I grow mammoth sunflower and corn.....they get the corn stalks to eat...while they are still green, and the sunflower stalks. The past weekend has been storms, and it is causing the sunflower heads to break their stalks. So I put the heads up to cure..pulled off the leaves, and took the stalks and leaves to the pen. They love to peck at them all and find goodies. And it gives them greens to enjoy.
I save up the mammoth sunflower heads for their winter protein. Pull a cured head down, and toss it whole in the run. They need things to do..and pecking at sunflower heads is good fun for them.
Just an added note - sunflowers or heavy oil foods should be limited to winter/spring to protect chicken's livers from getting too fatty during warmer temps. They need the seeds and oils more in winter diets to build up their fat reserves