Can chickens eat sweet potato?

Why

Sweet potatoes are non-toxic and provide beneficial nutrients like vitamins and fiber when prepared correctly. However, they should never be fed raw because they are difficult for chickens to digest and can cause digestive issues. It is important to treat them as an occasional supplement rather than a staple of their diet.

If you do feed it

• Always cook the sweet potato thoroughly by boiling, baking, or steaming before feeding.
• Serve only in small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking and ensure easy consumption.
• Limit treats to no more than 10% of the chicken's total daily food intake.
• Remove any skins if they are heavily waxed or treated with pesticides.

Watch out for

• Raw sweet potatoes which are hard to digest
• Sweetened or candied versions with added sugar
• Seasoned preparations containing garlic, onion, or excessive salt
• Moldy or spoiled potatoes

Better choices