If you own chickens and have corn husks lying around after you’ve shucked your corn, you may find yourself asking, “Can chickens eat corn husks?”.
In total, yes, it’s safe for chickens to eat corn husks. While corn husks aren’t loaded with nutrients, they can provide a fun snack for your backyard chickens.
In this article, we’ll go through the benefits of corn husks and how you can safely prepare them for your backyard chickens!
What Are Corn Husks?
Before we get into how to prepare your corn husks, some people tend to think the husk is actually the cob.
Corn husks are the leafy, fibrous outer layers that protect the corn kernels. They are typically green and are removed before consuming the corn. On the other hand, the corn cob is the central cylindrical part to which the kernels are attached. It is a dense, woody structure that provides support to the kernels.
Now that we got that behind us, let’s look at our chicken/husk relationship!
Are Corn Husks Good For Chickens?
As it turns out, yes! Chickens can get some beneficial nutrients from corn husks!
Corn husks, although not as nutrient-dense as the corn kernels themselves, still offer valuable components that can benefit chickens. Corn husks are composed of approximately 3% protein and 4% fiber, while also containing trace amounts of various vitamins and minerals. Fiber aids in maintaining healthy digestion for chickens, promoting optimal gut function and preventing digestive disorders. By including corn husks in their diet, chickens can obtain additional dietary fiber, which supports regular bowel movements and overall digestive health.
Furthermore, the fibrous nature of corn husks provides environmental enrichment for chickens, as they can engage in natural pecking and tearing behaviors while consuming them. This mental stimulation and physical activity contribute to the well-being and natural instincts of the chickens.
Lastly, a study published in the Indian Journal of Animal Sciences found that corn husk-derived xylooligosaccharides had a positive influence on caecal microflora and blood biochemical profile in broiler chickens. It also showed to reduce cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose concentration as a result of this corn husk-derived XOS supplementation.
Should I Limit How Many Corn Husks I Give My Chickens?
Yes, Limiting the amount of corn husks given to chickens is essential for their overall well-being. While corn husks can offer some benefits in terms of fiber and environmental enrichment, excessive consumption can pose risks to chickens’ digestive health. The fibrous nature of corn husks makes them challenging to digest fully, potentially leading to digestive blockages or obstructions if consumed in large quantities.
Moreover, dry and tough husks can present choking hazards or cause irritation to the delicate tissues of the chicken’s digestive tract. By offering corn husks in moderation and monitoring their intake, chicken owners can strike a balance between the benefits of fiber and the potential risks associated with excessive consumption. Prioritizing the safety and health of chickens means being cautious and mindful of the quantities of corn husks provided as treats.
About one-half corn husk per chicken should be a sufficient snack for your flock!
How Often Can You Give Chickens Corn Husks?
In total, providing corn husks as an occasional treat, perhaps once or twice a week, can add variety and enrichment to their diet without compromising their overall nutrition.
It’s best to give corn husks in between meals as a snack. You want to make sure your chickens don’t fill up on them as they don’t have near the nutrition as your laying pellets or crumbles. Essentially, don’t give chickens corn husks right as they’re getting off the roost in the morning.
Always make sure your chickens have access to either a good laying pellet or crumble. I’ve actually written an article comparing laying pellets to crumble if you’d like to check it out.
How To Prepare Corn Husks For Chickens
To prepare corn husks for safe consumption by chickens, a few simple steps can be followed. Start by soaking the corn husks in water for several hours or overnight. This process softens the husks, making them easier for chickens to eat and reducing the risk of digestive blockages. After soaking, shred or chop the husks into smaller pieces to aid in both digestion and consumption.
Pro tip: You can boil your husks to make them immediately available!
By breaking the husks into smaller portions, chickens can more effectively peck and manage the pieces. Additionally, removing any silk threads that may be attached to the husks is crucial to prevent potential choking hazards. By taking these precautions and ensuring the corn husks are prepared appropriately, chicken owners can offer their flock a safer and more enjoyable experience while enjoying corn husks.
Asking The Chicken Enthusiasts About Corn Husks
For this article, I reached out to a group of chicken enthusiasts on corn husks and did a poll.
The poll revealed that half the people in the group gave their chickens corn husks.
While corn husks can be fed to chickens, other folks may be feeding other snacks to their chickens. After all, snacks have to be limited when given to chickens, it’s best to choose from the most nutritious snacks when treating your chickens. If you’re looking for some healthy snacks to give to your chickens check out an article I wrote on “The Top Ten Treats for Chickens”.
This article was originally published on farmapt.com. If it is now published on any other site, it was done without permission from the copyright owner.
Conclusion
While chickens can consume corn husks, it is important to exercise caution and moderation. Corn husks provide some benefits, such as dietary fiber and environmental enrichment, but they should not make up a significant portion of a chicken’s diet. Excessive consumption can pose risks to their digestive health, including digestive blockages or obstructions. By offering corn husks as an occasional treat and monitoring their intake, we can safely give our chickens this fun snack!