I’m gonna tell ya a story about the time I fed my chickens some chicken alfredo leftovers and ended up eatin’ some myself to really see how they’d handle it.
This all went down last weekend when I was fixin’ up a big batch of the good stuff for me and the missus.
I figured I’d make a double batch so we could have leftovers, but forgot I said I’d feed the chickens that afternoon. I started panicking thinking they’d go hungry!
Then I had an idea – chickens eat all sorts of weird stuff, why not give them the alfredo? But I wasn’t totally sure it’d be cool for them.
As soon as I opened the coop door though, those birds went crazy for it! They were scramblin’ all over each other to get a taste. It was so funny I almost dropped my plate!
Watching them scarf it down with such gusto got me wondering if I could feed it to them more often. But I wanted to make sure it wouldn’t make them sick or anything first.
So after I finished my own helping, I licked the plate clean and started doing some research. What I found out might surprise you…
Table of Contents
Breaking Down the Ingredients
See, chicken alfredo’s made with pasta, cream or milk, butter, garlic and parmesan cheese usually. Now pasta on its own is a-okay for chickens if it’s plain.
The cream or milk provides good nutrients but should only be a small part of their diet since too much can give them the runs, if you know what I mean.
A little butter added to their scratch or scrambled eggs is a tasty treat for them to get some healthy fats. Just don’t overdo it or they’ll get plump fast!
Garlic’s another one they really seem to love the taste of. My chickens will peck it right out of my hand! But you don’t want to use too much or it might upset their tummies.
And a pinch of parmesan here and there adds calcium and more flavor to their regular feed. Kinda like chicken popcorn!
Everything in moderation seemed okay, but I wanted to make sure before I started whipping up chicken alfredo for them every night.
Potential Problems to Watch Out For
While the main ingredients can be part of an occasional treat, there are a few downsides to making it a daily part of their diet.
For one, it’s got a lot more fat and calories from the cream and butter than they need. My chickens are total chunk monsters as it is without any extra help getting plump.
It also doesn’t provide much fiber, which is super important for keeping them regularly laying those eggs like clockwork.
Plus, store-bought pasta sauces tend to have added salt, spices, and preservatives that are better off avoided altogether with chickens.
And obviously any leftovers would have to be chicken-free since chickens are squawkers, not carnivores. They shouldn’t eat other poultry!
How Much Can They Have?
Alright, so we know chickens can handle a tiny taste of alfredo here and there. But exactly how much are we talking about?
Well, for my six ladies each meal I’ll give about a quarter cup total divided between them all.
That works out to maybe a tablespoon per bird max, which isn’t much at all.
Any more than that and you risk upsetting their delicate digestive systems.
Especially if it’s replacing part of their regular feed instead of just a rare treat.
I like to dole it out in little piles around their coop so they have to search and forage for it.
Makes the alfredo feel more like a fun activity than just another handout!
And it gets them moving around exercising those legs and wings.
How Often Is Too Often?
As for frequency, no more than once or twice a month tops.
Any more than that and you run the risk of disrupting their digestive health.
Chickens need consistency in their diet for optimal nutrition absorption.
Alfredo or other people food in place of their regular layer feed messes with that balance.
I like doing it on special occasions like after they’ve just laid a big batch of double yolker eggs.
Or if there’s a full moon coming up since legend says that amps their egg production!
A couple times a month as an unpredictable surprise helps keep it a real treat for them.
Any more than that though and it loses its novelty in their eyes.
What About Homemade vs Store Bought?
When it comes to alfredo, homemade is always better than store bought jars if feeding to chickens.
The stuff from a jar is loaded with extra sodium, preservatives and spices.
None of that is good for your chickens long term.
Homemade means you control exactly what goes into it.
I like to use plain yogurt instead of heavy cream for less fat.
And just butter, garlic, parmesan and pasta with no extras.
The chickens can’t tell the difference taste-wise anyway!
Store bought in small doses probably won’t hurt them.
But for their health, homemade is definitely the way to go whenever possible.
Best Way To Feed It?
Now that we know chickens can handle a modest amount of alfredo on occasion, what’s the best way to feed it to them?
Straight from your hands is always a blast because they’ll peck right out of your palm.
Just be careful their beaks don’t nip you by accident!
Scattering piles of it around their coop works great too.
Tossing handfuls up in the air for them to scratch through is also a fun way.
I’ve even used a big spoon to “paint” tiny bits on logs and rocks.
Forces them to really search and be active hunters.
No matter how you do it, go slow and watch they all get a chance to eat.
Dominant chickens will bully others away if you aren’t careful.
And of course, provide plenty of fresh water after their alfredo feast!
Signs They Don’t Like It
While chickens seem to enjoy alfredo overall, there are some signs they may not like a particular batch.
If they completely ignore it or walk away, that’s a red flag it ain’t right for them.
Spitting bits out or throwing it with their beaks also means they dislike the taste.
Watch for puffed up or ruffled feathers too – a sign of discomfort or irritation.
Loose poops or runny droppings after could indicate it’s upsetting their GI system.
And lethargy, lack of appetite or loss of egg production are serious symptoms.
If you see any of those, discontinue alfredo right away.
Not all store brands or recipes will agree with each individual chicken.
So pay attention to their reactions to tailor what’s best for your flock.
Storing Leftovers Safely
Okay, so you’ve made a big batch of chicken alfredo and are only giving small amounts to the chickens each time.
How do you safely store the rest to prolong its freshness?
In the fridge, alfredo lasts 3-4 days sealed in an airtight container.
For the freezer, portion it into smaller batches and freeze for 2-3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before using so it doesn’t sour in temperature fluctuations.
You can also freeze individual chicken nugget sized portions on a tray first.
Then bag together once frozen solid to grab and go for easy chicken snacks.
Just be sure to label and date everything so you know when it was prepared.
Proper storage is key so you aren’t just tossing leftovers you forgot about!
Can Chicks And Pullets Enjoy It Too?
Young chicks and pullets also love to forage and explore new foods just like adults.
In small pinches, chicken alfredo can be an occasional treat for them too.
However, their digestive systems are still developing until about 20 weeks.
So anything outside their regular starter feed needs to be introduced very gradually.
A single cooked pasta piece or two per chick at first to see how it agrees.
Work up slowly over time as their guts mature to handle richer people foods.
And always have standard chick feed available as their primary nutrition.
Young birds especially need consistent balanced diets for optimal growth.
So take it slow when introducing new flavors, but alfredo in moderation won’t hurt them.
So What’s the Final Call?
After giving it some serious thought, I’d have to say a tiny taste of plain chicken alfredo now and then is A-OK as a special treat for your feathered friends.
But it ain’t something that should replace their normal diet of whole grains, vitamins, minerals, bugs, and veggies like romaine or carrots.
Stick to their layer feed mix, let ’em forage for worms and such outside, and give them clean water daily. That’ll keep them happiest and healthiest in the long run!
