Preparation
Serve it raw or lightly steamed. Chop the thick stalks into manageable chunks so they do not struggle. Do not add any butter or salt!
Quantity
About a half cup of chopped broccoli per bird, once or twice a week.
Notes
Great for a winter immune boost. Watch out for yellowing, smelly broccoli that has been sitting in your fridge drawer for weeks.
Nutritional Benefits
* Loaded with calcium to help keep those eggshells hard and strong.
* Provides a huge punch of vitamin C to fend off stress and sickness.
* High in protein for a vegetable, perfect for molting season when they need to grow feathers.
Safe Varieties
1. Fresh, crisp broccoli florets, the little buds are irresistible to them.
2. Broccoli leaves from your garden, an absolute superfood!
3. Lightly steamed broccoli stalks, steaming makes the tough stalks easier to digest.
4. Avoid broccoli covered in cheese sauce or heavy garlic from dinner leftovers.
Feeding Guide
Chicks under four weeks: Minced very finely, just a pinch per chick.
Pullets and young layers: Small bite-sized florets scattered with their feed.
Adult hens and roosters: Throw whole crowns in and let them rip them apart.
Positive Signs
* Strong, thick eggshells in the nesting boxes.
* Energetic behavior and bright eyes.
* Quick feather regrowth if fed during their autumn molt.
Negative Signs
* Gas or smelly droppings if they eat too much, brassicas can be a bit pungent!
* Ignoring the tough stems if you do not chop them up, leaving a mess in the run.
Preparation Science
Steaming the tough central stalks breaks down the dense cellulose fibers, unlocking the trapped calcium and making it bioavailable for your laying hens.
Enrichment Science
Picking the tiny individual buds off a broccoli crown requires fine motor control of the beak, which stimulates their optical and tactile senses in a highly rewarding way.
Play Ideas
Easy: Toss whole florets into a pile of dry leaves and let them scratch them out.
Medium: Hang an entire broccoli crown upside down from the roof like a green punching bag.
Hard: Puree raw broccoli with some water and freeze it in an ice cube tray for a crunchy summer slushie.
FAQ
Q: Will broccoli change the taste of my eggs?
A: Feeding huge amounts of brassicas like broccoli every single day might give eggs a slightly stronger flavor, but normal treat amounts will not affect the taste at all.
Q: Can they eat the thick stalks?
A: Yes, but raw stalks are very tough. Chop them small or steam them for a few minutes to help your birds out.
Alternatives
* Cauliflower is very similar but lacks the extra calcium punch that broccoli provides.
* Cabbage is cheaper and provides great entertainment when hung up, but has less protein.
* Spinach has calcium but also contains oxalates which block absorption, making broccoli the better choice.
Risks & Disclaimer
Broccoli is incredibly healthy for your flock. Just keep it in moderation so you do not upset their digestion, as too much of the cabbage family can cause some serious chicken gas!
