Field Peas for chickens

[Doyler]

I have just received a sack of organic oats and field peas mixed together. My goal is to feed only organic grain... The problem is that the Chickens eat the oats but leave the organic field peas behind. This is most disappointing... does anyone have a solution of how I can overcome this problem.

 

[Judy]

I don't think they can eat uncooked field peas, if we mean the same thing by the term. As a rule of thumb, they can eat what we can (except chocolate, like many animals.) I know we don't eat uncooked oatmeal -- but we can, it does no harm. Lima beans, though, can be poisonous if raw, I have read.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-treat-chart-the-best-treats-for-backyard-chickens

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Judy is correct here. They need to be cooked. Another thing about field peas is you do need to limit how much they eat of these. They slow the intestinal tract down considerably, which can be a good thing if eaten in small amounts. This allows the bird to take in more nutrients as chickens tend to rush food through their intestines. However if they eat too much of these peas, it can really slow the tract down to the point that the crop is not emptying fast enough, causing slow and sour crop. So just be careful feeding these peas.

Great to have you aboard and welcome to our flock!

 

[BantamLover21]

Glad you joined us!

x2 on Judy and Two Crows. Chickens may simply not like the field peas, or know that they aren't good to eat.

 

[matt44644]

I assume they are dried?If you grind them up with the oats mix in a little water they cant pick and choose as easy.Field peas a whole un split split peas

 

[matt44644]

While not actually grains, dried whole or split peas, which you can find in any grocery, are great chicken treats. Cooked rice is great for chickens as is pasta.
http://www.examiner.com/article/choosing-winter-treats-for-chickens
Most organic feeds have peas in them.

 

[Doyler]

Thanks for all your replies... It seems grinding the peas down is the best solution... Is there a proprietary machine for this purpose and where would I purchase it.
Thanks
Doyler

 

[matt44644]

http://greatnorthernpopcorn.com/c-32-kitchen.aspx
there is a bunch of these on ebay also

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Some people use peas & beans in fermented feed also https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/645057/fermented-feeds-anyone-using-them

 

[matt44644]

https://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/afcm/drypea.html