First of all, thank you for being here. It means so much that you’re taking the time to learn more about what’s safe and healthy for your backyard flock. As someone who knows the joy of watching happy hens scratch and peck around the garden, I get it — you want only the best for your feathered friends!
So, let’s get to today’s question: Can chickens eat sweet potato peels?
The short and sweet answer is yes, but there’s a little more to the story. Let’s dig into why cooked sweet potato peels can be a nutritious addition to your chickens’ diet — and the best way to serve them safely.
If you’re loving this kind of chicken-care content, be sure to subscribe below to get recipes, care tips, and treat ideas straight to your inbox. Your girls will thank you for it!
What Are Sweet Potato Peels?
Sweet potato peels are the thin outer skin of the sweet potato — that vibrant orange or purple vegetable many of us enjoy roasted, mashed, or baked. While we humans often toss the peels out, they’re actually packed with nutrients and fiber. For chickens, they can be an exciting and beneficial snack — when prepared the right way.
Why You’ll Love Feeding Sweet Potato Peels to Your Chickens
I promised you simple and nutritious, and this one is a winner! Here’s why:
-
🧡 Zero waste – Give those sweet potato peels a second life and reduce kitchen scraps
-
🐔 Fiber-rich – Helps keep their digestion running smoothly
-
🌿 Full of vitamins – Loaded with Vitamin A, C, manganese, and potassium
-
🍽️ Easy to prepare – A quick steam or boil, and they’re good to go!
Honestly, the satisfaction of giving your chickens something they love and knowing it’s good for them? Priceless.
What Do Sweet Potato Peels Taste Like to Chickens?
While we may not snack on them raw, chickens aren’t picky. Once those peels are cooked and softened, they take on a mild, earthy sweetness that hens love. My flock goes wild for warm, chopped sweet potato peels, especially on chilly mornings. It’s like a little seasonal comfort food for your coop!
Are Sweet Potato Peels Safe for Chickens?
Yes — cooked sweet potato peels are safe and healthy for chickens. But the key word here is cooked.
Why Cooked Is Best:
Raw sweet potato peels are not toxic, but they can be tough to digest and may cause mild digestive issues if fed in large quantities. Cooking breaks down the fibers, making them easier for chickens to peck apart and digest — plus it brings out more of the natural sweetness!
What About White Potato Peels?
Important note: Do not confuse sweet potatoes with white (or regular) potatoes. White potatoes belong to the nightshade family and contain solanine, which is toxic to chickens. Even the peels and green parts of regular potatoes should always be avoided.
Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, are part of the morning glory family and are completely solanine-free — making them a much safer and healthier option for your flock.
Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Potato Peels for Chickens
Your girls are getting more than just a tasty snack. Here’s what makes sweet potato peels a nutrient-rich treat:
-
🥕 Beta-Carotene (Vitamin A): Boosts immune health, supports vision and reproductive function
-
💪 Vitamin C: Supports immune response and stress resistance
-
⚡ Potassium & Manganese: Helps with muscle function and bone health
-
🌾 Dietary Fiber: Aids in digestion and promotes gut health
All of this in a peel you might’ve tossed out? Yes, please!
Ingredients & Serving Size
What You’ll Need:
-
Fresh sweet potato peels, scrubbed clean
-
Water for steaming or boiling
-
(Optional) Chopped herbs or scratch grains for topping
Serving Guidelines:
Offer sweet potato peels as a treat — not a main course. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your chickens’ daily diet.
For a flock of 6–8 hens:
-
1 to 2 cups of cooked peels, chopped into manageable pieces, is plenty
Tools for Preparation
Nothing fancy here! All you’ll need is:
-
A pot or steamer basket
-
A knife or kitchen scissors to chop peels into smaller pieces
-
A serving dish or shallow bowl to cool and present the treat
Optional Additions & Substitutions
Get creative! Here are some chicken-safe goodies you can mix in with your cooked sweet potato peels:
-
Chopped spinach or kale
-
Crushed eggshells (for extra calcium)
-
Plain cooked rice or oats
-
A sprinkle of sunflower seeds or cracked corn
Want to skip sweet potatoes but keep the treat going? Try cooked pumpkin, zucchini, or steamed carrots as a substitute.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Sweet Potato Peel Treats for Chickens
-
Wash your sweet potatoes thoroughly before peeling.
-
Save the peels as you cook — store them in the fridge if you’re collecting over a few days.
-
Boil or steam the peels for 10–15 minutes until soft.
-
Chop into smaller pieces (especially for bantams or young pullets).
-
Let them cool to room temperature.
-
Serve in a shallow dish or scatter in the run for fun foraging!
What to Serve With Sweet Potato Peels
These peels pair beautifully with:
-
A warm mash of leftover cooked rice or oats
-
A sprinkle of layer feed or pellets
-
Shredded greens like cabbage or lettuce
Avoid adding salt, butter, oil, or seasonings — chickens prefer things plain, and their digestive systems do too!
Tips for Feeding Sweet Potato Peels
-
Don’t overdo it – Once or twice a week is perfect
-
Always cook first – Softens the peels and boosts digestibility
-
Store leftovers in the fridge – Use within 2–3 days
-
Try scattering in the run – Adds enrichment and keeps them busy!
Storage Instructions
You can store cooked sweet potato peels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them come to room temp before serving to avoid shocking your flock’s system — especially in colder months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can chickens eat raw sweet potato peels?
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Raw peels are tough and harder to digest. Cooking makes them safer and more enjoyable.
Can baby chicks eat sweet potato peels?
Not yet! Stick to chick starter feed until they’re 6–8 weeks old. After that, introduce soft cooked foods gradually and in tiny amounts.
How often can I feed sweet potato peels to my chickens?
Keep it to once or twice a week as a supplement, not a daily staple. Variety is the spice of coop life!
Can chickens eat sweet potatoes too?
Yes! Both the flesh and the peels (cooked) are safe and nutritious for chickens.
Conclusion
So, can chickens eat sweet potato peels? Yes — and they’ll love them! Just make sure to cook them first, serve in moderation, and avoid mixing in any human seasonings. You’ll be reducing kitchen waste and giving your flock a wholesome, colorful snack they’ll go clucking mad for!
This is one of those simple, sustainable wins that feels good all around. Give it a try this week — your hens will be lining up at the fence when they see you coming!
More Chicken-Friendly Recipes & Treats
-
Chicken with Parmesan Garlic Sauce – A Creamy, Irresistible Dinner Idea
-
Nutritional Info (Approximate, Per 1 Cup Cooked Peels)
-
Calories: 80
-
Fiber: 3g
-
Vitamin A: 384% RDA (for humans)
-
Vitamin C: 12% RDA
-
Fat: 0g
-
Protein: 2g