50 Foods You Should NEVER Feed Your Chickens

As a chicken owner, you want to give your flock the best possible diet to keep them healthy and happy. But with so many foods available, it can be challenging to know what to feed your feathered friends. While many foods are suitable for chickens, there are also several items that should be avoided at all costs.

In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive list of 50 things that you should NOT feed your chickens. We’ll cover everything from chocolate and caffeine to onion and garlic, as well as less obvious items like green tomatoes and garden clippings.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to feed your chickens to keep them healthy and thriving. So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn about the 50 foods you should never feed your feathered friends!

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Avocado

Although avocados are a healthy food for humans, they can be toxic to chickens. The skin, pit, and fruit of avocados contain persin, which can be fatal to chickens. Symptoms of avocado poisoning in chickens include difficulty breathing, sudden death, and heart failure.

Chocolate

Chocolate is toxic to chickens and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death. This is due to the presence of theobromine, a chemical that can be fatal to chickens in small amounts.

Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic contain thiosulphate, which can be toxic to chickens. Ingesting large amounts of these foods can cause hemolytic anemia in chickens, which can lead to death.

Citrus Fruits

While small amounts of citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons are okay for chickens to eat, feeding them large amounts can cause digestive issues. Citrus fruits can also interfere with calcium absorption, which can lead to thin-shelled eggs.

Raw Potato Peels

Raw potato peels contain solanine, a toxic substance that can cause digestive issues, weakness, and even death in chickens.

Dried or Undercooked Beans

Dried or undercooked beans contain lectins, which can be toxic to chickens. Symptoms of bean poisoning in chickens include vomiting, diarrhea, and even death.

Green Tomatoes and Leaves

Green tomatoes and leaves contain solanine, a toxic substance that can cause digestive issues, weakness, and even death in chickens.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid, which can be toxic to chickens. Ingesting large amounts of rhubarb leaves can cause digestive issues, kidney failure, and even death.

Moldy or Spoiled Foods

Moldy or spoiled foods can contain harmful toxins that can be fatal to chickens. Always make sure to properly store your chicken feed and dispose of any spoiled food.

Junk Food and Processed Foods

Junk food and processed foods are not suitable for chickens and can cause digestive issues, obesity, and other health problems. Stick to a healthy diet of chicken feed and treats such as fruits and vegetables.

Anything Salty

Chickens are not able to handle salt in large amounts, so it’s best to avoid feeding them anything salty.

Caffeine

Caffeine can be toxic to chickens and can cause heart palpitations, seizures, and even death.

Apple Seeds

Apple seeds contain small amounts of cyanide, which can be toxic to chickens. While it would take a large amount of apple seeds to cause harm, it’s best to avoid feeding them to your chickens altogether.

Anything Spoiled or Rotten

Feeding your chickens anything that is spoiled or rotten can make them sick and can even be fatal in severe cases. Always make sure that any food you give to your chickens is fresh and in good condition.

Eggplant

Eggplant contains solanine, which can be toxic to chickens. While small amounts of eggplant are okay for chickens to eat, it’s best to avoid feeding them large amounts.

Alcohol

Alcohol is toxic to chickens and can cause serious health problems, including difficulty breathing, seizures, and even death.

Spinach

Spinach contains oxalic acid, which can interfere with calcium absorption in chickens. While small amounts of spinach are okay, feeding your chickens large amounts can lead to thin-shelled eggs.

Dairy Products

While chickens can consume small amounts of dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt, it’s best to avoid feeding them large amounts. Chickens are not able to digest lactose, which can cause digestive issues.

Meat Scraps

While chickens are omnivores and can consume meat, it’s best to avoid feeding them meat scraps or anything that is high in fat. High-fat foods can cause health issues and obesity in chickens.

Citrus Oils

Citrus oils, such as those found in orange peels, can be toxic to chickens. Avoid feeding your chickens any foods that contain citrus oils.

Wild Mushrooms

Feeding your chickens wild mushrooms can be dangerous, as many mushrooms are toxic to chickens. Stick to feeding them commercially-grown mushrooms.

Garden Clippings

While many garden clippings, such as grass clippings and vegetable scraps, are okay for chickens to eat, it’s important to avoid feeding them any clippings that have been treated with pesticides or herbicides.

