Protein is an essential nutrient for chickens, as it helps them grow and develop properly. Many chicken keepers are constantly looking for ways to supplement their chickens’ diets to help improve their health and well-being. Whey protein is a popular supplement that is great for supplementing human protein. So, can chickens eat whey protein?
Can Chickens Eat Or Drink Whey Protein?
The answer is yes, and chickens can safely eat whey protein. Whey protein is a byproduct of the cheese-making process and is rich in high-quality protein. It is also a good source of essential amino acids needed for proper growth and development. Chickens that consume whey protein will typically lay more eggs and have better feather growth.
Chickens love eating all kinds of foods and table scraps. However, some foods can be harmful or even fatal to chickens. Therefore, knowing what foods are safe for chickens and which should be avoided is important.
If you’re looking for a safe source of protein for your laying hens, consider adding some whey protein to their diet. Here’s everything you need to know about feeding whey protein to chickens, but first, let’s look at the benefits and dangers of feeding whey protein to your birds.
Is Whey Protein Safe for Chickens?
According to this study, whey protein contains concentrates that can have benefits when fed to broilers. For example, a Whey protein diet can improve the kidneys and decrease serum triglycerides and total cholesterol, including LDL.
That said, whey is not a natural part of a chicken’s diet. This means backyard chickens will thrive without whey protein if they eat a well-balanced diet.
Are There Any Health Benefits From Feeding Chickens Whey Protein?
Whey has many benefits for humans, so it’s not surprising that it also benefits chickens. One of the main benefits is that it’s a great source of protein.
Protein is essential for chickens, as it helps them grow and develop properly. In addition, protein helps chickens lay strong and healthy eggs. If you have laying hens, you may want to consider adding whey protein to their diet to help them lay healthier eggs.
Another benefit of whey protein is that it’s a good source of essential amino acids. Amino acids are essential molecules vital to all living beings, as they are the building blocks of proteins. Chickens need amino acids to grow and develop properly, so whey protein can be a great way to supplement their diet.
Protein plays a vital role in development and growth, egg production, building a robust immune system, and several other biological functions.
Are There Any Dangers From Feeding Chickens Whey Protein?
While there are many benefits to feeding chickens whey protein, there are also some potential dangers. The biggest is the overconsumption of protein. Like humans, too much protein can cause issues in chickens.
Too much protein in a chicken’s diet can lead to kidney failure. This is why most people avoid supplementing protein in a chicken’s diet, except during the late summer or fall, which is the molting season.
Does Whey or Tofu Have More Protein?
One cup of whey protein (depending on the brand) consists of 2.1 grams of protein. Chicken Feed varies from 16-24% protein, depending on the type of feed. Below are the types of chicken feed and the amounts of protein they consist of:
- Starter Feed: Consists of 20-24% protein and is meant for chickens aged 0-8 weeks old.
- Grower Feed: Consists of 16-18% protein and is meant for chickens aged 6-20 weeks.
- Developer Feed: Consists of 14-16% protein and is excellent for pullets and cockerels.
- Layer Feed: Consists of 16% protein and helps encourage egg laying.
- Finisher Feed: Consists of 15 – 18% protein. This feed is meant for chickens that are getting ready to be slaughtered.
As you can see, chicken feed consists of more protein than whey protein. However, adding whey as an occasional snack will not hurt your chicken and can actually provide them with some additional nutrients.
Nutritional Information for Whey Protein
Nutritional information for whey powder will vary depending on the brand. However, below are some of the nutrients you’ll find in one scoop of whey.
| Nutrient | Quantity |
| Fat | 1 gram |
| Protein | 13 grams |
| Sodium | 75 mg |
| Sugars | 1 gram |
Will Chickens Eat Whey Protein?
Most chickens will eat whey. However, like humans, some won’t enjoy the taste, texture, or smell. You can mix whey protein with their regular feed or offer it to them as a treat.
