Alright friends, let me tell ya an even crazy story to kick things off.
Just last weekend, me and ol’ Bessie my chicken were out in the woods doin’ some mushroom huntin’.
Now usually on weekends I like to relax, but I gotta admit I’ve been getting kinda into foraging lately.
Thought it’d be a fun activity to bring Bessie along and see if that chicken nose of hers could help us sniff out some tasty fungi.
Well we must’ve been out there for a couple hours, kicking over logs and peekin’ under trees. Bessie was havin’ a grand ol’ time peckin’ around in the fallen leaves.
I was startin’ to think our mushroom hunt wasn’t panning out, when all of a sudden Bessie comes running up with something orange in her beak.
When I took a closer look, I’ll be darned if it wasn’t a big ol’ chicken of the woods mushroom!
Now usually chicken of the woods is a real delicacy for folks like me.
Sauté it up with some butter and garlic and mmm-mmm it’s mighty fine eatin’.
But seeing ol’ Bessie with that mushroom in her beak got me wondering – could chickens actually eat their very own fungal doppelgänger?
It was uncanny how much that mushroom resembled a plump chicken drumstick! Bessie seemed to be enjoying it just fine, but I wanted to make sure it was okay for her to be noshing on her namesake.
Really got my brain churnin’ trying to figure it out.
The fact is, chickens can safely eat small amounts of chicken of the woods mushrooms from time to time without any harm.
Let me tell ya, that chicken went crazy for that ‘shroom. She was gobblin’ it down like she hadn’t eaten in a week.
Really had me thinkin’ maybe chickens got a special taste for these so-called “chicken” mushrooms.
So when we got home, I pulled out my laptop and spent a couple hours doin’ some hardcore Google research to see if eatin’ its fungal twin would be safe for ol’ Bessie.
Table of Contents
Are Chicken of the Woods Toxic to Chickens?
Turns out the scientific name for chicken of the woods is Laetiporus sulphureus. After a bunch of reading, it seems this particular mushroom is considered non-toxic to chickens in reasonable portions.
The main concern would be if a chicken ate an insane amount of the mushroom, since it’s higher in protein than their normal diet.
Eatin’ too much at once could upset their little chicken tummies. But most sources said an occasional bite or two here and there wouldn’t cause any harm. Whew, guess my girl Bessie was in the clear after chowin’ down that mushroom trail mix style out in the woods!
A lot of websites mentioned how some wild mushrooms can be straight up poisonous to chickens. Remember, not all fungi are created equal! You definitely don’t want Fido chompin’ on any old toadstool they find. But after readin’ several reliable sources, it seems chicken of the woods is generally considered non-toxic as long as it’s fed in moderation. The key is everything in moderation, just like for folks.
One mushroom identification website I found even had photos of chickens pecking away at chicken of the woods in an outdoor coop area.
The author wrote about occasionally providing small pieces as a special treat when the mushroom was in season. Really helped put my mind at ease that Bessie didn’t ingest some kind of “chicken poison” when she sampled that fungal drumstick!
Do Chickens Derive Nutrition from Chicken of the Woods?
While it sure didn’t look like the typical feed I give Bessie every mornin’, I was curious if she could actually get some nutrients from that chicken of the woods. After all, mushrooms have lots of healthy compounds that are good for humans. Turns out they can provide benefits for chickens too!
The sources I read all mentioned how chicken of the woods is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals that chickens need like niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, zinc, and selenium. Knowing a chicken’s daily diet relies heavily on protein sources, the mushroom being higher in protein than their typical grains and such makes sense it could serve as a supplemental nibble.
One poultry expert I came across even recommended including dried chicken of the woods pieces in home-mixed chicken feed for an added nutrition boost. Kinda wild to think of chickens noshing on feed containing dehydrated versions of their very own namesake mushroom! I guess it just goes to show nature works in funny ways.
So while it wouldn’t replace the balanced ratios chickens need in a daily meal, occasional mushroom snacks provide amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Sorta like trail mix for chickens – a fun lil pop of extra nutrients here and there along with their regular feed.
The key takeaway is just like for us folks – everything in moderation. Their normal feed should always be the main source of nutrition. But the occasional chicken of the woods bite as a nibble or supplement seemed perfectly fine and maybe even beneficial according to the research.
Can You Grow Chicken of the Woods for Chickens?
