Chickens are generally not picky eaters. They have different priorities and perceptions about food than most other animals. Most animals are interested in food that tastes good. Chickens, on the other hand, are visual eaters. When they see something, they look at it to see if it's edible, and then they peck! Does this apply to corn husks as well?

All About Corn Husks​

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The outer layer or cover we see on corn is the corn husk. Since people are often more concerned with the kernel, they often neglect them and don't pay much attention to them! Corn husks, however, can be used in a variety of ways and can be served as a snack to chickens as well. Corn husks are used as food wraps, which is one of the most popular uses for them. Husks have been trusted for tamales and for wrapping seafood for generations.

Since corn husks do not have a seasonality, they are available all year. Their accessibility has made them a highly valued crop. Corn husks are also used by many businesses as a part of their dish, whether it be as a food wrap or on a plate.

Crafts have also been made from corn husks. It may surprise most people to learn that corn husks can also be used to make dolls, bows, and any number of other creative things. Thus, it can be used not only for cooking but for creative expression as well. Corn itself is an all-arounder too.

The corn husk has also made its way into chicken hearts and stomachs. Corn husks are commonly discarded after the kernels and cobs are removed. However, they can be extremely useful. Imagination and experimentation are key.

Corn Husk Nutrients and Health Benefits​

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Since corn husks are so freely available, nobody asks if chickens can eat them. Yes, they are safe for chickens to consume.

Husks, however, don't contain much nutritional value for chickens. You can use corn husks to satisfy your flock's hunger. Usually, they are fed to chickens as snacks, so that they have something to munch on during the day.

How healthy are corn husks for your flock?​

Corn husks contain fewer nutrients than corn kernels. Almost no essential nutrients are found in husks for chickens.

Husks are generally discarded by humans because they are difficult to eat and their texture is unsuitable for digestion. Typically, people use them to make dishes such as tamales, grill food, boil others, and dispose of the husk afterwards.

The most common crop that makes pets fat is corn. Corn contains a lot of calories. Thus, we can assume that overfeeding the animals with corn will lead to excessive and unnecessary fat.

What about the husks?​

Conversely, the husks can be eaten because they have few nutrients to offer. It is also important to monitor the amount as too much of it may cause your chickens to become bloated, sluggish, or gain excessive weight.

Food intake has its limits, regardless of the type of food. Animals are no different. In order to ensure a healthy flock, flock owners need to be mindful of how much food they supply. Excessive amounts can adversely affect flock health. Although chickens are voracious eaters, they also have limits.

How to Prepare Corn Husks​

You can just let your flock peck at them on the ground, but some assistance would be beneficial.

Compared to raw baby corn husks, steamed ones are better for your chickens. It is easier to digest steamed corn husks due to their softness. As you peel the corn in the kitchen, you can collect the corn husks. In many households, corn kernels are steamed.

1. Peel the corn first - Separate the husks from the corn. Those that are softer should generally be chosen, which are usually those at the innermost layer of the corn protector cover.

2. Chickens need clean husks too - Even though chickens peck at the ground for food, they are enticed by clean and edible food, opposed to dirty-looking ones. Therefore, clean corn husks are more appealing to chickens.

3. Steam Them - When steaming the corn, add the corn husks as well to save energy. As you would normally do when steaming corn, you can add more water if the level is already low. Once you've determined that they are soft enough, you can turn the heat off and let them cool.

4. Cut the corn husks into small pieces - that way, your chickens can eat them because they lack teeth and require assistance from you to eat things like corn husks.

Corn husks can also be pureed! You simply need to place the husks in your blender or food processor after washing them.

In Conclusion​

Is it possible for chickens to eat corn husks? People around the world who own flocks and those who are interested in flocks have been debating this issue intensely. The answer is simple, but you must ask questions about the food they consume. This will ensure their safety and health.

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