How To Feed Chickens Whey Protein?
Many people who make homemade yogurt feed their chickens the leftover liquid whey, so it doesn’t go to waste. The best way to feed it to chickens is to pour it over their regular feed and allow the feed to absorb the liquid. Then, place it in a bowl and put it in their coop.
Your chickens will eat it up, and it’s a great way to give them some extra protein. If you don’t have chickens, you can also feed whey to other animals such as pigs, goats, and even dogs.
Pigs love whey, so you can easily share the whey between the two animals if you have both chickens and pigs.
The Dangers of Feeding Backyard Chickens Whey Protein
Even though whey protein is not toxic to chickens, moderation is key. Feeding chickens too much whey protein can lead to health problems such as kidney failure and gastrointestinal issues.
A chicken’s digestive system is different is like a well-oiled machine. When everything runs smoothly, a chicken can eat almost anything without problems. However, when something disrupts the digestive system, it can cause serious health problems in chickens.
You’ll want to be on the lookout for gastrointestinal symptoms such as:
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Weak and Listless
- Drop in weight
If you notice these or any unusual symptoms in your chickens after feeding them whey, stop feeding them immediately. Contact an avian veterinarian, as the issues can escalate and cause death.
Generally, as long as you moderate how much whey protein you’re giving your chickens, they will be just fine. A little bit of whey protein can benefit their health and help them grow strong and healthy. Just make sure not to overdo it.
Best Whey Protein for Chickens
Not all whey protein powders are created equally. Some have added ingredients that can be harmful to chickens, so it’s crucial to choose a powder that is pure and doesn’t have any additives, poorly sourced ingredients, and tons of sweeteners.
Below is a list of some of the best lactose-free protein powders on the market today. However, before adding whey to your chicken’s diet, you’ll want to consult with a veterinarian to ensure it’s the right decision for your flock.
5 Lactose-Free Whey Protein Powders to try
- Vega One
- Naked Egg
- Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein
- Optimum Nutrition Hydrolyzed Whey
- Plant Fusion Complete Protein
Not all of the above are entirely free of lactose. However, they all contain little to no lactose, so you’ll want to read the ingredient labels before purchasing.
Other Sources of Protein for Backyard Chickens
If you don’t want to risk feeding your chickens whey protein because of the side effects, it can cause. Instead, consider some of these other human and poultry treats that are safe for backyard chickens and high in protein.
Some high-protein foods that are safe for chickens include:
- Cooked Eggs
- Mealworms
- Cat Food
- Fish or Fish Meal
- Earth Worms
- Meat
- Lentils
- Sunflower Seeds
The amount of protein backyard chickens require depends on their age, activity level, and whether they are laying eggs or not.
If you have backyard chickens younger than six months old, they will need a diet of 20% protein. Younger chickens require more protein than adult chickens because they are growing and need extra protein to help them develop properly.
If your backyard chickens are six months old and are not laying eggs, they will only need a diet of 14% protein. However, if your backyard chickens are six months old and laying eggs, they will need a diet of at least 16-17%% protein.
Chickens that are laying eggs need more protein in their diet because they are using up a lot of energy to produce eggs. If you do not give them enough protein, they can start to eat their own feathers or stop laying eggs altogether.
Final Word
Whey protein is safe for backyard chickens if fed in moderation. Most chickens will love the taste of it. That said, whey protein contains lactose, and chickens don’t have the proper enzymes to digest milk and other dairy products. So, while a little whey protein won’t hurt your chicken, too much of it can cause digestive problems.
If you feel your birds aren’t getting enough protein in their diet, consult a veterinarian or poultry nutritionist to see if whey protein is the right supplement for your flock.
Many other sources of protein are safe for chickens, so there’s no need to take any chances with your birds’ health.
Related Articles
Sources
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16268109/
https://www.setforset.com/blogs/news/lactose-free-protein-powder
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S105661711932272X
