Can You Feed Swans Raw Potatoes? Quick Answer

Kitchen scraps can provide wild birds with essential fats and carbohydrates that may be lacking in special seed mixes. These are especially important during the winter and breeding season when birds need as much energy as they can get.

Kitchen scraps can simply be placed on a feeding table or feed trough, or shredded and added to feed mixes. Alternatively, you can mix them with suet and squeeze them into a plastic box or coconut shell to make an easy fat dispenser.

Many different types of food from the kitchen can be fed to the birds in your yard. Below are some of the most popular ones, ensuring you attract a variety of styles.

Cheese

Cheese is high in fat and will provide your garden birds with much needed energy. It’s also packed with calcium, which is essential for strong and healthy bones. A mild, grated, hard cheese like cheddar, which is popular with robins, blackbirds, and thrushes, is ideal. Avoid very strong cheeses, blue cheeses like Stilton, or anything flavored with onions, chives, or garlic, as these can cause digestive problems.

Soft or spreadable cheeses such as brie, camembert, or cream cheese are not suitable as they can stick to a bird’s feathers, which can damage them, destroying their waterproof and insulating properties and even preventing flight.

Peas and Sweetcorn

Frozen, canned, or fresh leftover peas and sweetcorn are all good feeds for wild birds. Sprinkle some on the ground to attract pigeons, sparrows and wrens.

potatoes

Birds will love eating potatoes and as they are full of carbs they are perfect for giving them an energy boost during the winter. Offer them leftover mashed or boiled potatoes, opened jacket potatoes, or baked sweet potatoes, but be careful with hash browns and fries as they can be high in salt.

Do not give birds raw potatoes or potato peels as they contain an enzyme inhibitor called protease that prevents other enzymes from breaking down food and providing nutrients to birds. Raw potatoes also contain a lot of starch, which can get stuck in the harvest. Over time, the starch can ferment, which can eventually be fatal.

vegetables

Birds can have trouble digesting raw vegetables, but you can safely omit cooked vegetables like carrots, sprouts, broccoli, zucchini, and cabbage. Try offering them in small batches at first to find out which ones are most attractive to your garden birds.

rice

Rice is another high-carb food, and you can offer your garden birds both cooked brown and white rice. Make sure it’s cool before placing it on a bird table or leaving it on the ground, and don’t feed your garden birds heavily salted rice.

It’s also okay to lay out uncooked rice for birds. Contrary to popular myth, it will not swell in their stomachs and cause them to die, and many grain-eating birds eat rice in the wild. Aside from pigeons, pigeons, and pheasants, it probably won’t attract many birds to your yard.

pasta

Small amounts of cooked pasta can be left out for birds. Chop pasta, like spaghetti, into smaller pieces to make it easier for birds to eat, and rinse off leftover pasta that’s been coated in rich, oily sauces or tough cheeses.

bread

It’s a common misconception that you can’t feed birds bread. Although most breads don’t contain a lot of nutritional value, small amounts are fine as part of a varied diet.

Break large pieces into smaller pieces and soak stale or dry pieces in a little water to prevent birds from choking on them. During the breeding season, limit the amount of bread you put out, as young birds fed only bread will not develop into healthy adult birds.

pastries

Birds will happily eat pastry, whether cooked or uncooked, especially if it’s made with lard or butter and as long as it’s not loaded with sugar or salt.

cakes and cookies

Store-bought cakes and cookies are not ideal for birds, but homemade baked goods in small batches are a good source of carbohydrates and fats. Birds will especially enjoy the crumbs and leftovers of seed, carrot, banana, or fruit cakes. Break them up into small pieces and place them straight on your feeding table or add them to homemade fat balls.

Don’t feed birds chocolate cake or cookies, and scrape off frosting or buttercream that may be stuck to their feathers.

porridge

You should never lay out leftover cooked porridge for birds, as it can become sticky after eating and harden on a bird’s beak. Uncooked oatmeal is a nutritious treat, and many species of garden birds will enjoy eating it. Put them in a place where they will stay dry and put them away when they get soaked from the rain.

Muesli

Stale grain is a treat for birds. Don’t put out granola that’s high in salt or sugar, or leftover granola that’s been soaked in milk.

Muesli and muesli can also be fed to birds, but again check the ingredients as many so-called healthy breakfast items are high in sugar.

bacon

Bacon and bacon rind are high in protein and fat and are good food for birds as long as the bacon is not smoked or very salty. The bacon rind can be tough, so chop it into small pieces to make it easier for small birds to eat. Note that bacon can attract not only larger birds like seagulls and magpies, but also rodents and cats.

Do not feed fried bacon to birds. The fat can build up on their feathers and the frying process can increase the presence of nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic in large amounts.

meat

Do not lay out raw meat, as most birds will find it difficult to digest. However, suet and marrow bones are an excellent source of protein when insects are scarce. Only put out small amounts, as meat attracts vermin and spoils quickly, especially in hot weather.

eggs

It may seem counterintuitive, but eggs contain many essential nutrients for birds, and chicks feed on the yolk before hatching.

Boiled eggs, including scrambled, poached, and boiled eggs, can all be fed to birds, and crushed egg shells provide calcium, which is particularly important for breeding birds, and meal to aid in their digestion.

fruit

Birds will enjoy eating fallen and squashed fruit such as apples, pears, oranges, grapes and peaches. Chop them into small pieces and remove any seeds or stones to attract birds such as thrushes, blackbirds and starlings.

Read more Buy Birdseed in Bulk 5 Essential Birdseeds How to Clean a Bird Table Feeding peanuts to birds

Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries will also prove popular, as will bananas, which, while not traditional fruits, are packed with healthy goodness. Slice or mash them before placing them on a bird table or sprinkling them on the floor. You can also lay out soaked dried fruits, such as raisins, sultanas, currants, apricots and prunes.

If you leave out grapes or raisins for your birds, make sure you store them in a place where dogs and cats can’t get to them, as these fruits can cause a severe reaction.

nuts

Almonds, pecans, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts are all good choices for birds. Do not offer salted, dry roasted, or flavored nuts and chop them into small pieces or feed them from a mesh feeder during the breeding season to prevent chicks from choking on them.

Peanuts are not nuts and you should not give birds raw peanuts for human consumption as they may contain small traces of aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is fine for humans in trace amounts, but can prove fatal to birds. Leftover peanut butter can also be high in salt and sugar, so check the label before leaving it out for birds.

coconut

Coconut halves can be hung or filled with fat and seeds. Don’t feed birds grated coconut, which can swell up in their stomachs and kill them.

animal feed

Wet cat and dog food can be a healthy option for birds and a good substitute for worms in dry weather when the ground is too hard for birds to burrow.

Dry food must be chopped up or soaked before release, as large chunks could choke on birds.

Fat

Do not use leftover fat from the roaster. It’s probably high in salt, and since it’s mixed with meat juices, it doesn’t solidify so it can smear on a bird’s feathers. It can also be a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause disease.

Solid fats like lard and tallow are great sources of energy and ideal for feeding garden birds when mixed with seeds, nuts or fruit. Pure fat spoils less quickly and doesn’t attract bacteria as easily, although you should avoid leaving it outside in very hot weather.

Polyunsaturated fats like margarine and vegetable oils do not contain the saturated fats that birds need for energy. Avoid these altogether for your garden birds.

Make sure the area where you feed your birds is kept clean to keep bugs like rats away. At the end of each day, sprinkle small amounts and sweep any residue off the floor. Birds will not eat spoiled feed, so regularly remove old feed and disinfect the area to prevent the spread of bacteria.

what to feed

Feeding the ducks at the local pond is a great way to introduce children to the outdoors, and supporting our local wildlife with quality, energy and protein-rich foods also helps keep our waterways and waterfowl fit and healthy year-round stay healthy.

Here’s a selection of healthy, high-energy, high-protein bread alternatives that your ducks, swans, and geese will love!

