{"id":1840,"date":"2023-12-01T12:58:36","date_gmt":"2023-12-01T12:58:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/?p=1840"},"modified":"2023-12-01T13:04:56","modified_gmt":"2023-12-01T13:04:56","slug":"can-chickens-eat-bbq-chicken","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/can-chickens-eat-bbq-chicken\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Chickens Feast on BBQ Chicken Safely?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>I remember it like it was yesterday &#8211; I had the whole gang over for a barbecue bash in the backyard.<\/p>\n<p>I spent all afternoon slavin&#8217; away over a smokin&#8217; hot grill, churnin&#8217; out plate after plate of the best damned barbecue chicken this side of the Mississippi.<\/p>\n<p>Just as I was fixin&#8217; to dig in myself, what do you know but ol&#8217; Rusty, my trustiest rooster, comes peckin&#8217; around trying to get a taste of the good stuff!<\/p>\n<p><strong>The short answer is yeah, chickens can technically eat barbecue &#8211; but there&#8217;s a few things you need to know first before you go sharin&#8217; your supper with the ladies in your coop.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I know you&#8217;re just dyin&#8217; to find out all the nitty gritty details, so let&#8217;s not waste any more time flappin&#8217; our gums &#8211; I&#8217;m gonna spill all the beans on whether fried fowl really can feast on those fellas &#8216;fore ya know it!<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_66_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-665fc82e53c77\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-665fc82e53c77\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/can-chickens-eat-bbq-chicken\/#The_Birds_Do_It_So_Why_Cant_We\" title=\"The Birds Do It, So Why Can&#8217;t We?\">The Birds Do It, So Why Can&#8217;t We?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/can-chickens-eat-bbq-chicken\/#Is_Barbecue_Nutritious_Enough_for_a_Chickens_Diet\" title=\"Is Barbecue Nutritious Enough for a Chicken&#8217;s Diet?\">Is Barbecue Nutritious Enough for a Chicken&#8217;s Diet?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/can-chickens-eat-bbq-chicken\/#But_What_About_Potential_Issues\" title=\"But What About Potential Issues?\">But What About Potential Issues?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/can-chickens-eat-bbq-chicken\/#So_Whats_the_Final_Call_Here\" title=\"So What&#8217;s the Final Call Here?\">So What&#8217;s the Final Call Here?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/can-chickens-eat-bbq-chicken\/#How_to_Introduce_New_Foods_Safely\" title=\"How to Introduce New Foods Safely\">How to Introduce New Foods Safely<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/can-chickens-eat-bbq-chicken\/#Storage_and_Handling_of_Leftover_People_Food\" title=\"Storage and Handling of Leftover People Food\">Storage and Handling of Leftover People Food<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/can-chickens-eat-bbq-chicken\/#Incorporating_Barbecue_In_Treat-Training_Sessions\" title=\"Incorporating Barbecue In Treat-Training Sessions\">Incorporating Barbecue In Treat-Training Sessions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/can-chickens-eat-bbq-chicken\/#Storing_Barbecue_Leftovers_for_Winter_Feeding\" title=\"Storing Barbecue Leftovers for Winter Feeding\">Storing Barbecue Leftovers for Winter Feeding<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/can-chickens-eat-bbq-chicken\/#Feeding_Only_Barbecue_Leftovers_Without_Grain\" title=\"Feeding Only Barbecue Leftovers Without Grain\">Feeding Only Barbecue Leftovers Without Grain<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Birds_Do_It_So_Why_Cant_We\"><\/span>The Birds Do It, So Why Can&#8217;t We?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1841 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/replicate-prediction-alxfyrtbgyhkvjsv3hji4fmmam.png\" alt=\"can chickens eat bbq chicken\" width=\"1216\" height=\"832\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/replicate-prediction-alxfyrtbgyhkvjsv3hji4fmmam.png 1216w, https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/replicate-prediction-alxfyrtbgyhkvjsv3hji4fmmam-300x205.png 300w, https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/replicate-prediction-alxfyrtbgyhkvjsv3hji4fmmam-768x525.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1216px) 100vw, 1216px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>It may seem downright bizarre that chickens would dine on one of their own, but I&#8217;m here to tell ya it happens more than you&#8217;d think out in the yard.