Chickens enjoy a variety of foods, these birds will eat almost anything they can get their beaks on.

Unfortunately, some of the foods that chickens eat simply aren’t good for them, you as a chicken farmer need to feed these birds foods that will benefit them.

Humans eat poppy seeds, poppy seeds are great for one’s health, but how about the health of chickens? Can chickens eat poppy seeds? This article explores this topic 

Chickens can definitely eat poppy seeds, these tiny seeds deliver iron and omega 3 fatty acids into the bird’s body, These seeds help to prevent anemia and aid in healthy egg production, they are also helpful in treating digestive issues 

Can chickens eat poppy seeds?

Chickens can definitely eat poppy seeds, this food is usually given to chickens as a poultry supplement, it is not only beneficial to your bird’s health, it is also delicious to your bird.

It’s highly likely that the wild bird seed mixes in your local pet shop already contain poppy seeds, these seeds are used in a variety of commercially prepared birdseed mixes.

Benefits of chickens eating poppy seeds:

Health-wise, poppy seeds aid in digestion, they are also used as a natural treatment for digestive issues like diarrhea. You don’t have to worry about your chickens ingesting opium when eating these seeds, opium comes from the sap that comes out when the green pod is cut open. 

These seeds are also loaded with a variety of vitamins and minerals. One such vitamin is iron, iron keeps the bird from developing anemia, it is also helpful in transporting oxygen and electrons in the bird’s body.

Poppy seeds also contain omega 3 fatty acids which improve your bird’s health and help it produce better eggs 

Which birds to serve and how to serve:

Poppy seeds can be given to birds of all ages, whether the bird is a starter, a grower a breeder, or a layer, all birds can eat and will love this food.

Serving poppy seeds to chickens is as simple as adding the food to your bird’s feed and serving. You can also choose to sprinkle the seeds over your bird’s ration of fruits or vegetables. 

Can chickens eat poppy seed muffins and everything bagels?

Feeding chickens everything bagels is not a problem as long as the bagel is served as a treat and not as a main food source.

Everything bagels may contain good amounts of poppy seeds, but the bread is not nutrient-dense. If the bird eats too many everything bagels over a long period of time, then the bird can develop malnutrition 

Sweet foods like lemon poppy seed muffins can also be fed to chickens but this should also only be fed as a treat, your chickens will love this sweet treat but overfeeding them this food can cause the bird to become obese.

Obese chickens suffer more health conditions than chickens at a normal, healthy weight 

What foods are poisonous to chickens? 

Although seeds are a nutritious food source for both humans and chickens, certain seeds should not be fed to your bird, chickens should not eat apple seeds or fruit pits that come from stone fruits.

Avoid giving these birds the pits from cherries, apricots, pears, peaches, or plums. The pits of these fruits contain trace amounts of cyanide which can kill your bird, apple seeds also contain trace amounts of cyanide.

Other foods that your chickens should also avoid eating include: 

• Raw beans 
• Onions
• Avocado 
• Chocolate
• Tea
• Coffee 
• Tomatoes 
• Eddplant 
• Citrus 

How to tell if a chicken has been poisoned 

If your bird eats something that it shouldn’t have, it can quickly show symptoms of being poisoned, in fact, cyanide poisoning from eating apple seeds or stone fruit pits can cause the bird to get sick and die within 15-30 minutes of eating the item.

If you think your bird has been poisoned here are signs to look out for : 

Weakness

Depression

Wings extended downward

Inappetence 

Thirst 

Greenish dropping’s 

Conclusion

In conclusion, yes, chickens can eat poppy seeds. Poppy seeds will deliver iron and omega 3 fatty acids to your bird. They will also help with any digestion problems that your bird may be suffering from.

Foods that use poppy seeds, like everything bagels and poppy seed muffins, should only be fed in moderation and on occasion

If you enjoyed this article then you may also be interested in other chicken related articles. Here are some articles that you may be interested in: Can chickens eat sunflower seeds with shells?, Can chickens eat potato leaves?, Can chickens eat soybeans?, Can chickens eat duckweed?