Duck & Swan Sprinkle Food This food can be sprinkled for ducks on the bank or in shallow water, as well as for swans in deeper water, and as it floats you can be sure nothing will be missed! Buy Now * Specify UKDUCK10 and save 10% at checkout. Carrot and potato skins will both be popular. When vegetable peelings are in short supply, shredded lettuce, cabbage, and kale leaves also make for a tasty and nutritious treat. Duck & Swan Food This balanced feed was developed as a tasty, nutritious treat for wildfowl. Based on a natural diet, this blend contains wheat, barley, flaxseed and dried grass pellets. Sprinkle on banks or in shallow water for ducks and in deeper water for swans. Buy Now * Enter UKDUCK10 and save 10% at checkout. Thawed Peas Peas are usually frozen soon after harvest, so most of the vitamins and minerals present at harvest are preserved. They also do not contain salt and sugar, which are usually added when they are preserved. All of this makes them a nutritious treat for wildfowl, but please ensure they are thawed before feeding. Peas generally do not swim, so they are best fed on the bank or only in very shallow water. Dried Mealworms Dried mealworms are a protein-rich treat welcomed by all wild fowl. Protein is important all year round; from the busy breeding season building and defending nests, raising young and increasing competition for food, to the short dark days of winter when cold weather and less daylight make finding natural food sources difficult. Buy Now * Specify UKDUCK10 and save 10% at checkout Naked Oatmeal Rich in essential minerals and protein, high-energy oatmeal has a higher fat and oil content than many other grains, making it an ideal feed for ducks and swans all year round especially in cold weather. Buy Now * Specify UKDUCK10 and save 10% at checkout Organic Wild Bird Blend This blend of ingredients contains only seeds that are 100% organically grown with no chemical fertilizers or pesticides. This is a versatile mix to use in bird feeders and on bird feeders in your garden, but is also a great high energy mix to take to the local pond to feed the ducks and swans. Buy Now * Enter UKDUCK10 and save 10% at checkout Mixed Corn A mixture of two thirds wheat and one third crushed corn. This excellent value mix is ​​popular with larger game species such as ducks, swans and other waterfowl. Buy Now * Enter UKDUC10 and save 10% at checkout

Order now and save High-quality duck & swan feed, mealworms, birdseed & duck baskets. Enter UKDUC10 and save 10% at checkout. Order today and save

For the full range of Better Than Bread food and a selection of other products that may interest you, visit www.birdfood.co.uk/betterthanbread

For more information about the project or to inquire about becoming a partner or stockist for specialty feeds, email us at [email protected].

Somewhere busy, with regular river/riverside traffic – I see no problem in throwing out some corn/chopped veggies for the waterfowl as lots of other people will be doing this anyway and the birds will be long – at it used. I have noticed that some of the ‘managed wildlife’ areas are now selling small bags of suitable fodder anyway…Dating back to 2010 an NT only survey was summed up as follows: ‘Brits are ‘scared’ of the countryside’ . (I can’t find the original source, but it was fairly widely reported at the time – here’s one such article based on the poll). Taking Bernie’s general point about reconnecting with/appreciating nature, feeding the birds seems like a pretty easy start – and hopefully leading to an appreciation for wild animals, not the disproportionate (and subjectively irrational) fear that some might people have now. I was out I was in the middle of south moor (literally middle of south moor too) a week ago and left a small portion of my lunch for someone to find. In remote areas it’s just a bonus for anyone who finds it, if they go back next day/week/month it won’t repeat so I can’t see the problem there either now that I do think about it. I feed the wild birds here – between May and about now hardly anyone bothers with the garden feeders but when winter/early spring comes I will be a big feeder for them. Is it just a zoo with wide fences, Yes of course it is, but that’s what the whole planet pretty much is now (and definitely will be when we hit ~10 billion by 2050 (barring immanent virus pandemics) .We’ve been building this up for the last 12,000 years, so it’s kind of late to be worried about affecting local populations of small birds by planting a bit of extra seed Lloyd speaks in terms of “a sated one.” bear is a dead bear’ and you can see how that will cause problems for both the feeder and the bear (or other large alpha predators) but it does not apply to semi-urban British birds, even large birds such as swans, geese ( a nd controversial), gulls too (although this does result in individuals within a population choosing not to migrate.) We as a species waste a frightening amount of food anyway, and much of it will exploited by wildlife anyway…giving it to them and learning/enjoying from the interaction only cuts off part of the process. I don’t think this type of question has an objective right or wrong answer now, not at this late stage, only one of conscience (as long as you feed it the right stuff of yours).

Swans eat aquatic plants that they can grab from the river bed with their long necks. They take the molluscs attached to the vegetation and also eat small fish, frogs and worms.

They will graze large patches of grass and can survive quite successfully in a patch of short-cut grass. Flocks of Little Swans and Whooper Swans can be seen in potato fields in winter, feeding on the potatoes left over after harvest.

In the wild, swans can usually find enough food without additional feeding. Additional food can only be helpful in frosty weather. Many people enjoy feeding bread to swans, but if fed in large quantities it can cause nutritional problems and is not a substitute for the proper diet the birds seek for themselves.

Grains such as wheat and vegetables, especially lettuce and potatoes, can be fed to swans. Food should be thrown into the water so as not to drive the birds to shore.

So when ducks and swans cannot eat bread, the real question is what to feed ducks and swans.

Floating swan and duck feed is the best possible feed for any wildfowl. As with all animals, there are certain feeds that are tailored to them and that suit them much better. For example, corn, grapes, oats, wheat, lettuce, vegetable waste and peas are much better suited. For example, our floating swan and duck feed is a great choice as it contains soybean oil, fishmeal, soybean and corn, making for a superb product packed with protein, fibre, fat and essential oils. This product is not only a nutritious feed, but also easy to feed to swans and ducks, just sprinkle a handful on water and wait.

As you can see, the pellets float and spread evenly, allowing all the birds to eat. So they can all enjoy the delicious food!

Feeding birds like swans on bread, cereal, crackers and other palatable foods is not only “not ideal” but can be extremely harmful. Although these are common, popular and well-known feeds, and although wildfowl enjoy them, experts warn against them as they are high in carbohydrates, sugars and salts. Such feeds can lead to serious health problems, including obesity, malnutrition and lack of essential vitamins. This is because not only do these carbohydrate-based feeds offer very few nutrients beneficial to wildfowl health, but people often overfeed wildfowl. Aside from affecting their health, overfeeding spoils the water and can pollute it, making it very dangerous for all aquatic life.

Feeding a wild bird is such a joy that brings us so much joy that it is only fitting that we should be responsible and careful of wildlife in return. When enjoying nature, it is important not to jeopardize its balance and well-being. This may sound obvious, but actually it’s pretty easy for human activities to disturb wildlife and disrupt their natural environment.

It is especially important that waterfowl eat the right type of food during spring and summer, when most people are feeding them harmful food. This is because wildfowl, like all birds, have chicks to care for and these young birds need the right nutrients in order for them to grow into healthy, nourished and strong birds. So ideally they need to avoid bread and other foods that can be harmful and unhealthy, but unfortunately many people continue to feed such foods.

This market also has specialty feed specifically tailored for wildfowl. These feeds can be purchased from pet feed suppliers and often come in the form of small nuggets that float on the surface of the water. These floating pellets for swan and duck feed allow swans and ducks to feed naturally and have the added benefit of helping more birds get a share.

These feeds have been specially developed for wildfowl and are packed with the nutrients these birds need. For example, our floating swan and duck feed is a great choice as it contains soybean oil, fishmeal, soybean and corn, resulting in a superior product packed with protein, fiber, fat and essential oils. Aside from being a nutritious feed, this product is also easy to feed, just sprinkle a handful on water and wait. You will find the nuggets floating, giving the wildfowl plenty of time to feed and time to attract more. Gradually some begin to sink, but swans and ducks will of course also forage under the surface of the water, which means that all the food is eaten and nothing is wasted.

Like all wild animals, swans and ducks also need help caring for their young at this time of year. So if you love being out in nature and have ever thought about feeding swans and ducks, now might be the right time to start. If you are interested in checking out our floating duck feed pellets, click this link.

