There is debate over whether you can feed chickens deer corn or if it is unsuitable to be used as a feed. Deer corn is a feed type specifically manufactured for deer. It is high in protein and fat, which chickens need to grow and thrive, especially in colder weather.
Some argue that deer corn is so high in fat it is not suitable for chickens. Others say that as long as the chicken has a balanced diet, eating deer corn will not hurt them.
If you’re wondering if can chickens eat deer corn, the answer is yes! Chickens can consume both vegetation and meat because they are omnivores. You will find deer corn is a good source of protein and other nutrients for chickens. However, even if chickens can eat chicken corn, there are certain things you need to know.
In our guide, you can learn more about feeding chicken corn to chickens. By the end, you’ll see a load more bits of information on what is deer corn made from, and besides feeding deer corn to chickens, what other types of corn and foods they can eat as part of a healthy diet. (Read Can Chickens Eat Shrimp)
What is Deer Corn?
Deer corn is a popular food source for wild deer and may benefit chickens. Deer corn is a high-carbohydrate feed that provides energy for deer and other animals during colder months.
It comprises whole kernels or cracked kernels of maize (corn crop), milo, wheat, oats, rye, and barley. The mix helps provide essential carbs converted into body heat to keep the animals warm in winter weather.
Deer corn is also high in protein, fat, and minerals such as iron, phosphorus, and calcium, which can also benefit chickens.
Can You Feed Deer Corn To Chickens?
The common misconception is that chickens can’t eat deer corn, but is this true?
The answer may surprise you. Feeding deer corn to chickens is possible in the right quantities, and it doesn’t make up the bulk of their diet. Too much can lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues in your birds.
Table scraps are a great way to supplement a chicken’s diet; however, some foods should be avoided because of their potential risks. Deer corn falls into this category, as consuming it might cause various health problems in the birds.
Chickens love deer corn, and when fed in moderation on top of their daily feed ration, chickens can obtain additional nutrition that helps with growth and overall health.
Nutritional Value of Deer Corn
Deer corn is a type of food used to attract deer for hunting or wildlife observation. It is made from either cracked corn, shelled corn, or whole kernel corn and sometimes contains other ingredients such as oats, wheat, and protein pellets.
Chickens can eat this feed to obtain the nutritional value of deer corn, and it can provide them with a nutritious snack. Deer Corn typically contains high amounts of protein, which helps build muscle in chickens.
Deer corn is an excellent source of carbs, providing birds with the energy they need throughout the day. Deer Corn also has trace minerals and vitamins that are beneficial for chickens and fiber, which aids digestion and promotes healthy gut bacteria.
Deer corn is a great way to add variety to their diet and essential minerals like phosphorus and magnesium needed for bone growth and muscle development.
Deer corn comprises dried shelled kernels, a good fiber-rich food source to stay healthy. The high fiber content also helps keep hens’ digestive systems in check while preventing obesity in birds. (Read Can Guinea Pigs Eat Edamame)
Potential Risks for Chickens Eating Deer Corn
Chickens are a great way to get fresh eggs and meat, but they must be fed the proper diet to stay healthy.
One inexpensive way to feed chickens is with deer corn, which can be purchased at most outdoor stores. But is it safe for chickens to eat deer corn? Potential risks need to be considered before using this food source for your flock.
Deer corn has a higher fat content than regular chicken feed, so there could be an issue with obesity if it’s fed too often or in large amounts.
In addition, any unprocessed deer corn could contain parasites and mold that make your chickens sick.
While some argue chickens can eat snacks of deer corn won’t be a problem, it should not replace their regular diet feed. Make sure you research the risks before you feed corn to your flock.
Other Foods for Chickens
Even answering the question of whether can chickens eat corn, when feeding chickens, keeping, you need to vary their diet to maintain a healthy digestive system.
Chickens can eat many foods, but what foods can be used besides this corn treat? Corn is the most common feed for chickens, but many other options will provide essential nutrients and minerals.
Fresh corn is a superb choice that provides an abundance of vitamins and minerals and is also rich in fat and carbohydrates for delivering energy. Not only does fresh corn provide energy, but it also contains essential antioxidants that protect against disease and aid in digestion.