<\/p>\n<p>You see, when times get tough and resources run low, a mother hen won&#8217;t think twice about peckin&#8217; into her own eggs if she&#8217;s feelin&#8217; famished and needs a fast fix.<\/p>\n<p>What&#8217;s more, them young chickens will sometimes turn on each other too if they ain&#8217;t gettin&#8217; enough grub in their guts.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s straight up nature&#8217;s way of survival of the fittest, so in that sense, occasional chicken-on-chicken cannibalism ain&#8217;t all that unnatural.<\/p>\n<p>Now I know the sight of a chicken chowin&#8217; down on another chicken still ain&#8217;t too pretty.<\/p>\n<p>But when you think about it, us humans gobble up all sorts of critters on a daily &#8211; pork chops, beef burgers, fried chicken.<\/p>\n<p>So who are we to judge what another species shoves in their craw, you know?<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Barbecue_Nutritious_Enough_for_a_Chickens_Diet\"><\/span>Is Barbecue Nutritious Enough for a Chicken&#8217;s Diet?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1843 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/replicate-prediction-dd5c3c3babzmqfzz7me5iuneeq.png\" alt=\"can chickens eat bbq chicken\" width=\"1224\" height=\"1232\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/replicate-prediction-dd5c3c3babzmqfzz7me5iuneeq.png 1224w, https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/replicate-prediction-dd5c3c3babzmqfzz7me5iuneeq-298x300.png 298w, https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/replicate-prediction-dd5c3c3babzmqfzz7me5iuneeq-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/replicate-prediction-dd5c3c3babzmqfzz7me5iuneeq-768x773.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1224px) 100vw, 1224px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>When it comes to nutrition, barbecue chicken is packed with protein and healthy fats that birds need to stay healthy and hearty.<\/p>\n<p>The meat is dense with muscle-building amino acids from the chicken alone, plus all the delightful flavors you get from a good rub and a nice char from the grill.<\/p>\n<p>Now don&#8217;t get me wrong, no chicken should be livin&#8217; off peoples&#8217; food alone.<\/p>\n<p>But the occasional nibble of barbecue here and there sure couldn&#8217;t hurt to supplement their commercial feed every once in a blue moon.<\/p>\n<p>You see, store-bought <a href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/can-chickens-eat-chicken-salad\/\">chicken feed<\/a> is specially formulated with all the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients growing chickens require for optimal health and production.<\/p>\n<p>But I reckon an occasional taste of something outside the norm like barbecue wouldn&#8217;t throw their bodies completely out of whack nutritionally.<\/p>\n<p>As long as it ain&#8217;t a steady staple of their diet day in and day out, a few bites of post-cookout leftovers as a treat ain&#8217;t gonna break the bank nutritionally.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"But_What_About_Potential_Issues\"><\/span>But What About Potential Issues?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1842 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/replicate-prediction-n5trs33b63u5ygggmdif6rswwq.png\" alt=\"can chickens eat bbq chicken\" width=\"1248\" height=\"840\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/replicate-prediction-n5trs33b63u5ygggmdif6rswwq.png 1248w, https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/replicate-prediction-n5trs33b63u5ygggmdif6rswwq-300x202.png 300w, https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/replicate-prediction-n5trs33b63u5ygggmdif6rswwq-768x517.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1248px) 100vw, 1248px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>While barbecue chicken may sound like a feathered five-star meal based on flavor alone, there are some risks involved with fowl feastin&#8217; on our cooked creations you gotta be aware of.<\/p>\n<p>For starters, when you smoke or grill meat at high heats, it creates all sorts of nasty bacteria on the surface like Salmonella or E.<\/p>\n<p>coli that can still harbor even after the internal temp hits safe zones for humans.<\/p>\n<p>The thing is, a chicken&#8217;s digestive system just ain&#8217;t built the same way as ours to fight off foodborne illnesses.<\/p>\n<p>Their crops and gizzards are better suited to break down raw grains and such, not necessarily leftover cookout casualties.