Mango is a sweet, juicy tropical fruit that most people enjoy eating. But did you know that chickens can also eat mango? Mangoes contain beneficial vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can promote good health in your flock.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of feeding mango to chickens, which parts they can eat, how to prepare it and how much to offer. We’ll also look at whether mangoes are safe for baby chicks. Let’s dive in and see if this flavorful fruit deserves a spot in your chickens’ diet!
Article Summary
- Mangoes can be a beneficial supplement to a chicken’s regular feed, providing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote good health.
- Chickens can eat various types of mangoes, including Ataulfo, Kent, Haden, Manila, and Keitt, but it’s essential to choose ripe yet firm fruits without bruises or soft spots.
- Chickens should avoid mango leaves, stems, and the large seed inside. Feed mangoes to chickens in moderation due to their sugary content, and be cautious with baby chicks under 12 weeks old
Are Mangoes Good for Chickens? Health Benefits of This Tropical Treat
Mangoes can be an excellent supplement to your chickens’ regular feed. Here are some of the main benefits mangoes offer:
- Vitamin C – Mangoes are packed with immune-boosting vitamin C. This can help keep your flock healthy.
- Vitamin A – Mangoes contain vitamin A compounds like beta carotene. This vitamin promotes good vision and reproductive health.
- Potassium – The high potassium content in mangoes may boost egg production. Potassium regulates chickens’ electrolyte balance.
- Antioxidants – Mangoes have antioxidants that combat cell damage. This protects your chickens’ tissues and organs.
- Fiber – The fiber in mango may aid chickens’ digestion. It also fills them up.
So mangoes contain key vitamins, minerals and nutrients chickens need. The sweet taste is also appealing to chickens. Offering fresh mangoes can be a yummy way to supplement their diet.
What Type of Mango Can Chickens Eat? Picking the Right Fruit
There are many different mango varieties, but most are safe for chickens to eat. Some good mango types to offer your flock include:
- Ataulfo – Ataulfo mangoes have a creamy, smooth texture that chickens love. They are fiber-rich but not too sweet.
- Kent – This is one of the most popular mango varieties. Its sweetness and juicy flesh make it appetizing for chickens.
- Haden – Haden is a large, hearty mango. It has a rich, tropical flavor chickens enjoy. The flesh is fibrous and filling.
- Manila – Smaller Manila mangoes pack a sweet, aromatic taste. Their small size also makes them easy for chickens to eat.
- Keitt – This large mango has very soft, smooth flesh. It may appeal to chickens who don’t like fibrous fruit.
Choose ripe yet firm mangoes without bruises or soft spots. Remove the skin and slice the mango flesh into small pieces for easy eating.
Can Chickens Safely Eat Mango Juice and Frozen Mangoes?
Besides fresh mango flesh, chickens can eat mango in other forms too:
Mango Juice
Chickens can drink mango juice. Look for unsweetened, 100% juice without added sugar. Dilute it with an equal amount of water so the sweetness doesn’t upset their digestion. Provide just a few spoonfuls per chicken.
Frozen Mangoes
Frozen mango chunks are fine for chickens to eat. Thaw the fruit first and cut into bite-size pieces. Frozen mangoes may be easier to find year-round than fresh.
So feel free to give your flock mango juice and frozen mangoes too. Just serve them thawed, diluted and in moderation.
Which Parts of a Mango Can Chickens Eat? Fruit, Skin, Pits and More
Mangoes have many edible parts, but chickens should only eat certain portions:
Mango Fruit/Flesh
The soft, juicy fruit flesh is the best part for chickens to eat. It contains the most nutrients and is easiest to digest.
Mango Skin
Yes, chickens can eat the mango skin. It contains healthy fiber. Just wash it well and slice it into small pieces so it’s not a choking risk.
Mango Seeds/Pits
Chicken’s shouldn’t eat the large seed inside mangoes. It may obstruct their digestive tract. But the small fibers around the pit are fine.
Mango Leaves/Stems
Avoid feeding chickens mango leaves and stems. They contain an irritant called urushiol that can bother chickens’ skin and gastrointestinal tract.
Mango Core
The soft core is safe for chickens to eat. But there’s not much flesh on it, so it’s not worth giving them.
