Banana is commonly known fruit with high human consumption index globally. Every banana fruit has a peel that must be removed before it is eaten or processed. The fruit is readily and easily available at a cheaper considerable price since its production is inexpensive. This has made banana fruit attractive to both crop and poultry farmers. Since cultivation of bananas is not capital and labor intensive, most farmers have ventured into it for either commercial or domestic purposes.

To answer the question can chicken eat banana peels?

Yes, chicken can eat banana peels. However, chicken cannot easily feed on banana peels since they are bulky and fibrous in nature thus need to reduce them into sizeable pieces for easy consumption. Research has proved that banana peels are one the best poultry feeds owing to its rich nutritional value. Banana peels have components of essential nutrients but do not form complete diet thus must be blended with other feeds.

Banana peels have for long been underutilized. With realization that banana peels are good chicken feed, focus has turned to ways to maximize and upscale its use due to its lower cost as compared to other animal feeds.

How to prepare banana peels for chicken

The most suitable way I would recommend for preparing banana peels for chicken to consume is by boiling them first then cutting them into smaller appropriate size. Cutting peels into smaller appropriate size reduces wastage as one is likely to monitor the amount required to feed the flock hence making it easy to plan and budget for feeds. It also speeds up digestion. Boiling helps in removing toxic chemicals that may remain after the farmer has sprayed the fruit to kill destructive pests and contaminants. These chemicals would be consumed by chicken if they eat raw banana peels and can cause adverse effects in the life of chicken which may cause loss to the farmer. You can also feed your chicken raw, wet banana peels for they will eat it. However wet peels may take long to digest.

Effects of banana peels on chicken

Benefits

Banana peels have numerous advantages to the life of chicken. Key among them are essential vitamins and minerals that include:

1. Vitamin C– bananas are rich in vitamin C which confers immunity against diseases. Therefore if you do not want to incur frequent expenses on treatment, consider giving your chicken banana peels.
2. Vitamin B6– helps in improving the nervous system. It also increases serotonin levels.
3. Vitamin B12– maintains liver and skin health.
4. Magnesium– adds energy, enhances healthy heart and boosts sleep.
5. Potassium– lowers tension, improves electrolyte function that help to keep your chicken hydrated and boosts muscle strength.
6. Water– banana peels are 75% water. This is a great advantage in dry and hot areas where water may be a problem.
7. Fiber– fiber helps in digestion and banana peels are a good source of fiber.

Disadvantages                        

1. Banana peels contain too much sugar that may be hazardous to chicken.
2. Chicken do not absorb wet food therefore feeding them wet banana peels may not have any impact.
3. Pesticides are used to protect bananas and may remain too long in the banana peels after they bananas are harvested.
4. Overfeeding chicken with banana peel may cause weight loss which has a ripple effect; oddly smaller or larger eggs, soft shelled eggs, defective crop other heath complications.

If you were in doubt on whether or not you can feed your chicken banana peels, doubt no more! Take action now. Start feeding your flock the banana peels due to its countless benefits. Ensure that you do not overfeed or underfeed your flock. Try as much as you can to feed your flock the correct proportion of banana peels at least once per week.