With the onset of winter this year we have seen an unusual increase in the number of underweight birds arriving at the hospital

You need our swan waterfowl now more than ever. Unfortunately, many places implementing no-bread policies, no grass to graze on, and little natural aquatic vegetation have left many starving this summer.

Many of the young swans, geese and ducks we took in this fall are seriously underweight and malnourished. Many of these stunted little fellows will not reach their full size potential because the damage has already been done. Families leave earlier this fall in search of better feeding grounds. This means that we have whole families involved in territorial disputes when they end up in other families’ territories.

Swans eat a variety of foods and many things you might have at home:

A cheap loaf from your local store or supermarket, or even the last few slices you wouldn’t eat from your loaf at home (as long as it’s not moldy) can be fed with ease.

Soft green leaves (lettuce, spinach)

Cereals (cornflakes bran flakes)

They also like wheat or corn, including sweetcorn. There are also many special foods, but they are not always in everyone’s budget.

Many Thanks.

To provide your swans with a healthy diet, you must think of vegetables.

80% of their natural diet consists of plant matter.

SWANS ARE VEGETARIAN.

How to Enlarge Images – Right click on the image and open it in a new tab.

You are the BEST person to make sure your swans are getting a healthy diet.

When you take care of “captive” swans, they rely on YOU!!!

Giving swans plenty of variety in their diet can help reduce the likelihood

from boredom and increases their happiness and overall quality of life.

If mute swans lived in the wild, they would have a feeding ground

of 3-5 square miles to find out what foods their bodies need to be healthy.

Wild tundra and trumpeter swans

Migrate hundreds to thousands of kilometers annually…

They will have a wide variety of plants and insects to graze on.

Mute swans are NOT migratory birds. You are NOT migrating.

Any summer plants they feed on are unavailable for months.

Swans living on natural freshwater rivers/streams/ponds/lakes are typical

Eat pondweed, duckweed, alyssum and moor grass, some seaweed

as well as tadpoles, worms, snails and a wide variety of insects.

Due to organic excess, some ponds have a lot of duckweed.

Duckweed is a great natural floating feed.

Swans learn where to find their favorite underwater plants.

A pond with natural underwater plants is grazed ALL day.

There will be insects and underwater creatures

which helps provide natural protein and calcium.

Once we ground a swan with Pinion or Clip to Ground, they are “captured” for us to enjoy.

They are classified as “captive exotic fowl” in most US states. pets !

These young swan cygnets rely on us to help them get the nutrients

that their bodies must be healthy.

Healthy swans can live 20-30+ years.

The oldest known swan was a mute male in England who lived to be 104 years old.

The grain and poultry feed mix adds nutrients that a pond may not provide.

Swans get along well with the pond plant, lawn grass and poultry feed mix.

When lawns surrounding a pond are treated with weed and insecticides

and the chemicals running/draining into the pond will affect the natural pond environment.

There may be VERY few underwater plants and few insects.

This is typical for golf courses, resort hotels, college campuses,

Some public park ponds and many private lawns.

Many pond owners love having the colorful KOI fish in the water.

A large school of ANY species of fish – KOI – Carp – Bass – Trout – Blue Gill…ETC.

Will consume their share of the underwater plants. You must also EAT.

When you use the lawn care service or treat your lawn.

OR have a big school of fish… (-;

Check what is growing in your pond.

Use a garden rake or cultivator to sweep down 2-3 feet in the water.

Do you snap under water plants?

Place vegetables, grains, cut grasses in or on your pond

Can cause a clog where your pond drains.

This material can collect if you have a pump filter.

Start with small amounts, trying different ranges until you know it works best

for your swans and their water environment.

If free-floating vegetables are causing a problem at your overflow.

Place your veggies in a weighted basket or handleless bucket.

With the lush summer lawn grasses to graze..

Look for impactions under the chin and tongue. Short-cut grass is a common culprit.

Under tongue-chin impaction

https://swanlovers.net/category/under-tongue-chin-impaction/

Swans enjoy the tender grass growth..

If you only mow 1/3 of the grass around the pond every week.

Grow 2 areas. 5 to 6 feet along the pond edges.

Then mow another area next week.. (rotating)

There will be some longer blades of grass for the swans to graze on.

Also, the taller grasses have more insects to eat.

….. (-; (-: (-; (-:

The swans will enjoy visiting you in their aquatic environment to visit you.

if you have vegetables for them.

ADD VEGETABLES, especially during cold weather months

will contribute to the overall healthy diet of the swans.

Hand feeding your swans is a lovely activity. She socializes the swans.

With the young woman below – We needed to restore trust.

YES ! She loves salad.

Hand feeding our rescued swans and cygnets helped socialize them.

when you feed your swans,

Give the first treat to the pen, then to the corn on the cob, then to the remaining swans/cygnets.

I cut – shred – chop – enough veggie mix for several days.

Most of the salads and vegetables come from the western states…

During the summer garden veg it may come from outside the US.

Watch out for warnings or recalls for contaminated vegetables and fruits.

Swans LOVE vegetables…

WE DO NOT BUY ORGANIC VEGETABLES OR FRUITS..

Vegetables are allowed to swim on his pond. The swans are free to graze at will.

Remember, carrots SINK… Put them in shallow water.

Our sweet “spring” loved radishes. She would eat as many as she could find.

We had an arrangement with a local country club.

Your kitchen would save your discarded vegetables for us.

We stopped once or twice a week.

This saved them LARGE bags of discarded vegetables going to landfill.

AND our swans eat very well.. (-;

“Thank you” – to the WSCC kitchen staff.

If you have an agreement with a restaurant, farmers market greengrocer,

Grocery store, salad bar, etc. You save money and have happy swans.

Swans ENJOY different vegetables.

You don’t need vegetables every day. But happy for them.

DON’T GIVE THEM MOLDY VEGETABLES.

Mold can contain toxins that make your swans VERY sick.

Vegetables help add fiber to your intestinal tract during the winter.

Most swans will instinctively KNOW that lettuce is good to eat.

If you’re making a salad for your dinner, you’ll save yourself the trimmings

that you would normally throw..

Vegetables are more beneficial during the cold winter months

when aquatic plants and grasses are dormant.

Remember that swans do NOT have teeth.

Chop or THINLY slice firm root vegetables.

I don’t buy organic vegetables.

These swans swim in the water and eat muddy creatures.

The most important thing for them is to maintain their liver health. A proper protein diet will help keep your liver healthy. 8-10 percent..

Apple.. I don’t buy organic apples.. I wash them..

Cut into different sized pieces. Let them float on the pond.

If there are apple trees that are NOT sprayed.

I will gather apples from the ground..

Check for mold, bees, or hornets.

Break open the skin and throw it in the pond.

The seed generally falls away.

Cut into small pieces: carrots, radishes, cucumbers and their peels.

I like chopping enough for several days. Pocket. Ready to go.

Cut the cabbage leaves into thin strips.

The outer dark green cabbage leaves are too tough.

The yellow-green leaves of celery are edible.

Some swans love kale and spinach.

Swans can eat steamed leftover vegetables such as corn,

Green beans, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli.

Cut a few seedless grapes in half. Strawberry Caps left near Water’s Edge..

Some swans like watermelon in the rind floating on the pond.

Sweet fruits fallen from trees can attract bees and hornets…

Throw them away so swans are NOT stung!!

Swans LOVE APPLES……

Cut unpeeled apples into quarters or slices for adult swans.

Hacked for cygnets. Swans CANNOT bite a whole apple.

If you have apple trees (untreated), throw some fallen apples onto the pond.

Break them open first, the swans can’t bite a whole round apple.

Swans love apples Sent by a swan friend in the Netherlands. funny video

If there are fish in your pond eating the vegetables.

If you give your swans cherries or peaches… REMOVE THE PITS.

Large fruit pits take a VERY long time to break down

Pass through the gizzard. They can irritate the gizzards. In addition, cherry, peach and apricot kernels also contain amygdalin

(A form of cyanide). The pulp is safe to eat. In the water, most of the apple seeds will fall off.

