Can Chickens  Eat Watercress: Nutrition, Benefits, and How to Feed

Yes, chickens can eat watercress. It is a good source of some essential minerals and vitamins for chickens. Chickens can get vitamin A, along with vitamin C and vitamin K. Watercress is also a good source of different kinds of nutrition like calcium, potassium, and sodium. 

Watercress provides your chickens with numerous benefits. It increases the growth rate of your chickens by offering the necessary vitamin A. You can find watercress at a cheap price and can prepare different dishes for your avian friends. 

You need to feed your chickens in a proper manner so that they can experience the benefits of eating watercress. Make sure you are not overfeeding them, as it can lead to various health complications. 

Nutrition Value of Watercress

Watercress is a good source of necessary nutrition for chickens. You should always learn properly about the food value of any food before providing it to your chickens. Let’s have a quick look at the nutritional value of watercress. 

Nutrition name	Amount (per 100g)
Calories	11
Cholesterol	0 mg
Total Fat	0.1 g
Potassium	330 mg
Sodium	41 mg
Dietary fiber	0.5 g
Sugar	0.2 g
Vitamin C	71%
Magnesium	5%
Vitamin B6	5%
Calcium	12%

Benefits of Feeding Watercress to Chickens

Chickens enjoy eating watercress, and is this not enough benefit to feed your chickens with watercress? But don’t worry. There are some other benefits of watercress for chickens. Here are some of the major benefits of watercress. 

1. A Good Source of Nutrition

Watercress offers a number of nutrients. Your chickens will be greatly benefitted by the addition of watercress in their diet. Watercress is high in vitamins and minerals alike. These nutrients are necessary for you to lead a healthy life. 

Watercress is high in both vitamin C and calcium. In fact, the presence of calcium and vitamin C is higher than in milk. This makes the watercress a very safe option to feed your chickens. They will benefit from the antioxidants present in watercress. 

2. Boosts Immune System

Your chickens need a strong immune system to stay healthy. Otherwise, they will be infected by various kinds of germs and fall ill. Watercress provides vitamin C, which is essential for a strong immune system. Since chickens often forage from the ground, they can eat unhealthy foods and substances. A stronger immune system will keep them safe. 

3. Reduces the Risk of Cancer

Cancer is a deadly disease, even for your chickens. Watercress helps you prevent the disease from occurring in your chicks. The leaves are high in beta-carotene and other carotenoids. These are crucial compounds that can save your chickens from cancer attacks.

Watercress also offers antioxidants apart from beta-carotene. Antioxidants protect their body from free radical damage.  

4. Improves Heart Condition

Another major benefit of feeding watercress to your chickens is that it can protect the hearts of your chickens. The antioxidants present in this green can lower the risk of heart disease. Additionally, the presence of iron can contribute to the production of blood cells. This keeps your chickens healthy and strong.

5. Adds a Variation to Their Diet

Cresses are not just healthy but also delicious food for your chickens. To ensure proper growth for chickens, you need to give a variety of foods to your chickens to eat. This will keep your poultry pets healthy and active. 

If you provide the same food every day to your hens, they will lose interest in eating. Lack of eating can result in a lack of nutrition, and they can get sick. Giving them watercress along with chicken feeds and other foods will provide them with the necessary nutrition, as well as please them. 

6. Makes Their Bones Healthier

Every animal needs strong bones. There is no exception for your chickens. Watercress is a good source of calcium and phosphorus for them. These minerals make their bones stronger, and they can stay active. 

7. Improves the Egg Quality

Minerals like phosphorus and potassium are also important for egg health. These minerals make the shell of the egg stronger to protect the yolk from damage. If the shells are weak, the newborn chicks will be weaker, too. 

Besides, the chicks in weak eggs often die during hatching. Therefore, you need to ensure your chickens are getting enough minerals. Introducing a watercress can be an effective step for that. 

How to Prepare Watercress for Your Chickens?

