Yes, chickens can eat beetroot! Both the roots and the greens are safe and enjoyable treats for your flock.
Beetroot as a Chicken Treat
Chickens can happily consume beetroot in various forms:
- Raw: While chickens will peck at raw beets, slicing them in half or grating them makes it easier, especially for ducks.
- Cooked: Cooked beets are also a palatable option for your chickens.
- Beet greens and stalks: These are a particular favorite among chickens and ducks.
Several sources confirm this: Fresh Eggs Daily, Grit, and Grubbly Farms all state that chickens enjoy beets, beet greens, and stalks, both raw and cooked. Backyard Chickens forums also support this (https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/can-chickens-eat-beet-greens.1511274/). One forum even discusses whether beets affect yolk color (https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/will-beets-affect-yolk-color.435752/), indirectly confirming their suitability as chicken feed. Note that pickled beets are a different matter, and should not be given as the pickling process involves added preservatives which are not good for chicken consumption.
Important Note: While beetroot is a healthy addition to a chicken's diet, it shouldn't be a staple food. Offer it as an occasional treat alongside their regular feed. Also, be prepared for colorful chicken droppings afterwards!