If the swans swallow the seeds of apples, DON’T WORRY.

Apple seeds have a hard protective shell that seals

the amygdalin inside (a form of cyanide).

The seeds pass through your digestive system

without releasing harmful levels of this compound. Article on Snopes.com about apple seeds and cyanide compound.

Are Apple Seeds Poisonous?

Try placing the vegetables in shallow water in a basket weighted with stones.

Empty after 24 hours and leave to the fish.

Observe which veggies/food items are FLOATING and which are SINKING.

Place vegetables that SINK…like thinly sliced ​​carrots in shallow water.

Whole dry corn is a favorite sprinkled in shallow water.

Whole dried corn will soften slightly in water.

Swans seem to like being soaked in the water for a few minutes.

The dandelion’s bright yellow flowers and leaves are a welcome treat!

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SALAD – GREEN SALAD

The Cob Below was introduced with lettuce when he was 24-25 years old.

It took a few tries before he tasted the floating lettuce. He likes it!

Swans generally eat all kinds of lettuce.

A floating head of iceberg lettuce is a fun lunch.

Not all types of lettuce are the same.

Romaine lettuce has the HIGHEST nutritional value.

Swans love Romaine Bunch Butts. Throw them on the pond.

Romaine bunches have long, dark green outer leaves

which are generally discarded.

These big dark leaves have the most sunshine nutrients!!

Along with carrots, romaine is an excellent source of vitamin A,

a good source of fiber, several vitamins, minerals and tryptophan.

Romaine lettuce has measurable pro-vitamin A (carotenoid beta-carotene),

Vitamin K, folate folic acid, vitamin C,

Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3 (niacin), Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine).

Romaine lettuce contains the minerals manganese, chromium, potassium,

molybdenum, iron, calcium and phosphorus.

The fiber in romaine lettuce helps keep the swans’ colon healthy.

bottom line –

Romaine lettuce contributes to a healthy diet for swans.

Occasionally we would mix some drained tuna juice/oil onto the salad.

THIS was a BIG hit.. The swans really enjoy the fishy taste..

Iceberg Lettuce – Crispy, watery green leaves in a tight ball…

Iceberg lettuce has little nutritional value. But they love it.

SO…. Romaine for a healthy diet… Iceberg for Fun!

Swans will eat EVERY piece of lettuce thrown at them.

Throw a whole iceberg head on their pond and the swans will take turns biting “the ball”.

“Salad game” “Let’s play.”

If you like special types of lettuce and what you bought

not used by your family OR you have more than you will eat.

It’s worth a try instead of discarding the excess, butterhead,

Boston and Bibb Salad Swans will eat these..

Plus Leaf Salads – Green Leaf and Red Leaf.

Leafy greens like arugula, spinach, and watercress add variety.

Swiss chard leaves were a big hit. Cabbage green not so much.

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Q: Is it safe to eat the edges of lettuce leaves that have turned brown?

http://www.berkeleywellness.com/healthy-eating/food-safety/article/brown-lettuce

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Q: What causes lettuce to turn brown?

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/causes-lettuce-turn-brown-77807.html

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lettuce and pesticide residues

Lettuce is a food in which pesticide residues are common.

Virtually all drinking water in the United States contains pesticide residues.

Pesticides are present in very small traces in most foods.

The negative effects on our health are well documented.

The liver’s ability to process toxins, the body’s cells’ ability to produce energy

and the nerves’ ability to send messages can all be affected by exposure to pesticides.

It is IMPORTANT to protect your swan’s liver.

by feeding them safely.

Keep in mind that swans need a lower protein diet to protect their liver.

Then they will be able to detox what they drink and ingest.

A high-protein diet leads to fatty liver

and significantly shorten the life of your swans.

Swans with fatty liver – lipidosis look full-bodied and healthy.

But they develop high blood pressure and kidney disease.

You can die suddenly and without warning from a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure.

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The pictures here mainly show the vegetables that we shared with our swans.

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The large, crispy romaine leaves are great for hand-feeding your swans.

It’s relaxing to spend time with swans.

Feeding them should be beneficial for both the swans and their handlers.

Feeding swans on the ground is bad for the environment

and encourages the swans to leave their water.

Food left on the ground can develop MOLD which can KILL the swans.

It is best to keep all food at least along the water’s edge.

Placing food in the water near the water’s edge allows the swans

to see the foods that are sinking (corn/carrots)…

and there is less chance of being surprised by a snapping turtle.

BEST REMOVE snapping turtles from your ponds.

SNAP TURTLES are evil beasts

https://swanlovers.net/category/snapping-turtles-nasty-beasts/

Fish and harmless turtles will learn where you usually feed the swans

and will often wait nearby to clean up the leftovers.

That’s helpful, there’s nothing left to sour or rot.

WE DO NOT FEED OUR SWANS FROM THEIR WATER/POND.

We find ways to put all of their food in their water.

If swans have to leave their water behind to feed, they become vulnerable to predators,

dogs, cats, people. Swans in the water are SAFER. It’s also more natural for them.

Feeding from containers is a challenge where water levels change rapidly.

Be creative !

Swan people in our network have shared some of their feeding ideas.

Feeding stations for swans.

https://swanlovers.net/category/feeding-stations-for-swans/

DO NOT place feeders on HOT surfaces.

Remember that in summer many surfaces GET HOT!!

A swan’s BIG flat feet can BURN and BLOW BLOW…NOT GOOD!!

In the bitterly cold days of winter, a swan’s wet feet can get stuck on icy surfaces.

just like our skin would. Swan is safest in liquid water.

Occasionally I’ve frozen chopped veggies in a mold for a hot day.

There will be very little to eat for the swans until the end of October

in the rivers/lakes/ponds/streams of Pennsylvania.

Most underwater vegetation becomes dormant for the winter months.

There is VERY little food for swans in Pennsylvania

from Halloween to St. Patrick’s Day.

Five LONG months…

I’ve watched swans attempting to eat the dark, decaying remains

of underwater plant material.

YUCK! Black Slimy Rotting Leaves YUCK!

Anything for a few calories.

Captive swans require supplemental feeding to stay healthy.

A female swan will produce a healthier clutch

if she has “greens” through the winter months.

If you can SAFELY place lettuce and veggies on an icy ledge.

the swans ENJOY this as a salad bar.

Swans need time to get used to new foods on offer,

and can eat different things in winter and summer.

Example: Celery leaves appear to be an acquired taste.

Once exposed a few times, most swans will enjoy the delicate yellow-green foliage.

Every swan has foods it likes and dislikes, just like humans.

You will learn what is just wasted.

Try small amounts of a new food for a week or two and see what people eat.

Once they eat their veggies….

Your swans will enjoy some treats.

Swans eat their favorite foods first..

Prevent “treats” from becoming their staple food.

GOOD snacks/treats are whole grains.

A cup of plain Cheerios, Kix or plain corn flakes, occasionally bran flakes,

is enjoyed.

Avoid yeast and colored dyes that many cereals contain.

We gave our swans some 1-inch square Honey Graham Crackers.

These have NO yeast and they float.. and can be frisbeed to the swans.

When treats are thrown to swans…

Throw at the dominant woman first.

Then to the dominant man…

You will take turns.

Many swans snort “thank you” for food and treats.

********************************

FOODS TO AVOID – DO NOT FEED WATER FIRLS

NO ONIONS, garlic, mushrooms or avocados..

NO TOMATO OR POTATO PLANT MATERIALS

These plants belong to the nightshade family.

These will upset a swan’s stomach.

Avoid salty foods. Avoid sugary foods.

Little or NO BREAD, crackers, fries or popcorn..

NO meat or dairy products..

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This information is a work in progress…

As I learn more, I will add to this information.