Can chickens eat watercress? You already know the answer. But this knowledge leads you to another question. How you are going to feed these nutritious foods to your chickens is a matter of concern. But don’t worry. Here’s A step-by-step guide for that:

• You should choose organically grown and fresh watercress. Make sure they are not spoiled and do not have any bad smell. 
• Check the leaves carefully. There can be little insects hidden in the stems and leaves. You must remove them. 
• You must wash the watercress properly. This will wash away the chemical compounds and pesticides if used. 
• If you notice any insects that are not suitable for your birds, handpick them and remove them. 
• Cut the crosses into small pieces suitable for your chickens. Chickens can have difficulty eating them whole. There is also a high risk of choking.
• Chickens can usually eat the stems. However, you should check and remove the rough ones that are not suitable for their beaks. 
• Offer the prepared watercress to your chickens fresh and at room temperature. 
• Observe if your chickens are loving the food you have served. If not, you should not force them. 
• Give watercress in a limited amount to avoid overfeeding. 

How Often Can Chickens Eat Watercress?

It is important to understand how often you can feed your chickens with watercress. These leafy greens are beneficial for them in many ways. However, you must forget that this is not their primary food. They are omnivores and should be fed different kinds of foods. 

You can offer them cresses once or twice a week. In the meantime, you can offer them other types of foods like fruits, seeds, scraps, etc. This will benefit them to have a good metabolism. Since there is oxalic acid in these leafy greens, it can be harmful for them to consume watercress every day. 

How Many Watercress Can Chickens Eat?

Two fresh watercress will be enough for your chicken a day. Chickens are not known for eating too much. They can peck and forage around for food. But at the end of the day, you will find out that they have not eaten much. Therefore, a small amount of cress is enough for your chickens. 

Watercress should not be consumed in excess by your chickens, as this can lead to various health complications. Therefore, you should not serve more than two watercress to a chicken. If you notice any remains after the day, remove them. You should also give them other foods along with the cress. 

Fresh or Dried Watercress: Which Is Better for Your Birds?

Chickens can have both fresh and dried watercress. Both of these greens have a high amount of nutrients to offer. Fresh watercress offers moisture along with foliage to nibble. They are crispy and have a peppery taste. It is highly suitable for the digestive systems of your chickens.

Nonetheless, there is a drawback of fresh watercress. They are prone to spoiling. They, in fact, spoil quickly. If fresh watercress is not available all the time, then you can give your hens dried cress. Dried watercress contains almost the same nutrition as fresh ones. However, some vitamins get reduced because of their water-soluble behavior. 

So the bottom line is both fresh and dried watercress are safe for chickens. See which one is convenient for you. You can also check on your chickens. Offer them both types of cresses and see which one they like. You can also introduce them to watercress alternatively. 

Do Chickens Like Watercress?

Yes, chickens enjoy eating watercress. You might have been wondering whether this nutritious food is delicious for them. Yes, it is. Watercress has a bright green color that attracts chickens. The fresh ones are crispy and have a juicy texture. Chickens love these features of the cress.

There is also a mild spicy flavor in watercress. This taste is not common in the other foods they eat. Therefore, they are attracted to cresses. Still, some chickens can be picky. They may not show enough interest in these leafy greens. Offer them watercress in a bundle, and they, too, will be attracted by the abundance of green. 

You can also mix some other foods with the cress. This will enhance both the taste and nutrition. Try mixing oats, rice, or other grains that chickens love to have. Make sure your chickens are not eating them in excess because of the taste. 

What Can Chickens Eat from Watercress?

Chickens can eat every part of the watercress, and it is completely safe for them. You can give them the leaves, stems, or even the flowers. They will happily devour them. However, the most nutritious portions are the leaves and tender stems. 

You should feed your chickens the leaves of watercress primarily. There lies the most amount of vitamins and minerals. However, you can also add flowers and stems, and it will add a good flavor for them. Make sure to cut them into small pieces and mix them properly. 

Watercress flowers are edible for chickens. You can serve these flowers sometimes for a change. Chickens love the taste of the flowers as well. However, these flowers do not contain as much nutritional value as the leaves or the stems. 

Can You Grow Watercress in the Backyard?

Of course, you can. Why should you not be? Growing watercress will be a nice treat for your chickens. Besides, you will have a good supply of watercress all the time. And you can ensure the quality and organic character of the cress when grown in your place. 

• Choose a spot with partial shade or full sun near a water source.
• Watercress thrives in moist soil with good drainage. Prepare the soil by adding organic matter. If necessary, add compost.
• Watercress can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Plant them in rows or containers.
• Keep the soil consistently moist. Watercress loves water, so consider using a water feature or a tray with water for constant hydration.
• You can apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to promote growth.
• You need to regularly trim the tips to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering.
• You can start harvesting the watercress leaves when they reach 2-3 inches in length. 
• Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and snails, and address them promptly.