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, cooked meat sits in the &#8220;danger zone&#8221; of 40-140\u00b0F temperatures where bacteria breeds fastest if left at room temperature for more than two hours.<\/p>\n<p>And we all know friends and family tend to linger long after we&#8217;ve stuffed our faces at a barbecue.<\/p>\n<p>The longer those leftovers sit out, the bigger the risk of contamination increases not just for us but the flock as well.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"So_Whats_the_Final_Call_Here\"><\/span>So What&#8217;s the Final Call Here?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>After explainin&#8217; all the ins and outs, I&#8217;d say chickens can absolutely partake in people food bonanzas like barbecue &#8211; in moderation.<\/p>\n<p>An occasional nibble of well-cooked leftovers as a special treat is just fine every once in a blue moon.<\/p>\n<p>But their primary diet should always consist of commercial feed formulated for optimum poultry health.<\/p>\n<p>And you want to be super selective about which chicken scraps you toss their way.<\/p>\n<p>Nothin&#8217; that&#8217;s sat at room temp too long or looks the slightest bit sketchy.<\/p>\n<p>Safety first, especially when it comes to somethin&#8217; as important as your flock&#8217;s feed.<\/p>\n<p>With a little common sense about food safety, I don&#8217;t see why the ladies out back can&#8217;t sometimes live a little on the wild side like us humans do!<\/p>\n<p>Hope this breakdown has helped shed some light on thedos and don&#8217;ts of sharin&#8217; your share of barbecue bounty with the birds.<\/p>\n<p>Don&#8217;t be afraid to hoot if you need any other poultry pointers &#8211; I&#8217;ve got plenty more where this came from to keep your coop in tip-top shape all season long!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Introduce_New_Foods_Safely\"><\/span>How to Introduce New Foods Safely<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When you want to start offering your chickens an occasional treat like barbecue, it&#8217;s best to do so gradually over time so their systems can adapt.<\/p>\n<p>Begin by only offering a small handful each of any new people foods like leftover grilled chicken pieces.<\/p>\n<p>Watch closely for signs of distress like diarrhea, which would indicate their bodies aren&#8217;t handling the changes well yet.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s always best practice to isolate any new food additions as well by separating them out a few hours before and after regular feed times.<\/p>\n<p>This allows you to monitor how individual birds are faring nutritionally and makes it easier to identify anyone reacting poorly so they don&#8217;t influence the whole flock.<\/p>\n<p>Give it at least a week between any new introductions in case of upset until you know your specific chickens can digest human cuisine without issue.<\/p>\n<p>Go slow when expanding their diets to <a href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/what-shouldnt-you-feed-to-chickens\/\">avoid any potential digestive disruptions from changing things up too fast<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Pay close attention to their behavior and bodily functions to ensure even occasional indulgences like barbecue are well-tolerated.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Storage_and_Handling_of_Leftover_People_Food\"><\/span>Storage and Handling of Leftover People Food<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It&#8217;s crucial that any human food scraps being fed to chickens, especially cooked meats, are stored, prepped and offered properly to reduce risks.<\/p>\n<p>Never throw out or feed spoiled or questionable looking leftovers which could harbor dangerous bacteria.<\/p>\n<p>Divide larger portions into smaller meal-sized servings that can be completely consumed in one sitting to avoid leftovers sitting at unsafe temperatures for prolonged periods.<\/p>\n<p>Store separate servings in multiple airtight containers in the refrigerator if not feeding immediately and clearly label contents and best by dates.<\/p>\n<p>Reheat all leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop until steaming before serving to chickens to help rid potential pathogens.<\/p>\n<p>Feed within one to two days of storage for maximum freshness and reduced risks from degraded quality over time.<\/p>\n<p>Thoroughly clean all surfaces, containers and hands after prepping people food for added precaution against cross-contamination.