase egg weight and feather sheen, a study published in the Brazilian Journal of Poultry Science in 2003 showed no significant effect from the inclusion of sunflower seeds in the diets of hens.

Things You'll Need

• Sunflower seeds (unseasoned)

Instructions

1. Sprinkle a handful of sunflower seeds in a grazing area as a treat.

2. Mix sunflower seeds with regular feed in the reservoir of an automatic feeder.

3. Fill a trough with feed as normal, then spread a layer of sunflower seeds on top. Replenish with seeds and feed throughout the day. Remove unconsumed food when it is wet, moldy or old.

References

• Brazilian Journal Of Poultry Science: Utilization Of Sunflower Seed In Laying Hen Rations
• Lions Grip: Chicken Feed Chicken Feeding Instructions

Resources

• Greener Pastures Chickens: Mixing Your Own Organic Chicken Feed Recipe