Can chickens eat sunflower seed?

Why

These seeds are high in fat and can lead to obesity or fatty liver disease if fed too often. They also lack the complete balance of nutrients that chickens need for egg production and overall health.

If you do feed it

• Limit to a small handful per bird, no more than 1-2 times a week
• Always serve raw, unsalted, and unsweetened seeds
• Ensure the main diet remains a balanced layer feed
• Crack the shells if feeding to younger birds to prevent choking

Watch out for

• Salted or roasted seeds
• Sweetened or flavored varieties
• Moldy or rancid seeds
• Whole shells for very young chicks

Better choices