Quinoa

[redbudchix]

I haven't seen where anyone has or is feeding quinoa as a treat? I have fed that , cooked for many years, to my exotic birds. "Elbows" fly for both parents and babies. I have never seen it turned down. Once I get my chickens I will feed it to both chicks and adults. It is a grain that has 6 grams of protein, 31 g of carbs, and low in fat-2.8g, per half cup. My baby exotics thrived, along with other foods given. It's expensive, but maybe a good treat in the winter? Just thought I'd see if anyone else fed it.

 

[emilysaurus]

I'm planning to grow both quinoa and amaranth in my garden this year. I like the it looks but I don't think I could grow enough to feed two adult humans so I was planning to give it to the chickens. I wasn't thinking I'd have to cook it, rather I'd just toss the cut off stalk to the ladies as-is. Any reason I shouldn't do this?

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

I think quinoa is probably pretty good for your birds. I know a lot of homemade feed recipes have it as an ingredient. The one problem you might encounter when growing your own is a chemical called saponin that coats the seeds. Saponin is bitter and prevents wild birds from eating the seeds. I believe it can be rinsed off after harvesting though.