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Compiled by (C)L.M.Sweger Updated NOVEMBER 2021

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Bread or Not Bread: A Guide to Feeding Your Local Swans

,

St. Maurice’s Pond is an excellent place to see new life this summer. Many different birds are currently rearing their young; Mallards, Tufted Ducks, Swans, Coots, Moorhens and many more. Feeding and watching waterfowl is a good activity for well-being and is known to help with anxiety and depression. But how can we make sure we’re feeding them the right things?

Whether it’s okay to feed swans bread is a surprisingly controversial debate. Swans love to eat bread, they love bread and indeed one could argue that bread is better than nothing when they are starving…

However, the bread lacks the essential nutrients a swan needs to be healthy. Similarly, we humans love cookies, and cookies are better than nothing when we’re starving, but we couldn’t live on them for long. Waterfowl often fill themselves up with bread and then do not look for food that contains the right nutrition. Bread is also known to cause harmful algae in ponds that can be harmful to wildlife.

That doesn’t mean you should stop feeding your native waterfowl. There are many healthier alternatives. Swans, ducks and geese are mostly vegetarian and some good foods include birdseed, oats, lettuce, sweetcorn, peas and also carrot and potato peelings. Some pet stores also sell special pellets for swans and ducks. These pellets float on the water like bread, which is good because it keeps the swans away from the shore where dogs are prone to them.

It’s important to note that it may take a while for the birds to recognize these strange new gifts as food. You may have to be patient and try a few different foods – but keeping them healthy and making you happy will be worth it in the end!

Potatoes are native to the Andes of South America, where they have been cultivated for thousands of years by indigenous people living in the mountains. Potatoes have been a staple of many cultures around the world for several hundred years because they are easy to grow and highly nutritious. However, humans aren’t the only creatures who like potatoes; several animal species also eat them.

wild boars

Wild boars are covered in brown hair and can weigh up to 300 pounds. They were brought to North America from Europe as a source of meat for explorers from Spain in the 15th century. In the 1900s, people brought more wild boar to North America to hunt for sport. Ironically, the wild boar is no longer a common food source, but it has become a nuisance, eating foods that native animals and humans need. One of them is the potato. Wild boar also eat corn, acorns and small animals.

field mouse

Field mice are small rodents that will eat potatoes, apples, corn, and almost any other type of food they can find. Because they have a remarkably strong digestive system, they can eat rotting food that would sicken humans and most other animals. Field mice have many enemies, including cats, owls, snakes, and bears. These mice can breed very quickly. It only takes a field mouse three weeks to become an adult, and it can have a litter of babies every month.

raccoons

Raccoons are another scavenger. They are slightly larger than cats, with gray fur and white and black markings. Their striped tails and mask-like face give them a very distinctive look. Because raccoons are nocturnal, you may never catch a glimpse of one as they invade your yard. Like mice and wild boar, they are considered pests by many people. Raccoons often get caught in trash cans, empty bird feeders, and tear up mulch in search of bugs. People use various strategies to keep raccoons out of their gardens, including using streamers or pinwheels to scare them away, or playing a radio near the garden.

white-tailed deer

Fat

Fat, including tallow, is particularly popular with tits, great spotted woodpeckers, thrushes and wrens. However, please refrain from polyunsaturated fats – these do not give the birds the high energy requirements in winter.

Cheese

Mild grated cheese is popular with robins, dunnocks, blackbirds and song thrushes. It will also help wrens if you place it under hedges and other areas in your yard where you’ve noticed them feeding.

potatoes

Baked potatoes (cold and open), fried potatoes and even mashed potatoes with the addition of real fats are suitable food for birds. Chips are rarely eaten by birds.

fruit

Dried fruits such as raisins, sultanas and currants are particularly popular with blackbirds, song thrushes and robins. Soak them in spring and summer.

NOTE: As some dogs and cats react poorly to these fruits, please do not expose them to areas where these animals could get to them.

Chopped up apples, pears and other fruits, including those that are bruised and partially rotten, are very popular with all thrushes, tits and starlings.

pastries

Pastries, cooked or uncooked, are excellent—especially when made with real fats.

Salt

Garden birds are practically unable to metabolize salt. It is toxic to them in high amounts and affects their nervous system. Under normal circumstances in the wild, birds are unlikely to ingest harmful levels of salt. Never put salted feed on the bird table and never add salt to bird baths to keep the water ice free in winter.

hygiene

Remember to keep your garden birds fit, healthy and disease free by keeping feeders, bird feeders and bird baths sparkling clean.

Feeding chickens leftovers and organic foods is one way to supplement their diet. However, the human diet differs from that of chickens, so you should consider what is safe for their consumption. A common question chicken owners ask is, can chickens eat raw potatoes?

This article covers

Are Raw Potatoes Bad for Chickens?

Potatoes vs Sweet Potatoes

Can chickens eat raw potatoes?

What makes raw potatoes dangerous for chickens?

Nutrient Content of Potatoes

How often can chickens eat raw potatoes?

Preparation of raw potatoes for chicken feeding

Chicken nutrition: what you should know

Are Raw Potatoes Bad for Chickens?

Potatoes are generally not bad for chickens. In fact, potatoes are a healthy treat to give to your flock that they will surely enjoy.

Chickens are omnivores, which means they eat both meat and plants. Offer them worms, bugs, veggies, and veggies and they’ll be sure to eat anything. Foods that chickens can eat include raw potatoes.

However, you should keep in mind that not everything that humans consume should also be consumed by chickens. Aside from feeding your chicken different foods in moderation, you should also be knowledgeable about the types of foods that are safe to eat.

For example, raw potatoes are fine for chickens, but there are exceptions like parts of raw potatoes that can be toxic to them.

Read on as we share everything you need to know to answer the question, can chickens eat raw potatoes?

Potatoes vs Sweet Potatoes

Before we further explain the answer to this frequently asked question, let’s first differentiate potatoes from sweet potatoes.

Some people confuse potatoes with sweet potatoes. Although they share the same name, there are differences that set them apart. The main difference is in the plant family to which they belong.

Learning about these tubers will also help you understand why chickens can eat raw potatoes and cases when they can’t.

potatoes

Potatoes, also known as white potatoes, belong to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). These potatoes come in white, red and yellow varieties. Tomatoes, aubergines and peppers also belong to this plant variety. Although this species is generally safe to eat, it contains toxic chemicals that are harmful not only to chickens but to humans as well.

If you notice green parts of white potatoes, discard them immediately as they show signs of toxic chemicals. You should also discard leaves, plants, and flowers as they can have the same harmful effect.

sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes do not possess any toxic substances found in the green areas of white potatoes. As part of the morning glory family, the whole sweet potato plant is safe for human consumption and also safe for chickens.

Aside from their species, potatoes and sweet potatoes also differ in appearance and nutrition, among other things.

Can chickens eat raw potatoes?

Now that we’ve cleared up the difference between potatoes and sweet potatoes, we can answer the question many chicken lovers ask: Can chickens eat raw potatoes?

The straight answer is yes, chickens can eat raw potatoes. Raw potatoes and sweet potatoes are both safe for chicken consumption. Raw potatoes should not be fed to chickens unless the potatoes are turning green and mold is present due to poor storage.

For raw white potatoes, you can feed chickens with potatoes. Other parts such as leaves should be scrapped immediately to avoid poisoning. If you see the raw potatoes turning green, do not feed them to your chickens and discard them. As natural foragers, chickens ignore these toxic parts, but it’s best to prevent them from eating them.

On the other hand, all parts of sweet potatoes can be given to chickens. Aside from the yams, the herd will also enjoy chewing the stalks, vines, and leaves of yams.

What makes raw potatoes dangerous for chickens?

As mentioned earlier, chickens can eat raw potatoes, except for the green ones. What is in green potatoes that are dangerous for chickens?

As part of the nightshade family, potatoes have chemicals that are inherently toxic. One of these harmful chemicals is solanine.

Solanine has innate antifungal and pesticidal properties. This means that solanine acts as the plant’s natural line of defense against fungi and pests.

This chemical can be found in different parts of the plant like the leaves, stems, and even tubers. Pay attention to the skin, leaves, and eyes of the potatoes, as these are usually high in solanine.

