Do you know what the 10 most popular Thanksgiving dishes are? I had my suspicions, and after a quick internet search, I’m happy to say I got most of the list right! Let me tell you, I’ve got a few personal favorites on this list.
Here are the top 10 dishes you’ll find on most Thanksgiving tables:
Roast Turkey
Stuffing
Mashed Potatoes
Green Bean Casserole
Corn
Sweet Potatoes
Brussel Sprouts
Cranberry Sauce
Pecan Pie
Pumpkin Pie
If your family is anything like mine, we cook for a crowd and always have plenty of leftovers. And yes, that includes letting my chickens feast on Thanksgiving leftovers!
Before you start sharing, though, it’s important to be careful with what you feed your flock. Some dishes are great for them, while others should be avoided. Let’s break down the top 10 Thanksgiving dishes and see which leftovers you can share with your chickens.
1. Roast Turkey: Yes!
It’s safe to feed your chickens leftover turkey! In fact, chickens love picking at turkey carcasses. They get entertainment and extra protein, which is especially helpful if they’re molting in the fall.
2. Stuffing: No
Sorry, but your girls will have to pass on stuffing. While chickens love bread, stuffing is usually high in salt, and chickens are susceptible to salt poisoning. So it’s best to keep this Thanksgiving favorite off their plate.
3. Mashed Potatoes: No
Our recommendation is to avoid feeding white potatoes to your chickens. Potatoes can contain solanine, a toxin that can cause digestive issues like diarrhea. Better safe than sorry!
4. Green Bean Casserole: Yes!
Good news—green bean casserole is safe to share! Green beans offer some nutrition for your hens, so feel free to toss any leftovers their way.
5. Corn: Yes!
You can feed your chickens corn—whether it’s raw, cooked, or dried. Just make sure any cooked corn isn’t overly salted or buttered. Corn should be considered a treat and fed in moderation.
6. Sweet Potatoes: Yes!
Feel free to give your chickens sweet potatoes. If you made sweet potato casserole, though, be sure to remove the sugary marshmallow topping before serving it to your hens. No one needs that much sugar, not even chickens! Ha!
7. Brussel Sprouts: Yes!
Brussel sprouts are a great leftover to share with your chickens. They’re packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a super healthy treat for your flock.
8. Cranberry Sauce: Yes!
Chickens love cranberries! If your cranberry sauce has a lot of sugar, just be sure to feed it in moderation. Fresh cranberries are even better for them!
9. Pecan Pie: Yes, in Moderation
Chickens can enjoy a little pecan pie, but here comes the sugar warning again. Make sure it’s just a treat! Chickens can eat a variety of nuts, including walnuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts, and more, but always in moderation.
10. Pumpkin Pie: Yes, in Moderation
Like pecan pie, pumpkin pie is fine for chickens as an occasional treat. Pumpkin itself provides some nutritional value with calcium, potassium, and magnesium, so it’s a better option than pecan pie!
I hope this guide helps you decide which Thanksgiving leftovers are safe to share with your flock. For more tips on what to feed (and what not to feed) your chickens, be sure to check out my other blog. Don’t forget to explore my post on safe fruits and vegetables for your hens, too!
And if you want to give your chickens a treat that’s not only delicious but also supports egg quality and immunity, try our favorite snacks—Happy Tract and Golden Graze! Your flock will love them!
Wishing you and your family (and your chickens!) a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Until next time,
–The Wing Lady
Golden Graze - For Quality Eggs & Golden Yolks Golden Graze is a daily chicken snack that promotes quality eggs with golden yolks and Omega-3 fatty acids. It contains oregano essential oils, multi-grains, cracked corn, oyster shells, marigold petals and flaxseed. Treat your hens to this healthy snack and enjoy eggsellent eggs.
Happy Tract - For Digestive Healthy & Immunity
Happy Tract is a daily chicken snack that promotes digestive health in your flock. It contains oregano, cinnamon and thyme essential oils, prebiotics, multi-grains, cracked corn and sunflower seed. Treat your feathered friends to this healthy snack.