Unshelled Sunflower Seeds as Treats?

[Barnette]

I have a bin full of black oil sunflower seeds, which still have the shell on them, and I was wondering if I could feed them to my chickens as a treat. I was giving it to them last summer but I had one hen with severe sour crop (she passed away) and I worried it was caused by her not properly digesting the seeds. I haven't given the birds seeds since but they're still in the barn and I don't want to waste them. Is is safe to feed them the sunflower seeds while the shell's on? If not, is there anything I can do to make them safe? Thanks!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

They are safe but in moderation. They have a relatively higher level of protein than grains. However, the high fiber content negates that advantage. They are also high in fat. Overall, the nutrition isn't bad - again, in moderation.

 

[Perris]

I have a bin full of black oil sunflower seeds, which still have the shell on them, and I was wondering if I could feed them to my chickens as a treat.

Yes you can

I had one hen with severe sour crop (she passed away) and I worried it was caused by her not properly digesting the seeds

Probably not. There are some good articles on sour crop on BYC; you could read them if you want reassurance. E.g. https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...w-to-know-which-one-youre-dealing-with.73607/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ntion-and-treatments-of-crop-disorders.67194/

Is is safe to feed them the sunflower seeds while the shell's on?

Yes. Chickens are perfectly capable of shelling seeds if they don't want to consume the shells.

 

[chooki]

My roosters open the shell of the sunflower to get to the seeds, they do the same to sorghum despite the fact sorghum seeds are tiny. I bought them as day old chicks, they have learned it by doing themselves.

Sunflower seeds (with shells on) are often used in various chicken scratch mixes, I am sure they are safe for the chickens as long as they have not gone bad and used as a part of their diet.

Some of my chickens eat them whole, they never had a problem with it.

 

[Barnette]

My roosters open the shell of the sunflower to get to the seeds, they do the same to sorghum despite the fact sorghum seeds are tiny. I bought them as day old chicks, they have learned it by doing themselves.

Sunflower seeds (with shells on) are often used in various chicken scratch mixes, I am sure they are safe for the chickens as long as they have not gone bad and used as a part of their diet.

Some of my chickens eat them whole, they never had a problem with it.

Thank you! My birds normally eat them whole, which was why I was concerned but good to know they're safe.

 

[Barnette]

They are safe but in moderation. They have a relatively higher level of protein than grains. However, the high fiber content negates that advantage. They are also high in fat. Overall, the nutrition isn't bad - again, in moderation.

Good to know, thanks!

 

[Barnette]

Yes you can

Probably not. There are some good articles on sour crop on BYC; you could read them if you want reassurance. E.g. https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...w-to-know-which-one-youre-dealing-with.73607/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ntion-and-treatments-of-crop-disorders.67194/

Yes. Chickens are perfectly capable of shelling seeds if they don't want to consume the shells.

Thank you for the info and your time!!