Effect of solanine on chickens

What happens when chickens eat raw potatoes with solanine? Solanine intake can cause various health problems.

Common health problems that arise from taking solanine include the following:

Diarrhea

cramps

paralysis

neurological problems

breathing problems

The effect of solanine varies from case to case depending on the amount ingested. Although solanine is toxic, fatal health problems usually ensue when chickens ingest large amounts of green potatoes.

Still, it’s best not to feed your chickens green potatoes to avoid any unwanted incidents.

get rid of solanine

The best thing to do when you find green potatoes is to throw them away.

If you decide to only remove the poisonous parts, you can do so by cutting off the green skins. However, this does not guarantee that the interior is free of solanine. Disposal is still the best choice.

Cooking can also help reduce solanine levels to some extent. However, studies show that cooking, even at high heat, has minimal effects on solanine levels.

Nutrient Content of Potatoes

Potatoes are healthy and good for chickens, especially when fresh. In addition to being a natural food, they are also a source of carbohydrates, potassium and vitamin C.

As a starchy feed, potatoes give your chickens the energy they need. In addition, they also have fiber, protein and vitamin B6.

Sweet potatoes also contain similar nutrients and minerals. Compared to white potatoes, they have a higher vitamin A content.

100 g raw potato food

Nutrient Value Energy 79 kcal Water 78.6 g Protein 2.14 g Fat 0.08 g Carbohydrates 18.1 g Fiber 1.3 g Vitamin B-6 0.345 mg Vitamin C 5.7 mg Vitamin K 1.8 ug Manganese 0.157 mg Iron 0.86 mg Potassium 417 mg Magnesium 23 mg Phosphorus 55 mg Sodium 5 mg Zinc 0.29 mg Folate 14 µg

How often can chickens eat raw potatoes?

While raw potatoes are a healthy choice to feed your chickens, it’s best to give them in moderation.

Chickens can eat raw potatoes as a treat and as a supplement to their regular diet. However, they are not as rich in nutrients as compared to other foods. As such, they are not giving your herd the nutrition they need for optimal growth and development.

Instead of letting your chickens eat raw potatoes as their main diet, mix them up and try different types of feeds that provide them with an appropriate and balanced diet.

Preparation of raw potatoes for chicken feeding

As previously mentioned, chickens can eat raw potatoes as a supplement to their existing diet. Preparing raw potatoes to feed your chickens is important so that they are easier to consume.

It should be noted that chickens do not have teeth. Aside from that, unlike other animals, they cannot chew their food. They pick up food with their beak and swallow it immediately.

Because of this, chicken keepers should make it easier for them to get feed and eat. You can cut raw potatoes into tiny cubes that your herd can easily peck at. This saves you the hassle of picking from a larger piece.

Chicken nutrition: what you should know

If chickens can eat raw potatoes as a treat, what should you be feeding your flock as a staple food? It’s important to know the nutrients your chickens need so you can provide them with the right nutrition.

What nutrients do chickens need?

In short, here are the nutrients, minerals and vitamins your chicken needs:

Protein: Protein is an essential part of growth and development.

Carbohydrates: Chickens need energy for bodily functions and exercise, which they get from carbohydrates.

Enzymes: Enzymes help chickens digest food and absorb nutrients and minerals.

Fats: Like enzymes, fats support the absorption of certain vitamins. They are also important for cell function.

Vitamins and Minerals: Aside from keeping your chickens healthy, vitamins and minerals support vital bodily functions. These important nutrients include vitamins A, D, E and K, calcium, iodine and iron to name a few.

Food that chickens can eat

Regardless of the climate, the recommended staple diet for chickens is layer feed, which is available in pellet or crumb form. Although commercially produced, these feeds are packed with nutrients and specially formulated for poultry.

Aside from processed chicken feed, giving your chickens natural feed is also a good alternative. However, not all foods intended for human consumption are safe for chickens.

As a guide, these are foods chickens can eat:

Corn – raw, cooked or dried

Fruits – there are few exceptions; Apples, melons and berries are recommended

Cereals – rice, wheat

Vegetables – cooked or raw; Carrots, lettuce, cabbage, pumpkin are recommended

Herbs – recommended are thyme, rosemary, oregano

Meat – boiled and cut into small pieces

Planning to make your own chicken feed? Take notes from this tutorial:

Feeder chickens should not eat

In addition to knowing what foods chickens can eat, it is also the responsibility of chicken owners to be aware of what foods chickens should not eat.

Here is a list of foods not to give your chickens:

Spicy foods – too much sodium leads to salt poisoning

Dry beans – contain hemagglutinin, which can impede digestion

Avocado skins and seeds – contain a toxin called persin

Greasy food – difficult to digest

Junk Food – unhealthy and high in sodium

Rotten and moldy foods – can be toxic and cause diarrhea

summary

Natural foods are good for poultry because they contain nutrients. Many chicken farmers ask: Can chickens eat raw potatoes? The answer is yes! Raw potatoes, both white and sweet, are healthy for chickens. The only exception is green potatoes, as they contain solanine, which is toxic to chickens.

Boiled potatoes are a popular ingredient in side dishes, salads and main courses. Eating raw potatoes isn’t nearly as common, however, as they’re often considered less palatable and difficult to digest. While eating raw potatoes can be associated with several health benefits, there are also some concerns about their safety and nutritional value. This article examines the benefits and risks associated with raw potatoes and determines whether they are healthy or harmful. Share on Pinterest

Raw Potatoes vs. Cooked Potatoes Raw potatoes typically have a bitter taste and a starchy texture that is unappealing to many. Because of this, most people prefer to bake, broil, grill, or roast their potatoes before eating them. This leads to several notable differences in flavor, texture, and color. When raw potatoes are cooked, they undergo a process called the Maillard reaction — a chemical reaction that occurs between amino acids and a reducing sugar in the presence of heat (1). This browning effect is responsible for the distinct flavor and characteristic color and crispiness of the cooked potato. Additionally, research shows that cooking potatoes creates certain compounds that are responsible for the unique flavor that makes cooked potatoes tastier than raw ones (2). Summary Raw potatoes have a bitter taste and a starchy texture. When potatoes are cooked, they undergo the Maillard reaction, producing compounds that increase their palatability.

Resistant Starch Content Raw potatoes are loaded with resistant starch, a type of starch that your body does not digest or absorb. Instead, it’s used to provide energy for your beneficial gut bacteria (3). Adding resistant starches to your diet has been linked to a number of potential health benefits. In fact, studies show that it can lower blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and make you feel full to promote weight loss (4, 5, 6). Resistant starch is also converted to butyrate, an important short-chain fatty acid that can improve digestive health. Test-tube studies have found that butyrate can suppress inflammation in the colon and block colon cancer cell growth (7, 8). Additionally, one review found that treatment with butyrate could also help relieve several symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including bloating and abdominal pain ( 9Trusted Source ). Summary Raw potatoes are high in resistant starch, which has been linked to better blood sugar, improved insulin sensitivity, increased feelings of fullness, and improved digestive health.

Higher Vitamin C Boiling potatoes can make them tastier, but it could also result in a loss of certain nutrients. Gram for gram, raw potatoes contain fewer calories and carbohydrates, but also less protein than baked potatoes. They also provide slightly less potassium and vitamin B6 (10, 11). However, they’re significantly higher in other key micronutrients — they contain twice as much vitamin C per gram as baked potatoes (10, 11). Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant and plays a role in everything from collagen production to immune function (12). Because high temperatures destroy vitamin C, eating your potatoes raw rather than cooked is an easy way to increase your intake of this essential vitamin. Summary Raw potatoes are lower in calories, protein, carbohydrates and several micronutrients. Nevertheless, gram for gram, they contain twice as much vitamin C as baked potatoes.

