What NOT to Feed Chickens

Foods NOT to Feed Chickens:

Let's just jump right in! The following list are all considered 'bad' foods for chickens.  If your hen happens to nibble on a bit of one of these foods, or maybe you accidentally feed them leftovers by mistake, don't panic! Many of these foods are generally regarded as safe (GRAS) in small amounts.

1. Citrus Fruits: While small amounts of citrus fruits won't harm your chickens, feeding them in large quantities can cause digestive issues due to their acidity. Also avoid fruit pits, such as cherries. We've fed our chickens leftover crawfish boil that contained boiled lemons, and they didn't touch them. Chickens are intuitive eaters and will naturally avoid some foods.
2. Green Potatoes: Avoid feeding your chickens green potatoes or potato peels (potato skins), as they contain solanine, which can be toxic and lead to digestive problems.
3. Apple Seeds: These little seeds contain cyanide, which can be harmful to chickens if consumed in large quantities. It's a good idea to remove seeds before feeding them apples.
4. Uncooked Beans: Raw beans, like kidney beans, contain hemagglutinin, which can interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients and cause digestive issues. Always cook beans thoroughly before offering them to your flock and never feed dried beans.
5. Green Tomatoes: Similar to potatoes, green tomatoes and tomato plants contain solanine and can be harmful to chickens if eaten in large amounts.
6. Coffee Grounds: The caffeine in coffee grounds can increase chickens' heart rate and lead to heart problems if consumed in excess. Keep these away from your feathered friends. If you are looking for creative ways to use up your grounds, read my post about using coffee grounds in the garden.
7. Raw Eggs: While chickens can eat their own eggs, feeding them raw eggs may encourage egg-eating behavior, leading to a decrease in egg production. I always cook and scramble eggs before feeding them back to my hens.
8. Avocado Pits and Parts: Avocado contains a toxin called persin, which can be harmful to chickens. Avoid feeding them avocado pits, avocado flesh, or any other parts of the avocado. My chickens won't eat avocado, even if it is offered to them.  Somehow they must know!
9. Rhubarb Leaves: These leaves contain oxalic acid, which can interfere with calcium absorption and lead to kidney failure in chickens. Keep them away from your flock!
10. Junk Food: Like humans, chickens need a balanced diet.  if they are getting calories from toxic food with little nutritional value, they won't be hungry to eat their feed.

Signs of Adverse Effects 

If you notice any of these signs in your chicken, it's essential to act quickly to address the problem. Remove the suspected toxic substance from their environment, provide access to fresh water, and consult with a veterinarian experienced in poultry care for further guidance and treatment. Prompt intervention can help prevent further complications and improve your chicken's chances of recovery. It would also be a good idea to contact your vet.

1. Decreased Activity: A chicken that is lethargic or reluctant to move may be experiencing discomfort or illness.
2. Loss of Appetite: If a chicken suddenly loses interest in food or stops eating altogether, it could be a sign of digestive issues or toxicity.
3. Unusual Behavior: Any sudden changes in behavior, such as aggression, agitation, or vocalization, may indicate distress or pain.
4. Abnormal Droppings: Diarrhea, blood in the droppings, or changes in color or consistency may indicate gastrointestinal distress.
5. Labored Breathing: Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or gasping for air can be a sign of respiratory distress, which may be caused by ingesting a toxic substance.
6. Vomiting or Regurgitation: Chickens may regurgitate or vomit if they have ingested something toxic or harmful.
7. Weakness or Unsteadiness: A chicken that appears weak, uncoordinated, or unable to stand properly may be experiencing neurological or muscular issues.
8. Seizures or Tremors: Severe cases of toxicity can cause seizures, tremors, or other neurological symptoms.

Safe and Healthy Snacks for Chickens

Now that we know what to avoid, let's talk about some of the best treats that are safe for our chickens:

• Leafy Greens: Offer your flock a variety of leafy greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce for essential nutrients and fiber.
• Fresh Fruits: Treat your chickens to fresh fruits like berries, melons, and bananas in small pieces for a healthy snack. This instagram reel shows how to make a snack with fruit, hemp seeds and scratch grains for your flock.
• Scratch Grains: Provide scratch grains in moderation as a supplemental treat to keep your chickens happy and entertained. My boys and I made chicken scratch pinecone treats for our flock. You can watch this instagram reel to see how to make them yourself! You can also learn how to make a flock block, pinecone ornaments, sprout chicken grains or peas.
• Sunflower Seeds: These are packed with essential nutrients and make for a great occasional treat for your feathered friends. Use store-bought black oil sunflower seeds (BOSS) or grow and save your own sunflower seeds.
• Cooked Vegetables: Cooked vegetables like carrots, peas, and squash are safe and nutritious options for your chickens to enjoy. Best vegetables for chickens include leafy greens like spinach and kale, as well as nutrient-rich options like carrots, peas, and squash, all provided in small, manageable pieces to promote healthy digestion and overall wellbeing.