TIP
Stick to the flesh, skin and minimal pit fibers. Remove the pit, leaves, stems and core. This ensures your chickens only consume the healthy, edible parts.
Can Chickens Eat Mango Peels and Seeds? What the Research Shows
Two mango parts – the peels and seeds – are controversial. Here’s what science says about chickens eating them:
Mango Peels
Mango peels are high in antioxidant compounds like polyphenols. This sounds beneficial. But a study by the University of California found mango peels irritated digestive tracts in young chicks. So it’s best not to feed large amounts of mango peels to any chickens regularly. Small taste portions a few times a week won’t cause harm.
Mango Seeds
Whole mango seeds can block chickens’ intestines or even rupture their digestive tract. But studies show that ground mango seed powder fed in small amounts can boost chickens’ immunity and antioxidant activity. Limit ground mango seeds to a teaspoon per chicken once or twice a week. Avoid feeding chickens whole mango seeds.
Research on mango parts is still emerging. Until more is known, be cautious feeding high amounts of peels or seeds. Focus on the mango flesh, juice and skin as the safest options.
How to Prepare Mangoes for Your Flock – From Washing to Cutting
Follow these steps to prepare fresh mangoes for your chickens:
- Wash the mango under cool running water to remove any dirt and residue. Gently scrub the skin if needed.
- Cut the mango in half from top to bottom, working around the long, flat seed in the center.
- Score the mango flesh into cubes without piercing the skin. Then invert the skin so the cubes pop up.
- Slice off the mango cubes. Avoid cutting too close to the skin and seed.
- Chop the cubes into smaller chicken-sized bites about 1/4 inch each.
- Transfer the chopped mango to a bowl. Discard the peel, seed and core.
- Give your chickens a few pieces each. Refrigerate any leftovers in a covered container for up to five days.
This method allows you to easily remove the mango skin and seed. Chopping the flesh makes it safer for chickens to eat.
How Much Mango Can You Feed Chickens? Stick With Moderation
Mangoes are sugary, so they’re best fed in moderation. Here are some feeding guidelines:
- Give 1-2 tablespoons of chopped mango flesh per standard-sized chicken, 2-3 times per week.
- For mango skin, limit it to a 1″” square piece 2-3 times weekly.
- Offer just 1-2 teaspoons of mango juice diluted with water, 2-3 times per week.
- If feeding ground mango seeds, give just 1 teaspoon sprinkled on their feed once or twice a week.
Even though mangoes are nutritious, don’t go overboard. Too much can lead to loose droppings, upset stomachs and poor digestion. Keep mango treats infrequent and in small portions.
Give Your Flock a Taste of the Tropics With Mangoes
Mangoes are a healthy supplement for most mature chickens. Their sweet flavor and nutrient content provides benefits. When fed properly, the flesh, skin and juice make tasty treats chickens devour.
Use caution only with certain parts like the peel and seeds. Limit mango feeding to a few times a week. This prevents issues from too much natural sugar. Overall, mangoes are a nutritious way to add diversity and excitement to your flock’s diet!
Alternatives To Mango
Chickens can enjoy a variety of fruits as treats, other good options are berries, melons, papaya, and small pieces of apple, banana, grapes, kiwi, oranges, pears, pineapple, plums, and watermelon. Just be sure to introduce new fruits slowly and in moderation.
Can chickens eat mango leaves?
Yes, chickens can eat mango leaves. Mango leaves are not toxic to chickens and provide some nutritional benefits. The leaves contain tannins, vitamin C, calcium, and carotenoids. Feed mango leaves to chickens in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Can chickens eat mango pits?
No, chickens should not eat mango pits. The pit contains trace amounts of cyanide which can be toxic to chickens if consumed in large quantities. It’s best to remove mango pits before feeding the fruit to chickens. The flesh of the mango fruit is safe for chickens to eat.
How much mango to feed chickens?
Chickens can eat both mango flesh and greens in moderation. For adult chickens, limit mango intake to 1-2 times per week as a treat. Offer 1-2 tbsp of mango flesh or a few mango leaves per chicken. Overfeeding high sugar fruits can cause loose droppings. Always provide a balanced diet with their regular feed.
