3 brown chickens in the snow eating table scraps

What Not to Feed Your Chickens: 21 Things to Avoid

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2 hens and their babies eating

Raising backyard chickens can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, whether you’re doing it for eggs, meat, or simply as pets. However, it’s crucial to understand that chickens have specific dietary requirements, and not everything is suitable for them to eat. Feeding your chickens the wrong foods can lead to serious health problems, decreased egg production, and even fatalities.  Let’s explore what not to feed chickens to ensure their well-being and productivity.

What Not to Feed Your Chickens: 21 Things to Avoid

  1. Alcohol
  2. Avocado
  3. Banana peels
  4. Butter
  5. Chocolate
  6. Coffee and tea
  7. Eggplant leaves
  8. Fried Foods
  9. Fruit pits and seeds
  10. Green or raw potatoes and their peels
  11. Green tomatoes
  12. Maggots
  13. Moldy food
  14. Mushrooms
  15. Onions and garlic
  16. Processed foods
  17. Processed meat
  18. Raw beans
  19. Rhubarb and its leaves
  20. Salty foods
  21. Sugary foods

If you’re raising chickens, it’s important to provide them with a well-balanced diet and monitor their food intake to ensure they get the nutrition they need without overeating. Chickens can be prone to obesity and other health issues if they have unlimited access to high-calorie food sources, so it’s the responsibility of their caretakers to manage their diet and food availability.

brown chicken eating out of bowl

Understanding Chicken Nutrition

Before we dig into what chickens should not eat, it’s a good idea to understand their basic nutritional requirements. Chickens require a balanced diet consisting of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals to thrive. They obtain these nutrients from various sources, including commercial chicken feed, foraging, and supplementary treats.

The following foods are toxic for chickens

There are several foods and substances that are outright toxic to chickens and should never be fed to them under any circumstances.

Alcohol

Alcohol, in any form, is toxic to chickens and can cause a range of issues, including poor coordination, respiratory distress, and death.

Avocado

Avocado contains a substance called persin, which is highly toxic to chickens and can cause severe digestive distress and even death if consumed.

Banana Peels

Banana peels are tough and fibrous, making them difficult for chickens to digest. If you want to treat your chickens with fruit, it’s better to give them banana flesh or other fruits, such as apples, berries, or melons, in moderation. These fruits are softer, more digestible, and are a healthy treat.

Butter

Butter is primarily composed of fat, and chickens require a balanced diet with protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to stay healthy and produce eggs. Feeding them butter can be difficult for them to digest and may also lead to digestive problems or diarrhea.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is toxic to chickens (and other animals). Even small amounts can lead to heart and digestive issues.

Coffee and Tea

Caffeine, found in coffee and tea, is harmful to chickens and can lead to nervous system problems and death. Additionally, coffee grounds can contain caffeine, which can be harmful to chickens if consumed in large quantities. Caffeine is a stimulant that can affect the nervous system of chickens and potentially lead to health issues.

Eggplant Leaves

Eggplants themselves are not a toxic food for chickens, however, their leaves, stems, and calyx (the bud of the plant) contain a toxin called solanine that can cause poisoning for both humans and farm animals.

Fried Foods

Fried foods are typically high in fats and low in essential nutrients that chickens need in their diet.  Their bodies are not well-equipped to handle greasy, heavy, or processed foods. Fried foods can be difficult for chickens to digest, leading to digestive issues like diarrhea or indigestion.

Fruit Pits and Seeds

Many fruit pits, such as avocado pits and seeds contain compounds that can be toxic to chickens. For example, apple seeds, cherry pits, and apricot pits contain cyanide compounds, which are poisonous to birds when ingested in large quantities.

Green or Raw Potatoes and their Peels

Chickens should not eat green potatoes or any green parts of potatoes because these parts contain a toxic substance called solanine. Solanine is a natural defense mechanism of the potato plant, which can be harmful to humans and animals if ingested in large amounts.   

Potatoes should be cooked before giving them to chickens. Raw potatoes can be harder to digest and may not be as nutritious. Boiling or baking potatoes is a safe way to prepare them for chickens.

Green Tomatoes

Green tomatoes, like other parts of the tomato plant, contain a substance called solanine, which can be toxic to chickens. While ripe, red tomato plants are generally safe for chickens in moderation, it’s best to avoid feeding them green tomatoes to prevent potential health issues.

Maggots

Chickens can actually eat maggots as they are high in protein and can provide essential nutrients for chickens. However, if maggots come from unsanitary or contaminated sources, there could be a risk of disease transmission to the chickens. To me, the risk is too high, which is why I recommend staying on the safe side and not letting your chickens eat them.

Moldy or Spoiled Food

Moldy or spoiled food can contain harmful mycotoxins that are detrimental to chickens’ health. Always ensure their feed and treats are fresh and free from mold.

Mushrooms

Chickens can eat some types of mushrooms, but not all. The primary concern with feeding mushrooms to chickens is that many wild mushrooms can be toxic and potentially lethal to them. Chickens lack the ability to differentiate between toxic and non-toxic mushrooms and may consume harmful varieties if they have access to them when they free range.

Onions and Garlic

These vegetables, in large quantities, can lead to anemia in chickens due to the presence of compounds like thiosulfate.