Nuts

While some nuts are okay for chickens to eat, such as almonds and walnuts, it’s important to avoid feeding them any nuts that are high in fat or contain toxins. Avoid feeding your chickens macadamia nuts, which can be toxic to them.

Chocolate Cake or Brownies

Chocolate cake or brownies are not suitable for chickens, as they contain both chocolate and sugar, which can cause health issues.

Dried Fruit

Dried fruit can be high in sugar and can cause digestive issues in chickens. Stick to feeding them fresh fruits instead.

Fried Foods

Fried foods are not suitable for chickens and can cause health issues, including obesity and digestive problems.

Soda

Soda is not suitable for chickens, as it contains high amounts of sugar and can cause digestive issues.

Processed Meats

Processed meats, such as hot dogs and lunch meat, are not suitable for chickens and can cause health issues.

Mashed Potatoes

While potatoes are okay for chickens to eat, mashed potatoes often contain ingredients that are not suitable for chickens, such as butter and salt.

Ice Cream

Ice cream is not suitable for chickens, as it contains high amounts of sugar and dairy products.

Oyster Shells

While oyster shells are often given to chickens as a source of calcium, it’s important to avoid feeding them oyster shells that have been treated with chemicals or contain harmful toxins.

Fermented Foods

Fermented foods, such as kimchi and sauerkraut, can be high in salt and can cause digestive issues in chickens.

Moldy Bread

Feeding your chickens moldy bread can be dangerous, as it can contain harmful toxins.

High-Fat Foods

High-fat foods, such as bacon and sausage, are not suitable for chickens and can cause health issues.

Dried Peas

Dried peas can be hard for chickens to digest and can cause digestive issues. Stick to feeding them fresh or cooked peas instead.

Baking Powder and Soda

Baking powder and soda are not suitable for chickens, as they can interfere with their digestion and cause health issues.

Canned Vegetables

Canned vegetables often contain high amounts of salt and preservatives, which can be harmful to chickens. Stick to feeding them fresh or frozen vegetables instead.

Processed Cheese

Processed cheese is not suitable for chickens, as it contains high amounts of salt and preservatives.

Green Potatoes

Green potatoes contain solanine, a toxic substance that can be harmful to chickens. Always make sure to remove any green parts before feeding potatoes to your chickens.

Cigarette Butts

Cigarette butts are not suitable for chickens, as they contain harmful chemicals that can be toxic to them.

Cherry Pits

Cherry pits contain cyanide and can be toxic to chickens. Avoid feeding your chickens cherry pits or any other pits from fruit.

Alcohol-Based Foods

Alcohol-based foods, such as vanilla extract, can be toxic to chickens and should be avoided.

Raw Eggs

While chickens can consume raw eggs, it’s best to avoid feeding them raw eggs, as they can carry harmful bacteria.

Raw Meat

Feeding your chickens raw meat can be dangerous, as it can carry harmful bacteria and can cause health issues.

Moldy Cheese

Feeding your chickens moldy cheese can be dangerous, as it can contain harmful toxins.

Coffee Grounds

While small amounts of coffee grounds are okay for chickens to eat, feeding them large amounts can be harmful, as coffee contains caffeine.

Seed Pits

Seed pits, such as those found in peaches and plums, can be toxic to chickens and should be avoided.

Tuna Fish

Tuna fish contains high amounts of mercury and can be harmful to chickens in large amounts.

Fried Chicken

While chickens can eat chicken, it’s important to avoid feeding them fried chicken, as it contains high amounts of fat and salt.

Dog or Cat Food

Dog or cat food is not suitable for chickens, as it contains ingredients that are not suitable for their diet. This is a bit controversial to be honest.

In conclusion, there are many foods that should be avoided when feeding chickens. By following this list, you can help keep your flock healthy and happy. Always make sure to provide your chickens with a healthy and balanced diet that includes chicken feed, fresh fruits and vegetables, and treats in moderation.

sources:

https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/farming/nutrition-for-backyard-chicken-flocks/

https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C954&title=nutrition-for-the-backyard-flock

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/PS029

https://poultry.ces.ncsu.edu/backyard-flocks-eggs/feeds-and-nutrition/