Antinutrients May Impede Nutrient Absorption Potatoes contain antinutrients like protein trypsin inhibitors and lectins, which can interfere with how your body digests and absorbs nutrients (13, 14). Cooking potatoes has been shown to reduce antinutrient levels to optimize nutrient absorption and prevent deficiencies. For example, one test-tube study observed that boiling potatoes was able to completely inactivate one type of trypsin inhibitor and partially inactivate another (15). Meanwhile, another test-tube study reported that boiling potatoes eliminated 50–60% of the lectin content (14). For people who eat a balanced and varied diet, antinutrients are probably not a problem. However, if you are on a restrictive diet and your diet is based on grains, legumes or tubers, boiling your potatoes can be a good option to maximize nutrient absorption. Summary Potatoes contain antinutrients that can interfere with nutrient digestion and absorption. Boiling your potatoes is an effective strategy to reduce antinutrient levels.

May Contain Toxic Compounds Potatoes contain glycoalkaloids, a type of chemical compound found in members of the nightshade family that can be toxic if eaten in large quantities. Potatoes, especially green potatoes, contain two types of glycoalkaloids: solanine and chaconine. When potatoes are exposed to sunlight, they produce chlorophyll, a type of plant pigment that causes potatoes to turn green. Not to mention that sunlight can also increase the production of glycoalkaloids, which is why it’s widely recommended to limit your consumption of green potatoes to minimize your intake of these harmful chemicals (16). When taken in high doses, symptoms of glycoalkaloid toxicity can include drowsiness, itching, increased sensitivity, and digestive problems (17). According to a test-tube study, boiling, baking, and heating potatoes can significantly reduce total concentrations of glycoalkaloids ( 18Trusted Source ). Peeling your potatoes, avoiding potatoes that have turned green, and ensuring proper storage to avoid sun exposure can also reduce the risk of side effects (19). Summary Potatoes contain glycoalkaloids, which are formed when exposed to sunlight and can be harmful to health in high amounts. Cooking, peeling, and storing potatoes properly can help minimize glycoalkaloid levels.

May Cause Digestive Problems Although resistant starches have been linked to various health benefits, high levels — such as those found in raw potatoes — can contribute to digestive problems. Resistant starch acts as a prebiotic and is fermented by the beneficial bacteria in your gut, leading to the formation of gas in your colon. Stomach discomfort, bloating, and gas are some of the most common side effects associated with consuming prebiotics and resistant starches (20). Raw potatoes can also be more likely to harbor contaminants and bacteria from the soil that would normally be destroyed by cooking, increasing the risk of foodborne illness and infection. The best way to evade negative symptoms is to slowly increase your intake over several days or weeks, and decrease it as you begin to notice adverse side effects. Also, be sure to wash potatoes thoroughly to remove potential pathogens, and consider peeling your potatoes before eating to further reduce the risk of contamination. Summary Eating large amounts of resistant starches from foods like raw potatoes can cause digestive problems like stomach upset, gas, and gas.

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Wow what rumors we’re spreading. Potatoes are poisonous. Potatoes are poisonous, but only raw. Potatoes are poisonous, but only raw green ones. Potatoes are poisonous, but non-green ones are only slightly poisonous. Fresh potatoes that have sprouted are poisonous. Raw potatoes can give worms. Tomatoes are slightly poisonous. Potatoes and other tubers exposed to light turn green and poisonous.

———————————–

I’ve never heard of this mumbo-jumbo, but…

Whoever said grandma warned that raw potatoes can give you

Worms…

had a smart grandma! Potatoes can if grown in infected soil

themselves become infected by trichinella worms. I’m surprised none of

You haven’t remembered any of this from your high school biology until now

classes.

However, the trichinella is a parasite that lies dormant inside you

Potato waiting for some unsuspecting slob to eat it. Then the

Trichina will “wake up” (pardon the non-technical explanation) and

infect the host. The parasite causes painful inflammation and can

embeds itself in the muscle tissue where it can rest for a long time

periods. The condition is treatable.

The feces of infected pigs can carry trichinella “sleeper” or whatever

and if these feces are used as fertilizer for potatoes, the potatoes can

themselves carry the worms. The worms are not microscopic, but a little bit

greater. However, you cannot see them in infected potatoes or pork

Meat unless you have very good eyesight and are lucky enough to see

right where the worm nested.

Trichinella used to be more common, mainly in pork, but

also in potatoes. That’s why grandma advises cooking potatoes and

Pork good for killing possible trichinella. Nowadays is trichine

almost unknown in civilized countries, but remains a problem there

unsanitary agricultural conditions persist. I remember hearing that they

had an average of less than 1 reported case of trichinae per year

in the US for 10 years. (It could be a lot less

as only 1 case in total in the last 10 years; Sorry I can’t remember

the details).

So, anyway: eat your raw potatoes.

-dpc

PS: This is no joke.

Some celebrities swear by a raw food diet, and it’s certainly true that eating fresh vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and cucumbers is far better than eating processed potato chips. But that doesn’t mean you should eat everything raw.

Certain foods need to be cooked to taste good, while others can be dangerous if eaten raw. Keep this list handy the next time you make a salad or plan a raw food diet. These are the foods that you should always cook before eating.

1. Potatoes

Many vegetables are delicious raw, but you’re unlikely to find uncooked potato slices in your crudité tray. That’s because raw potatoes contain a toxic compound called solanine that can make you very ill.

Most potatoes don’t have enough solanine to kill a human, but potatoes that are green or just starting to sprout have high levels of solanine, which can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, headaches, and paralysis. For this reason, you should avoid green potatoes, even if they are cooked.

At the very least, eating raw potatoes causes severe bloating and bloating — and they don’t even taste good. Try roasting, mashing, boiling, or frying your potatoes for a delicious starch that won’t poison you.

Next: The fruit is fine; the seeds are not.

2. Pits or seeds of apples, mangoes, peaches, pears and apricots

An apple seed or two won’t kill you, but eating these bits of fruit regularly might.

The pits and pits of apples, mangoes, peaches, pears, and apricots contain a chemical called amygdalin, which can turn into cyanide. And while you’d have to ingest tons of it to experience the effects of poisoning, it’s best to avoid consuming it if you can.

Next: The leaves of this root will poison you.

3. Rhubarb leaves

Rhubarb root is poisonous when raw. The leaves are incredibly dangerous no matter what.

Rhubarb leaves contain a poison called oxalic acid, which can cause severe kidney damage or even death. Symptoms of poisoning include difficulty breathing, burning sensation in the mouth or throat, nausea, vomiting, eye pain, stomach pain, and red urine. A small amount can make you very sick and eating ten pounds will almost certainly kill you.

Next: Skip these on your salad.

4. Sprouts

Uncooked sprouts can harbor a whole range of potentially harmful bacteria, including salmonella, E. coli and listeria. You should always buy sprouts from places you trust, and anyone with compromised immune systems, such as pregnant women, children, and the elderly, should avoid sprouts to be on the safe side.

Next: This fibrous root can cause kidney stones.

5. Taro

Taro root has more fiber than a potato and is also high in potassium, vitamin C, calcium, vitamin E, and trace minerals. They’re considered a superfood starch—but don’t eat them raw.

Taro contains the compound calcium oxalate, which can make your mouth feel numb when you eat it and even make you feel like you’re choking if you consume too much. It can also cause kidney stones.

Cooking taro reduces the occurrence of this compound, making taro an edible, nutritious treat. Just be sure to wear gloves when handling this root raw, as it can irritate your skin if you touch it.

Next: This vegetable contains cyanide when you eat it raw.

6. Cassava

You may know cassava by one of its aliases; This popular vegetable is also known by the names arrowroot, cassava, tapioca, cassava, mandioca, and yuca (although it’s not the same as yucca, which you can’t eat). But whatever you call it, don’t eat this vegetable raw.

This South American plant grows in humid climates and provides tons of essential nutrients. But uncooked cassava also contains compounds that convert to hydrocyanic acid in your body. Frighteningly, this impairs your body’s ability to use oxygen and can leave you literally drowning out.

You can eat the root and leaves of cassava as long as you cook them properly. Peel the cassava and make your own healthier version of potato chips or fries, or cook them like potatoes. The leaves can also be cooked and enjoyed as a side dish.

Next: This looks like spinach, but you should never eat it raw.