Processed Foods

Just like humans, chickens benefit most from a diet rich in natural and unprocessed foods. Feeding them processed junk food not only lacks nutritional value but can also lead to obesity and other health issues like obesity and heart problems.

Processed Meat

Raw or undercooked meat can carry pathogens like Salmonella or E. coli, which can be harmful to chickens. Feeding them contaminated meat can lead to health issues or even disease outbreaks in the flock.

Processed meats can be high in fat and sodium, which can lead to obesity and health issues in chickens. High salt content can cause kidney problems, dehydration, and other health complications.  They can also contain artificial flavors, colors, and chemicals that may not be suitable for chickens.

3 hens and a rooster

Raw Beans

Uncooked, dry beans contain lectins, which can interfere with a chicken’s digestion and cause symptoms like diarrhea and decreased egg production.  Some beans also contain substances called hemagglutinins, which can cause red blood cells to clump together, leading to circulatory problems in chickens if consumed in significant quantities.

In addition to the toxic compounds, dried beans are also high in anti-nutrients, such as phytic acid, which can bind to essential minerals and prevent their absorption in the digestive system. This can lead to mineral deficiencies in chickens.

Rhubarb and its Leaves

Chickens should not eat rhubarb because rhubarb leaves and roots contain oxalic acid, which is toxic to both humans and many animals, including chickens. Oxalic acid can cause a variety of health issues when ingested, including kidney damage, digestive problems, and even death in severe cases.

Salty Foods

Foods that are high in salt should also be avoided as they can disrupt a chicken’s electrolyte balance. Salt can lead to excessive thirst and dehydration, affecting their overall health.

Sugary Foods

While small amounts of sugar are not immediately harmful to chickens, it’s best to avoid feeding them sugary treats regularly. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to obesity and other health issues, such as diabetes and fatty liver disease.

Other things to avoid giving your chickens

glass on its side spilling blue and white pills

Medications and Antibiotics

Avoid giving chickens medications and antibiotics without consulting a veterinarian. Administering these substances without proper guidance can lead to antibiotic resistance and potential harm to your flock.

Foods OK in moderation

Feeding chickens a diet that consists predominantly of one food item can lead to nutritional imbalances. Variety is key to a healthy diet, let’s look at some foods that are OK in moderation.

Bread

While small amounts of bread are generally safe, too much can lead to obesity and a lack of essential nutrients.

Citrus Fruits

Chickens typically don’t like citrus fruits.  But it’s worth noting that citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are acidic. Feeding chickens too much acidity can lead to digestive upset, which may cause discomfort or diarrhea.

brown silkie chicken and grey silkie chicken eating an apple

Corn

Feeding excessive corn can imbalance a chicken’s diet, as it’s high in carbohydrates and low in protein and other essential nutrients.

Dairy Products

Chickens can consume small amounts of certain dairy products, but they are not a natural part of their diet. Dairy products can be a source of protein, calcium, and other nutrients for chickens when given in moderation. However, some chickens may be lactose intolerant, so it’s important to introduce dairy gradually and observe their response.  A few examples of dairy products that chickens can have in moderation are plain unsweetened yogurt, cottage cheese, and cheese.  

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a nutritious and safe food for chickens when given in moderation. They provide a good source of vitamins, minerals, and energy.

You can feed sweet potatoes to your chickens by cooking or boiling them to make them softer and more easily digestible. Make sure to cut the sweet potatoes into small pieces to prevent choking hazards, especially for younger or smaller chickens.

Uncooked Rice

The idea that uncooked rice is harmful to chickens is a common myth.  Chickens can indeed eat uncooked rice in moderation without any major health issues, however, keep in mind that rice has little nutritional value.

Scratch Grains

Scratch grains should be used sparingly as a treat not as a primary food source, as they are typically low in protein and can lead to nutritional deficiencies.

3 brown chickens in the snow eating table scraps

Table scraps

Plain, unseasoned table scraps are a great healthy snack for chickens.  Some acceptable food scraps for chickens are iceberg lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, fresh eggs, and cooked meats such as chicken or turkey. 

It’s crucial to strike a balance between a chicken’s dietary preferences and their nutritional needs to maintain their overall health.  A great way to ensure your chickens maintain a complete diet is by providing them with plenty of fresh water and making sure their primary diet is a balanced commercial feed.


Conclusion

Feeding chickens the right foods is vital to ensure their health, happiness, and productivity. Knowing what not to feed chickens is just as important as understanding their nutritional requirements.

By avoiding toxic foods, limiting high-sugar and salty treats, staying away from processed and junk foods, and providing a well-balanced diet, you can keep your feathered friends thriving.

Remember, when in doubt, consult with a veterinarian or poultry expert to ensure your chickens receive the best care possible. With the right nutrition, your flock will provide you with delicious eggs, meat, and companionship for years to come.

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Can Chickens Eat Dog Food?
Can Chickens Eat Potatoes?
Can Chickens Eat Coffee Grounds
Backyard Chickens 101: Essential Chicken Supplies

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5 Comments

  1. Great advice for new owners! Thanks for sharing. Personally, I think feeding your chickens raw meat is perfectly safe, so long as it’s fresh. They are naturally omnivores and will eat mice, birds and other small animals if free ranging as they are actually very good hunters.