Raising chickens can be rewarding, but keeping your flock healthy starts with knowing what they should — and should not — eat. Chickens are curious animals and will peck at almost anything, but some foods can cause serious health problems, reduced egg production, or even death. Here are 10 foods you should never feed your chickens and why they should stay off the menu.
1. Avocado
Avocados contain a toxin called persin, especially in the skin, pit, and leaves. While the flesh is less dangerous, it is still best to avoid feeding avocados entirely. Persin can cause breathing problems, weakness, and heart issues in chickens.
2. Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to poultry. Even small amounts can cause hyperactivity, seizures, heart problems, or death. Keep candy and baked goods containing chocolate far away from your flock.
3. Raw or Dry Beans
Uncooked beans can be deadly to chickens because they contain a natural toxin called phytohemagglutinin (PHA). This toxin can cause severe digestive problems and poisoning. Cooked beans are generally safe, but raw or dry beans should never be fed to chickens.
4. Green Potato Peels
Green or sprouting potatoes contain solanine, a toxic compound that can affect a chicken’s nervous system and cause digestive and cardiac issues. Avoid feeding green potato peels or spoiled potatoes. Plain cooked potatoes are generally safe in moderation.
5. Moldy or Rotten Food
If food is moldy enough that you would not eat it yourself, do not feed it to your chickens. Mold can produce harmful toxins that lead to respiratory issues, digestive problems, or poisoning. Fresh feed and clean scraps are always the safest choice.
6. Salty Foods
Too much salt can quickly lead to dehydration and kidney damage in chickens. Chips, fast food, canned foods, and heavily salted leftovers are hard on a chicken’s digestive system and should be avoided.
7. Onions
Large amounts of onions can damage red blood cells and may cause anemia in chickens. Too many onions may also affect the taste of eggs. Small amounts are usually not harmful, but onions should not be a regular part of their diet.
8. Alcohol
Chickens should never be given alcoholic beverages or heavily fermented foods. Alcohol is toxic to chickens and can cause disorientation, dehydration, respiratory failure, and death.
9. Apple Seeds and Fruit Pits
Apple seeds and pits from peaches, cherries, plums, and similar fruits contain compounds that release cyanide when crushed or chewed. While the fruit itself is safe, the seeds and pits should always be removed before feeding.
10. Coffee and Caffeine
Coffee grounds, energy drinks, tea bags, and other caffeinated products are dangerous for chickens. Caffeine affects the nervous system and heart and can be fatal.
Chickens love treats, but their primary diet should always be a balanced chicken feed formulated for their age and purpose. Treats and table scraps should only make up a small portion of what they eat each day. When in doubt, follow this simple rule: if the food is spoiled, heavily processed, or questionable, do not feed it to your flock. Your chickens depend on you to keep them healthy.
This article was written in collaboration with Jewellyn Owens, Lead for America Fellow, placed in the UF/IFAS Extension Holmes County office in collaboration with Holmes County Tourism Development Commission.
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