7. Chaya

The leaves of this Mexican shrub have a taste and nutritional value similar to spinach, but unlike spinach, it is very dangerous to eat raw.

Hydrogen cyanide lurks in chaya, which if consumed in excess can cause death due to lack of oxygen. To prepare this leafy treat, simply cook the leaves for at least 20 minutes and avoid breathing the fumes or steam.

An important note: do not use an aluminum pan to prepare your chaya. This unfortunate combination causes explosive diarrhea.

Next: Walter White would love these beans raw.

8. Castor beans

Castor oil can be used for various medicinal reasons such as: B. to relieve constipation or even to induce labor. And while it’s okay to consume castor oil, you should never eat raw castor beans.

Castor beans contain high levels of a harmful lectin called ricin — the same ricin toxin you might remember from the Breaking Bad series. Distilling ricin from castor beans is easy. In fact, in 2013, a Texas actress tried to poison President Obama and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg with castor beans.

Even cooked castor beans are not considered safe. The oil is safe because ricin is water soluble, so it won’t remain in the processed castor oil as long as it’s properly prepared.

Next: This protein source should not be eaten raw.

9. Eggs

Eggs are an excellent source of protein, but swallowing them whole (and raw) like Gaston in Beauty and the Beast won’t do you any favors — and it could make you sick.

It’s the same refrain you’ve heard in the kitchen since you were a child: Eating unbaked cookie dough with raw eggs could lead you to salmonella, which is responsible for about a million cases of foodborne illness each year. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, chills, and fever.

There is some debate as to whether or not raw eggs are safe to eat. It’s true that people with compromised immune systems — including children, pregnant women, and the elderly — are more likely to get the disease. Still, it seems safer to boil eggs before eating them, just in case.

Next: These taste awful when raw.

10. Olives

Picking a raw olive off a tree and eating it won’t hurt you, but you probably won’t love the taste.

Unprocessed olives contain high levels of oleuropein, which makes them taste bitter. It turns out that oleuropein has some heart and brain health benefits, and the only food source for that seems to be olives. However, instead of suffering from raw olives, you can simply buy the supplements to reap all the potential benefits.

Next: The toxic versions of these are identical to the safe ones.

11. Wild mushrooms

Mushrooms are tricky — while some wild varieties can be eaten raw, others are poisonous or can cause gastrointestinal distress if not prepared properly. And it’s not gambling because the poisonous ones could kill you.

Cooking mushrooms breaks down the harmful compounds and makes most mushrooms edible for consumption.

Next: This meat can kill you if not properly prepared.

12. Pork

There’s a good reason why you should never order your pork “rare”.

Pork carries two parasites: trichinosis and pork tapeworm. The former can live in your small intestine after you eat spoiled meat, leading to a whole host of problems like nausea and vomiting. After about a week, the parasites multiply and spread their babies into your bloodstream, causing muscle pain or conjunctivitis. Severe cases of trichinosis can even lead to death.

Other meats that harbor this parasite include raw bear, cougar, wolf, fox, and walrus. So be careful when eating this raw meat in the wild.

Next: A subtle distinction can mean the difference between life and death.

13. Bitter Almonds

Attention almond fans: bitter and sweet varieties should not be confused.

Bitter almonds are more popular in Europe, but you can still find them in some specialty grocery stores like Whole Foods. Like many other dangerous raw foods, they contain enough hydrocyanic acid to prove problematic.

Children who eat too many raw bitter almonds could potentially die. Adults are more likely to have symptoms like dizziness, headaches, vomiting, and cramps depending on how many they eat. If you like eating raw nuts, stick to the sweet variety and leave the bitter almonds to the pro chefs.

Next: Prepare these properly so you don’t get sick.

14. Kidney Beans

Raw beans contain lectins that can make you sick if you don’t cook them properly. Phytohenagglutinin — the lectin found in red kidney beans — can be harmful in high doses. The more you eat, the more likely you are to suffer from gastrointestinal problems like nausea and vomiting. Eat too much and you might even end up in the hospital.

But it’s an easy enough problem to solve. Simply soak your kidney beans for at least five hours, then cook them on the stovetop to avoid symptoms of poisoning.

Next: This trending raw food diet isn’t worth the risk.

15. Raw milk

Raw milk is trending, especially among people looking for a more natural diet. But raw milk could make you very sick.

Pasteurization kills bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli and listeria and does not reduce the nutritional value of the milk. And since children are most likely to get sick from drinking raw milk, it seems safest to ditch this trend and always choose pasteurized milk instead.

Read more: The Deadliest Foods Humans Actually Eat

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Potatoes are a versatile food that can be prepared as a side dish or incorporated into soups and casseroles. However, potatoes sometimes turn green, which can indicate high levels of a potentially toxic compound. In general, people shouldn’t eat green potatoes unless they take certain safety precautions, like removing all green parts of the vegetable, which contain the toxic compound called solanine. This article discusses whether it is safe to eat a green potato and shares the symptoms of solanine poisoning. It also looks at the reasons why a potato turns green and ways to prevent discoloration.

Are green potatoes edible? Share on Pinterest Kinga Krzeminska/Getty Images While the chlorophyll in green potatoes isn’t necessarily harmful, the color may indicate that other processes have been taking place in the potato. The most significant of these is the formation of solanine, which is produced after vegetables are exposed to light. Solanine is also found in the sprouts, roots and leaves of a potato. The substance is a neurotoxin. When a person eats solanine, it can cause headaches and nausea. Solanine is naturally present in all potatoes, generally in the top eighth of the skin. It is a colorless alkaloid with a bitter taste. Usually, a person stops eating bitter potatoes because of the taste. However, if they ate a large amount of green potatoes, they could get solanine poisoning. If the solanine content in a potato is more than 0.1%, the vegetable is unfit for consumption and could make a person sick.

Symptoms of Solanine Poisoning The normal amount of solanine in the skin of a potato means a 200-pound person would have to eat 20 pounds of potatoes to experience a toxic level, according to the University of Nebraska. However, exposure to light can increase solanine levels by up to 10 times. This makes even 2 pounds of potatoes potentially dangerous as a large baked potato can weigh around 1 pound. Most potato servings at a restaurant are about 6 to 8 ounces. Symptoms of solanine poisoning include: Fever

headache

pain in the stomach or abdomen

Diarrhea

Body temperature lower than normal

Vomit

slow pulse

slow breathing A person should seek medical advice immediately if they think they have symptoms of solanine poisoning from eating green potatoes.

What makes potatoes turn green? Many varieties of potatoes are grown worldwide, although the plant was originally native to South America and is related to tomatoes and tobacco. The most consumed part of the potato plant (Solanum tuberosum) is called the tuber and grows underground at the roots of the plant.

Potatoes are generally white under the skin. However, when potatoes are exposed to light, they produce chlorophyll, which gives them a green color, and can also develop high levels of solanine. Some potato varieties will turn green sooner than others. This includes white-skinned potatoes versus red-skinned potatoes or other red-skinned varieties. Also, where potatoes are grown—say, on a hilltop—can make them more likely to turn green.

Can You Make Green Potatoes Safe to Eat? A person should never eat a potato that is overly green. Boiling a green potato does not make it safe. Usually, if the green part of the potato is only on the top of the skin or in a small area, a person can cut out that part and safely eat the rest. However, if the potato tastes bitter, a person should stop eating it. Generally, when a potato is solid green, it is not possible to cut away enough of the solanine material to be safe to eat.

How to Prevent Potatoes from Turning Green Since sunlight causes potatoes to turn green, you can prevent them from turning green by keeping them out of the sun. The US Department of Agriculture’s FoodKeeper website and app offers advice on storing potatoes and other foods. Suggested storage methods include: in a basement or basement where temperatures are typically cooler and dark

at a temperature between 45 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit

away from any device that emits heat, such as B. a refrigerator. A person growing potatoes should keep soil around a potato plant, known as “hilling,” to ensure their tubers are not exposed to light. Growing potatoes too close to the ground can cause them to turn green.