Potential Risk of Feeding Watercress to Chickens

Watercress, in general, is a safe and nutritious food for chickens. However, you should follow a routine to give them to your chickens. Irregularity can cause some potential side effects. Here are some of the negative effects of watercress when consumed in high volume: 

• Eating too many watercress can cause digestive problems in your chickens. 
• If they are commercially grown, then watercress can contain pesticides and other chemical compounds. These compounds are not safe for chickens. They can suffer from health complications. 
• Watercress also contains oxalic acid. Consuming too much watercress will result in an extra amount of the acid in their stomach. This can cause diarrhea and other diseases. 
• Chickens are omnivores and need different foods for an optimal health condition. Over-reliance on watercress can hamper their nutrition supply, and they can become weak and ill. 

What Other Leafy Greens Can Chickens Eat?

Chickens can eat a variety of foods, including greens. Thanks to their digestive system. Here are some other leafy greens you can offer to your chickens along with watercress:

Kale	High in vitamins and antioxidants. This leafy green can contribute to the egg production of chickens.
Swiss Chard	Rich in vitamins and minerals. It promotes healthy feathers and makes your birds look more beautiful.
Spinach	Provides iron and calcium, which are essential minerals for strong eggshells.
Lettuce	Hydrating and a source of fiber, adds variety to the diet.
Dandelion Greens	These leafy greens are nutrient-packed, and support overall chicken health.
Collard Greens	High in calcium and fiber, beneficial for egg-laying hens.
Mustard Greens	Nutrient-dense greens that aid in maintaining good health.
Cabbage	A good source of vitamins. It can add a good variation for your chickens. They are also known as boredom busters for chickens.
Beet Greens	Rich in vitamins and can enhance egg yolk color.
Arugula	Adds a peppery flavor and extra nutrients to chickens’ diet.
Watercress	High in vitamins and adds variety to their menu.
Broccoli	Provides vitamins and minerals. Adding these greens will contribute to a balanced diet.

What Greens Should Chickens Not Eat?

There are certain greens that you must avoid from feeding to your chickens. They can contain unhealthy substances for your chickens. Here are some of the common greens you need to avoid:

Nightshade Plants	Contains toxic compounds that can harm chickens.
Rhubarb Leaves	Contains oxalic acid, which can be toxic in large amounts.
Potato Leaves	Contain solanine, a harmful substance for chickens.
Tomato Leaves	Contain solanine and tomatine, toxic to chickens.
Avocado	Contains persin, which is harmful to poultry.
Hemlock	Highly toxic to chickens and should be avoided at all costs.

FAQ

Can chickens eat garden cress?

Yes, chickens can eat garden cress. Garden cress is a nutritious leafy green and can be a healthy addition to their diet. It provides vitamins and minerals. Chickens also enjoy picking at it as part of their varied diet.

What leaves are bad for chickens?

Chickens should avoid leaves from nightshade plants, rhubarb leaves, potato leaves, tomato leaves, avocado, and hemlock. These leaves contain toxic compounds such as solanine, oxalic acid, and persin. These compounds can be harmful or even deadly to chickens.

Is it OK to give chickens greens every day?

Yes, it’s generally safe to give chickens greens daily as part of their balanced diet. Leafy greens provide essential nutrients and can be a healthy addition. However, ensure variety in their diet. Give them fruits, seeds, and grains to fulfill all the necessary nutrition. 

Can chickens eat mustard cress?

Yes, chickens can eat mustard cress. Mustard cress is a nutritious leafy green. You can add these greens to their diet. Your chickens will benefit from the minerals and vitamins available in this food. 

Can chickens eat bittercress?

Yes, chickens can eat bittercress. Bittercress is a common wild plant found in many regions and is generally safe for chickens to consume. It adds variety to their diet and is a source of greens. You must ensure that the bittercress is free from pesticides.

Conclusion: Can Chickens Eat Watercress?

You must have understood by now that there is no problem in feeding watercress to your chickens. Instead, it is a nutritious and tasty addition to the diet. However, you must not overfeed them with these leafy greens and should also provide them with foods for variations and to offer other necessary nutrition. Your chickens will be healthy and strong.