Not only are chickens known for eating a lot, but they are also known to eat just about anything that is put in front of them.
While this may seem like a good thing, it’s important to know that not all foods are safe for chickens to eat.
In fact, some foods can be toxic to chickens and cause serious health problems or even death.
In this post, we will discuss:
- A list of foods you shouldn’t feed your chickens
- Proper chicken feeding practices
- Frequently asked questions on the topic
Foods You Shouldn’t Feed Your Chickens
Chickens are omnivorous and will eat almost anything that comes their way.
However, not all foods are safe or healthy for them to consume.
Some foods that are safe for humans can be harmful or even fatal to chickens.
Here are some foods you should avoid feeding your chickens:
Chocolate or Candy
Chocolate contains theobromine, which can be toxic to chickens and cause seizures, heart problems, and even death.
Even small amounts of chocolate can cause health issues, so it is best to keep chocolate and candy away from your chickens.
Additionally, other forms of candy are very high in sugar and other unhealthy additives that can be harmful to your chickens as well.
Avocados Skin or Pit
Avocado contains a substance called persin, which is toxic to chickens and can cause respiratory distress, heart failure, and even death.
The skin and pit of the avocado contain the highest concentration of persin.
So, it is best to keep avocados away from your chickens.
Avocado contains a substance called persin, which can be toxic to chickens and cause respiratory distress, heart failure, and even death.
Coffee or Tea
Coffee and tea contain caffeine, which can be harmful to chickens.
Caffeine can cause heart problems, seizures, and death.
So, it is best to keep coffee and tea out of your chicken’s diet.
Apple Seeds
Apple seeds contain cyanide, which can be toxic to chickens.
While a few apple seeds may not harm your chickens, it is best to avoid feeding them apple seeds.
Green Potatoe Skin
Green potatoes contain solanine, which can be toxic to chickens.
Solanine can cause digestive problems, weakness, and death.
So, avoiding feeding your chickens raw or green potatoes is best.
Onions or Garlic
Onions and garlic contain thiosulphate, which can damage red blood cells in chickens.
This can cause anemia and weakness.
So, it is best to avoid feeding your chickens onions and garlic.
Dry Beans
Dry beans contain lectins and phytohemagglutinin, which can be toxic to chickens.
Lectins can cause digestive problems, weakness, and death.
So, it is best to avoid feeding your chickens dry beans.
Citrus
Citrus fruits contain citric acid, which can possibly cause digestive problems in chickens.
While small amounts of citrus fruits may not harm your chickens, it is best to avoid feeding them too much citrus.
Most chickens won’t eat citrus in any form anyway.
Junk Food
Junk food is not typically healthy for humans, let alone for chickens.
It can cause obesity, heart problems, and other health issues.
So, if you’re wondering if it is safe to toss them your junk food scraps, the answer is probably not.
Moldy or Rotten Foods
Moldy or rotten foods can be toxic to chickens.
They can cause digestive problems, weakness, and death.
So, it is best to avoid feeding your chickens moldy or rotten foods at all costs.
Nightshade Plant Greenery
Nightshade plants and greenery, such as eggplant, peppers, and tomato, contain solanine, which can be toxic to chickens.
While it is best to avoid feeding your chickens nightshade plant greenery, you may still be able to give chickens the actual vegetable part of the plant.
It is important to do research on which vegetables are suitable for chickens to eat.
Toxic Substances and Plants
Chickens are sensitive to many toxic substances and plants.
Some common examples include:
- Dairy products
- Coffee grounds
- Sugary foods
- Alcohol
- Ivy
- Hydrangea
So, it is best to keep these substances and plants away from your chickens.
Proper Chicken Feeding Practices
Feeding chickens is not as simple as just throwing any food scraps you have on hand into the coop.
Proper nutrition is essential for keeping your chickens healthy and productive.
Here are some tips for feeding your chickens a balanced diet:
Safe Treats for Chickens
While there are many no-nos when it comes to feeding chickens, there are also some great alternatives to consider.
Some safe fruit and veggie options include:
- Cabbage
- Leafy greens
- Mangos
- Grapes
- Watermelon
- Strawberries
- Celery
- Many many more
There are also some unique treats that can be fed to chickens that can be a fun treat in moderation.
Here are a few options:
This list is not comprehensive, so it is important to do your research on individual foods before feeding them to your chickens.
It is also important to keep in mind that treats should be just that: treats.
These should only be fed in moderation, alongside a balanced diet of mostly commercial feed and fresh water.
Balanced Diet Essentials
A balanced diet for chickens should consist of:
- High-quality commercial poultry feed (formulated specifically for chickens)
- Kitchen scraps (in moderation)
- Bugs (fresh or dried)
- Calcium supplement or crushed eggshells
- Grit
- Fruits and veggies (in moderation)
It’s important to note that commercial feed should make up the majority of their diet, with treats and supplements given in moderation.
By following these proper chicken-feeding practices, you can ensure that your backyard chickens stay healthy and happy.
Final Thoughts
Overall, it’s important to know and understand what foods you shouldn’t feed your chickens.
Providing them with a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs is crucial for their health and well-being.
Avoid feeding your chickens foods that are high in salt, sugar, or fat, as these can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, and other health problems.
Additionally, certain foods such as avocado, chocolate, and caffeine can be toxic to chickens and should be avoided altogether.
By being mindful of what you feed your chickens and providing them with a balanced diet, you can help ensure that they live long, healthy lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the toxic foods that can harm chickens?
There are several toxic foods you shouldn’t feed your chickens.
Some can be extremely harmful, including chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and avocado.
These foods contain substances that can be toxic to chickens and cause serious health problems, such as heart and respiratory issues, seizures, and even death.
What scraps not to feed chickens?
Chickens can safely consume many kitchen scraps, but some should be avoided.
These include raw or dried beans, potato peels, nightshade plant greens, and green tomatoes.
These foods contain substances that can be toxic to chickens and cause health problems.
Is it safe for chickens to eat onions and garlic?
Onions and garlic can be harmful to chickens if consumed in large quantities.
These foods contain compounds that can cause anemia and digestive issues in chickens.
Small amounts of onions and garlic are generally safe, but it is best to avoid feeding them to chickens regularly.
Why should chickens not be given dried or uncooked beans?
Dried or uncooked beans can be toxic to chickens and cause health problems.
These foods contain lectins and phytohemagglutinin, which can cause digestive issues and interfere with nutrient absorption in chickens.
It is best to avoid feeding chickens dried or uncooked beans and opt for other protein sources instead.
Can chickens eat meat?
Yes, chickens can eat meat.
In fact, meat can provide chickens with added protein and other nutrients on top of the nutrition they receive from commercial feed.