Heck yea partner, you sure can cultivate your very own chicken of the woods patch specifically for your feathered friends to enjoy! Just like folks grow oyster and shiitake mushrooms, chicken of the woods is one you can easily propagate with a bit of forestry know-how.
All you need is the right type of logs – preferably hardwoods that sometimes naturally fruit the mushroom anyway, such as oak, poplar, or sweetgum. Once you find a nice fallen log around 4-6 inches thick, you take mushroom spawn/plugs (available online) and gently drill holes into the log about 2-3 inches deep, roughly 6 inches apart. Then insert the spawn pieces like little mushroom bullets ready to sprout.
After sealing the holes back up with wax or lacquer, you place the inoculated logs in an area that gets decent shade and keep the bark surface lightly misted with water as it colonizes. Maintain humidity levels around 80% if you can. With some patience, within roughly 12-18 months you’ll start seeing cute little chicken nugs peeking out all over your homegrown log!
Then you simply break off small pieces for your chickens to enjoy as a yummy nibble. Talk about farm fresh foraging – you grew it yourself! I’ll admit the idea of cultivated chicken nuggets for chickens does give me a chuckle.
Growing your own patch lets you better monitor varieties and control portions fed. Plus it’s just plain fun to cultivate mushrooms and watch the chickens enjoy your handiwork. Might have to give this project a try myself down the line!
Any Tips for Feeding Chicken of the Woods to Chickens?
Alright friends, since we know chickens can enjoy chicken of the woods in moderation, here are some tips if you do decide to share the mushroomy love:
Always start small, maybe just a few dried pieces or a single fresh nugget per bird at first. Let them get accustomed to the slight change in taste. Don’t want any tummy issues!
Monitor appetite and poops after – check for any signs of the runs or loss of interest in feed. That’s your cue to hold off more mushroom morsels for a bit.
Fresh is usually best if available, but dried/powdered pieces rehydrated could work too for added nutrients in feed. Just don’t overdo the portions.
Variety is the spice of life – rotate mushroom treats with other approved snacks like mealworms, veggie scraps or grain mixes.
Always remove any uneaten ‘shrooms after a short while so they don’t get left to spoil or mold. You want fresh and healthy fungus fun only.
Don’t rely on foraged pieces as their sole food – balanced diet remains key using tried-and-true feed mixes as the foundation. Treats should supplement, not substitute.
Most of all, have fun observing those curious chickens enjoy their very own namesake! Just be mindful not to go overboard with portions is all.
What Other Wild Mushrooms Can Chickens Eat?
While chicken of the woods seems to be a fun one for chickens to enjoy occasionally, it’s not the only mushroom they can safely snack on in moderation. Other common fungal finds that chickens reportedly like include lion’s mane, maple mushrooms, and chicken mushrooms.
Lion’s mane has an interesting texture that chickens find intriguing to peck at. Also known as bearded tooth or pom pom, it provides zinc, B vitamins, and antioxidants. Make sure to only give them the off-white branches and avoid any older yellow blobs that can decompose fast.
Maple mushrooms boast an instantly recognizable maroon capped mushroom that fruits under maple trees in fall. Rich in nutrients like riboflavin and niacin, chickens have been observed eagerly nibbling small dried pieces. Its fruity and subtly sweet flavor profiles well for chickens’ tastebuds too.
Another common edible mushroom chickens may sample is the aptly named chicken mushroom. Resembling a tiny white chicken drumstick, this wood loving mushroom pops up in lawns and gardens. High in vitamin D and safe in moderation, it can introduce mycelium-grown wonders to chickens used to just pecks and grains.
As always, proper mushroom identification is crucial before allowing any foraging or feasting. Avoid blue staining or all white mushrooms which could indicate toxicity. Only introduce small certified edible pieces mixed into regular feed in controlled amounts for best results. With this guidance, chickens can expand their palates beyond their regular fare.
Tips for Safely Foraging With Chickens
While mushroom hunting can be thrilling, bringing chickens along requires proper precautions. Always supervise closely to avoid ingesting unknown specimens. Start gradually in small contained areas to assess interest and abilities.
Bring treats and train basic commands first so they associate foraging positively. “Food” can get their attention back quickly if distracted. Leashes may help contain exuberance.
Be mindful of predator dangers like hawks in open spaces. Dense woods provide cover but require watching for ticks/chiggers too. Early mornings offer visibility with less critters about.
