Kombucha for Chickens
Learn about the benefits of kombucha for chickens and how to feed it to chickens safely.
by Heather Levin
We do a lot of fermenting on our homestead. From brewing kombucha to baking sourdough and turning fresh vegetables into pickles, our kitchen (and sometimes the laundry room) is always bubbling with one concoction or another. We even ferment our chicken feed!
Benefits of Kombucha for Chickens
My two boys love to tease me about my ever-growing collection of jars, calling them my latest “witch’s brew.” But there’s a method to my madness — and so many amazing benefits to all this fermenting.
One of my favorite fermented foods to give our flock is kombucha. Kombucha is a delicious, strange, yet delightful combination of sour, fizzy tang and a powerhouse of probiotics for your chickens. And even though it might sound a bit weird at first, here’s why you might want to consider adding kombucha to your flock’s water regularly.
Boosts Digestive Health
Kombucha is packed with probiotics, the healthy bacteria that support a balanced gut microbiome. These “good” bacteria improve nutrient absorption and help crowd out harmful pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella. Put simply, when your chicken’s gut is loaded up with the “good” bacteria along the intestinal wall, there’s less room for the bad bacteria to move in and take up shop. So, they’re better able to resist illness and disease.
Strengthens the Immune System
A robust immune system starts with a healthy gut. By improving gut health, kombucha helps bolster your chickens’ natural defenses, reducing their risk of infections and common diseases. And science backs this up.
A 2023 study by the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) found that kombucha is effective against various harmful bacteria and pathogens, making it beneficial for maintaining health and preventing infections.
Improves Egg Quality
When your chickens’ digestive systems work efficiently, they absorb more nutrients from their feed. This can lead to stronger eggshells, glossier feathers, and vibrant yolks.
Reduces Stress-Related Issues
Chickens are sensitive and can easily become stressed from changes around the coop, predator scares, or new flock members. Kombucha’s probiotics help mitigate the effects of stress by supporting gut health, which often suffers during stressful times.
Promotes Better Growth in Chicks
For young chicks, kombucha can help establish a healthy gut microbiome early on. Studies by Springer Nature show that chicks with a balanced gut often grow more robustly and are better able to fend off illnesses. This can be especially helpful for shipped chicks since the stress of transportation can quickly disrupt their gut health.
Helps Prevent Digestive Disorders
Kombucha’s probiotics can help prevent common digestive issues like pasty butt in chicks and sour crop in adult birds. Regular supplementation can keep your flock’s digestion running smoothly.
Reduces Odors in the Coop
A balanced gut leads to better digestion and less undigested material in droppings. This means less ammonia buildup in the coop and a noticeable reduction in odors. And we can all say “yay” to that!
Supports Recovery After Antibiotics or Illness
If your chickens have been on antibiotics or have recently recovered from an illness, kombucha can help restore their gut microbiome. This leads to faster recovery and helps them return to their usual, happy routine.
How to Safely Give Kombucha to Chickens
Although kombucha is beneficial, it’s important to introduce it carefully and in moderation. Remember, chickens are sensitive to change, so it’s always best to start slow with anything new.
- Dilute. Kombucha should always be diluted before giving it to chickens. Mix about ¼ cup of kombucha with one gallon of fresh water.
- Use Plain Kombucha. Only use plain, unflavored kombucha without added sugars or fruits.
- Offer it Sparingly. Kombucha is a treat, not a replacement for their regular water or feed. Offer it 1 to 2 times a week to avoid overloading their system.
- Start Slow. Introduce kombucha gradually, especially if your chickens aren’t used to probiotic supplements. Start with smaller amounts and monitor how they react to it.
A Note on SCOBYs
If you brew your own kombucha, you’re all too familiar with the gelatinous SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast) that forms during fermentation. Excess SCOBYs can be chopped into small pieces and fed to chickens as a treat. They’re rich in probiotics and are a great addition to your flock’s diet. I give my extra SCOBY to our chickens (and our cows!), and they love it. You can also put thinly sliced SCOBYs on wounds to help speed healing.
Adding kombucha to your chickens’ diet is a fun and simple way to support their health. Whether they’re bouncing back from illness, needing a little extra immune support, or just enjoying a probiotic boost, kombucha can make a positive difference for your flock.
Sources
mdpi.com/2304-8158/12/9/1818
link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12602-020-09737-5
Heather Levin is an educator, herbalist, and chicken wrangler of 30+ chickens. She’s also the founder of The Backyard Chickens Summit and Chicken Health Academy, a pioneering online learning academy that teaches natural and emergency chicken care strategies. Find out more about her program at www.ChickenHealthAcademy.com.
Originally published in the April/May 2025 issue of Backyard Poultry and regularly vetted for accuracy.