In addition, fresh corn offers high levels of iron, magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins which help support healthy growth in chickens. Scratch grain is a good source of carbohydrates and can help chickens bulk up before molting. (Read Can Bearded Dragons Eat Jalapenos)
What Types Of Corn Can Chickens Eat?
Ever since agricultures dawn, hens have been a staple on farms and homesteads. As you can feed corn to chickens, corn comes in many varieties, so you may wonder what corn chickens can eat. All poultry enthusiasts aim to provide their feathered friends with a balanced diet.
Poultry owners know their birds can eat various grains, including corn (and deer corn). Corn husks, in particular, are very beneficial for chickens. The seed inside provides protein and fiber, which keeps them healthy and helps them lay eggs more consistently.
You can feed whole corn husks as a treat or add them to vegetables as part of their regular feed. The number of corn husks fed should not exceed 10% of their diet.
Fresh Maize
Maize, often referred to as whole corn in other parts of the world, can be a superb choice of fed corn to your flock. If you have extra time, you can easily remove the kernels from the cob and give them to your flock.
Fresh maize offers a more nutritious alternative to chicken corn feed, as it is packed with vitamins and minerals. It also has a great taste that chickens enjoy, in contrast to the bland taste of deer corn. Plus, the maize is cooked corn, so no extra preparation is needed before feeding it to your birds.
Corn Cobs
Can chickens eat corn on the cob? Giving your chickens a whole corn cob, either cooked or raw, makes for a great snack. Chickens have no problem with it and will gleefully peck away at the corn on the cob kernels. Observing your flock as they enjoy their snack to get the full nutrients is a pleasure for many chicken owners.
Cracked Corn
If you want to make it easier for your flock to eat, try giving them cracked corn instead of kernels.
Cracked corn is whole corn left to dry and broken into smaller pieces. You can purchase this in stores, or you can make it at home. In addition, compared to whole corn, this crop makes it easier for animals and birds to consume.
Frozen Corn
Some chicken owners make frozen corn treats for their flocks during summer. To make such treats, just put whole corn kernels in ice cube trays, add water, and freeze them. Pop the frozen treat out and give them to your chickens. (Read Do Possums Eat Dog Poop)
Canned Corn
Pre-packed corn in a tin can is readily available in the supermarket. Luckily, corn is safe for chickens, unlike many other canned foods.
However, remember that there has been salt added to preserve canned corn. While the water used is harmless, the salt content might cause problems in your chickens if fed in large amounts.
Corn In Dinner Leftovers
Feeding chickens table scraps is one way to cut food waste. Corn in your meals is okay for feeding to chickens. However, you need to keep this to a minimum as spices and other ingredients used in the preparation of vegetables, such as salt, sugars, and condiments, can be bad for your chickens’ health.
Does Corn Make Chicken Overheat?
No matter where you live, you may see chickens eat deer corn or see deer corn available for sale. However, there are disputes about whether can chickens eat deer corn and does it cause them to overheat.
Chickens can eat corn and consume deer corn as part of their daily diet in moderation. Too much corn makes it difficult for them to digest and can cause digestive issues such as diarrhea or the risk of clogged arteries.
In addition, when you feed deer corn to chickens, the corn is termed a hot food. However, this is a measure of calories rather than chickens heating up when they eat corn. When they eat corn, it is the burning of carbohydrates that maintains body temperature in cold weather.
How Much Corn Should You Feed Chickens?
Growing hens need vitamins and nutrients, and feeding chickens corn helps hens be healthy and happy. How much should chickens eat of this type of food?
Consider your birds’ size, age, and temperature when feeding corn. Energy-dense corn helps young birds grow and thrive. Adult birds don’t need as many calories, so only provide them with a handful of cracked or whole-grain corn.
Where To Buy Deer Corn?
Deer corn is a high-energy chicken feed. Deer corn is full of vitamins and minerals that hens need. The question is, where to buy deer corn?
Online is a good place to find deer corn, as several sites specialize in feed specifically designed for poultry. Besides this, you may find this high-energy food at local farm stores or hardware stores.