Carry supplies like clean water, first aid kit, and treats. Consider temporary fencing or tethers if stopping for breaks. Make chickens comfortable before expecting cooperation in unknown spots.
As search partners go, chickens scanning the ground meticulously surpass many canine capabilities. Use their keen senses judiciously with care for their wellbeing. Fun activities strengthen human-chicken bonds when done sensibly.
Proper Chicken of the Woods Storage and Preparation
To preserve nutrition for chickens, properly store and prep chicken of the woods. For short-term freshness, refrigerate unwashed pieces wrapped in paper towels inside a vented container up to 5 days.
For longer storage, slice or break into small pieces and dehydrate thoroughly at 135°F until crispy yet pliable. Crumble or powderize and store in an airtight glass jar for 3-6 months. Rehydrate dried bits as needed.
For direct chicken consumption, wash then thinly slice or crumble fresh or rehydrated mushroom. Overcooking destroys nutrients, so lightly sauté, bake or add raw to their feed as a topper.
Dehydrating concentrates flavor chickens find enticing. Try powderizing some into a seasoning blend with minerals too. Chickens pecking crumbles will self-regulate intake without waste.
Proper handling preserves nutrition chickens absorb. Keep preparation areas sanitized to discourage pests or cross-contamination risks between wildlife foraging and home flocks.
Pairing Chicken of the Woods With Other Foods
Just as variety spices up people’s plates, rotating complementary foods boosts chickens’ feed enjoyment and nutrition. Experiment pairing chicken of the woods snippets with:
– Cracked corn or oats – fiber boosts and carbs balance out the protein punch.
– Hard-boiled eggs – bioavailable vitamins and choline complement mushroom minerals.
– Bone meal – calcium and phosphorus support flocks overall health.
– Spirulina or kelp meal – stacked seaweed superfoods pack micros the mushroom may lack.
– Freeze-dried mealworms – extra protein keeps chickens’ energy levels elevated.
– Veggie/fruit bits – carrots, apples, etc. offer fiber, antioxidants and variety.
– Spice blends – turmeric, oregano or garlic powder make it extra enticing!
Always pair fun fungi with tried-and-true staples, rotating offerings weekly to optimize nutrient absorption profiles and interest levels. Chickens prefer a balanced, colorful plate too!
Can Chickens Develop a Taste for Mushrooms?
With consistent exposure, yes chickens can develop preferences similar to acquired human tastes. Offering approved varieties periodically from a young age expands their dining horizons over a lifetime.
Factors influencing likeliness include genetics, upbringing environment and positive conditioning. Chickens reared foraging have demonstrated keener interest versus strict-feeding commercial stocks.
Every tastebud is an individual, but consistent rewards gradually shape perceptions. Serving mushrooms alongside standard feed pairs them subliminally with satisfaction.
Experimenting with textures, preparation methods and complementary flavors also boosts appeal. Dehydrated or powderized integrate better than slimy/raw specimens initially off-putting.
Chickens’ keen sense of smell likewise shapes opinions. Familiar mushroom scents carried on handlers’ skin/clothes associate them with humans unconsciously.
Patience, gradual exposure and positive framing through feeding fun maximizes chances chickens embrace mushrooms as an occasional delicacy, just as many people do through similar lifestyle influences.
Signs a Chicken May Have Mushroom Toxicity
While chicken of the woods seems well tolerated, it’s always wise recognising any issues promptly. Key signs potentially indicating mushroom toxicity in chickens include:
- Lethargy, depression, hunched posture
- Watery diarrhea, especially greenish
- Abdominal swelling or discomfort
- Off feed and not interacting normally
- Erratic breathing, gasping for air
- Seizures, convulsions, neurological impact
- Jaundiced discoloring of eyes/skin
Act quickly contacting an avian veterinarian if multiple severe symptoms appear within a few hours of foraging/consuming wild mushrooms. Decontamination through administration of syrup of ipecac or activated charcoal may help if cause is recent.
With any new foods, introducing gradually and monitoring closely gives early warnings. Store mushroom identification resources near their coop as well in case of possible accidental poisonings outdoors too. Prevention through education and supervision offers the best protection.
Taking care observing chickens daily keeps any issues from progressing unnoticed if issues do arise unexpectedly someday, whether from wild fungi or other dietary/environmental factors impacting their wellbeing at any life stage.
