Can Chickens Eat Mango? Is Mango a Safe Food?

Did you know that in some countries, mangoes are called the “Kings of Fruits.” There is no denying that mango is scrumptious. So if you want to let your chickens sample mango, no one is going to blame you. But is that really a good idea? Can chickens eat mango? The good news is yes, mango is safe for chickens to consume as a treat.

Now, let’s investigate whether mango is beneficial to your flock or if you should treat them with something else.

What Are The Nutritional Benefits of Chickens Eating Mangoes?

Apart from being absolutely delicious and easily digestible, mangoes also boast a ton of benefits for your flock. Although most chicken feed is nutritionally balanced, your chickens will no doubt get bored of the same thing over and over again. Mangoes, along with other fruits and vegetables, are the perfect way to spice up your chicken’s diet and boost their immune system.

Mangoes contain a decent amount of carbohydrates and dietary fiber. A single fruit also has copper, folate, vitamin A, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin K, vitamin E, potassium, niacin, potassium, riboflavin, magnesium, and thiamine. There are also trace amounts of phosphorus, iron, calcium, selenium, and pantothenic acid.

Here is how all that goodness helps your chickens:

Mangoes Are Ripe With Antioxidants

First thing you need to know is that mangoes have a ton of antioxidants, which are responsible for protecting cells from free radicals. As you may know, free radicals are highly destructive and can accelerate cell aging and death. The polyphenols present in mangoes prevent this from happening and can keep your chickens healthier for longer.

Mangoes Support Healthy Hearts

The magnesium and potassium found in mangoes are also essential to heart health. Your chickens will have a steadier pulse, lowered blood pressure, and will generally be more relaxed.

Also, studies have found that an antioxidant present in mangoes called mangiferin counteracts inflammation of the heart cells. Mangiferin can also control fatty acid levels and bad cholesterol.

Mangoes Are Good For Digestion

For chickens, digestive health is a big deal, especially if you want higher quality eggs and meat. In other words, feed them mangoes. The fruit contains amylase, a digestive enzyme that works to make food easier to digest. Your chickens will get more nutrition from mangoes because of said digestive enzyme.

Furthermore, mangoes contain a large amount of dietary fiber and water. Staying hydrated, sated, and not constipated are three things that keep chickens clucking.

Mangoes Boost Immunity

Chickens are not immune to illness and disease. One of the best ways to protect them is to give them foods that are rich in vitamins. Even a small portion of mango contains vitamins A and C. Both vitamins are responsible for supporting the immune system and preventing infections. Vitamin C also helps the body produce more white blood cells. Meanwhile, the vitamin K, E, and B vitamins from mango support the body in numerous ways.

Are There Any Downsides To Feeding Chicken Mangoes?

Mangoes are a heavenly treat for your chickens to consume alongside other fruits, like apples, bananas, and grapes. That said, there are some things to bear in mind when you start cubing the mango for your flock. Mangoes have an overabundance of sugar when they are ripe. That’s why they are so sweet. For humans, the sugar may cause spikes in blood glucose. For chickens, it’s the same.

As a result, your chickens are going to be hyperactive for a short time after consuming mango. This is why you have to monitor how much you give them.

Can Chickens Eat Mango Peel?

While the juicy flesh of a mango is definitely healthy and edible for chickens, the peel is a point of debate. Some chicken owners feel that the peels are safe, so why waste them? However, there are some things you need to keep in mind if you are going to toss your chickens the mango peels, too:

• Mango peels do not taste good. There is a reason you don’t chomp directly into a mango like you would an apple. The peels are unpleasant, to say the least. Think your chickens want to nibble on a tough and sour skin? Nope!
• Peels are rife with pesticide. One of the reasons you should always wash fruit you get from the store is because of pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals that could be present on the skin. Unless you are buying organic, you should skip the peels if you haven’t washed them.
• Your chickens may be allergic to mango peels. Mango skin contains a compound called urushiol, which can cause allergic reactions in some people. Although there are no studies on chickens being allergic to peels, it’s something you want to be careful about.

Can Chickens Eat Mango Seeds?

Unlike some fruits and vegetables that have pits or seeds that are dangerous for chickens (looking at you, avocado), mango pits are safe. However, you should only offer unripe mango pits, because they are much softer. Ripe mangoes have a much more dense pit and seed that will be impossible for your chickens to digest.

If you want to give your chickens the pit of a mango, be sure to cut it up into small chunks. You can also peel a mango and set the fruit whole on the ground. Your chickens will consume all that they can then leave what they don’t want alone.

How To Feed Mangoes To Chickens

When it comes to feeding your chickens any kind of food, knowing the right way to go about it is important. Fortunately, mangoes do not require a lot of preparation for your chickens to eat. The main thing is that you choose a ripe mango, as they are easier for your chickens to eat and enjoy.

There are two ways to give your chickens mango:

• Chop your mango into tiny cubes and put it on a plate or somewhere clean for your chickens to eat.
• Hang larger pieces of mango for your chickens to peck throughout the day. The downside to this is that larger chickens may bully the smaller ones and overeat.

Since chickens prefer to eat smaller portions throughout the day instead of a single large meal, it’s recommended that you toss them only a few treats to begin. Depending on the size of your flock, you may have to put out larger tubs of food. In that case, you can mix fruits and vegetables in with the chicken’s premium feed.

A Balanced Diet is Still Important

Seeing that your chickens are happily clucking and devouring mango, you might want to give them seconds or thirds of the fruit. It’s better to not do that. Chickens are prone to obesity and other medical conditions — the same as humans. This means they need a balanced and healthy diet. While mango has a place in their diet, it should not be the only thing they eat.

Chickens need a high quality diet that is made up predominantly of chicken feed or pellets. Most chicken feed is specially formulated to provide adequate nutrition. Anything else after that is considered a treat.

That said, there was never any harm done from providing your chickens with a smorgasbord of fruits, vegetables, and other table scraps. As long as you are eliminating any dangerous foods, such as unripe potatoes and avocado or anything spoiled and rotten, whatever you give your chickens will benefit them in some way.

Treat your chickens with mango and other goodies, as well as a chance to roam the yard for insects once in a while. Spoiling your chickens with delicious food is bound to keep them happy and laying larger, tastier eggs.

To Summarize

Can chickens eat mangoes? Definitely. Mango is a delicious and healthy fruit that chickens love. There are also many nutritional benefits to providing your flock with some juicy mango. Keep in mind, though, that mango should never make up more than 10% of your chicken’s diet, as it is high in sugar. A sprinkle of mango magic is all you need for a happy flock.