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Incorporating_Barbecue_In_Treat-Training_Sessions\"><\/span>Incorporating Barbecue In Treat-Training Sessions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It&#8217;s a useful exercise to occasionally offer small rewards to your chickens like tidbits of barbecue chicken when they learn basic behaviors and tricks.<\/p>\n<p>This positive reinforcement training associates you and desired actions with feel-good responses like tasty treats rather than depending solely on avoidance of negative stimuli.<\/p>\n<p>Chickens can be trained to come when called, enter\/exit coop on command, follow basic obstacle courses and even do little shows for adoring neighbors.<\/p>\n<p>During short 5-10 minute sessions a few times per week, reward chickens one at a time with a piece of grilled chicken scrap for compliant responses.<\/p>\n<p>Make the training fun, low-pressure and end on a positive note even if full commands aren&#8217;t mastered in one sitting.<\/p>\n<p>This bonding activity while including safe indulgences makes for well-behaved, confident flocks that also get a nutrition boost.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Storing_Barbecue_Leftovers_for_Winter_Feeding\"><\/span>Storing Barbecue Leftovers for Winter Feeding<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>For those in colder climates where freezing temperatures require housing chickens during winter, any leftover barbecue from summer cookouts can provide welcome nutrition.<\/p>\n<p>Divide cooked meat into small amounts and thoroughly wrap individual portions in several layers of plastic wrap or bags before sealing in an airtight container.<\/p>\n<p>Label contents and freeze promptly after preparation to maintain quality and avoid potential bacteria growth.<\/p>\n<p>Proper freezing prevents degradation and foodborne illness risks better than refrigerated storage over several months.<\/p>\n<p>Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before feeding as with any frozen goods to ensure insides also reach 40\u00b0F or below.<\/p>\n<p>Stored this way, barbecue bits can provide a seasonal treat even amid snowdrifts come December!<\/p>\n<p>Just don&#8217;t over-rely on people food and be sure frozen diets still include necessary nutrients.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Feeding_Only_Barbecue_Leftovers_Without_Grain\"><\/span>Feeding Only Barbecue Leftovers Without Grain<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>While an occasional nibble of barbecue along with a hen&#8217;s regular feed presents few issues, solely subsisting on people food leftovers risks dietary imbalance.<\/p>\n<p>Chickens have very specific nutritional needs not always met by human cuisine alone that commercial feed formulas are expertly balanced for.<\/p>\n<p>A diet relying primarily on cooked meat scraps would lack important vitamins, minerals, proteins and roughage overall digestive health demands.<\/p>\n<p>Signs of nutritional deficiencies over time include lethargy, skeletal weakness, organ damage and increased disease susceptibility.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s generally not recommended to <a href=\"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/can-baby-chickens-eat-adult-chicken-food\/\">feed chickens a sole people food<\/a> diet without balanced grain elements also included.<\/p>\n<p>The occasional taste here and there as a supplement or reward poses little threat when feed staples are still prioritized.<\/p>\n<p>Moderation and a varied, nutrient-rich whole diet is best for longterm flock wellness and production.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I remember it like it was yesterday &#8211; I had the whole gang over for a barbecue bash in the backyard. I spent all afternoon slavin&#8217; away over a smokin&#8217; hot grill, churnin&#8217; out plate after plate of the best damned barbecue chicken this side of the Mississippi. Just as I was fixin&#8217; to dig [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1843,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[118],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1840"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1840"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1840\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2362,"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1840\/revisions\/2362"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1843"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1840"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1840"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chickenrise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1840"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}