In this blog, we will talk about what not to feed chickens. Raising chickens is a rewarding endeavour with rewarding payoffs. Fresh eggs are a bonus, but there’s also the satisfaction of supplying more of one’s own needs and, as a result, reducing dependence on others. Keeping chickens healthy, however, requires paying attention to what they eat. Chickens are described as omnivores with excellent digestive systems, but that’s not to say they can and should eat anything and everything. In this guide to what your flock shouldn’t eat, we’ll survey the hazards of the chicken diet.
Introduction
Like all omnivores, chickens will eat virtually anything that doesn’t immediately kill and devour them. But not all foods are perfect for them. Some can trigger acute health problems, whereas others can lead to chronic disorders and trouble down the road. With a bit of know-how, it’s relatively simple to identify the foods that should be off limits at your chicken coop.
Foods to Avoid
Avocado
Why It’s Unhealthy: The pit and skin of avocados contain persin, a fungicidal toxin that can cause myocardial necrosis (heart tissue death) in chickens, according to the website Biodiversity For Food And Nutrition. Even small exposures can prove fatal.
Symptoms of Poisoning: Respiratory distress, weakness, and sudden death.
Recommendation: Avoid feeding any part of the avocado, including the flesh, to be safe.
Chocolate and Candy
Why It’s Hazardous: Chocolate can prove poisonous for birds because it contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which chickens struggle to metabolise into safe forms. Vomiting, diarrhoea, increased heart rate, hyperactivity, tremors and seizures can all result.
Symptoms of Poisoning: Vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, and potentially death.
Recommendation: Keep all chocolate and candy away from your chickens.
Citrus Fruits
Why It’s Harmful: Citrus fruits can interfere with calcium absorption, leading to thin or soft shells. Various sources also report a reduction in egg quantity.
Symptoms of Overconsumption: Soft-shelled eggs, reduced egg production.
Recommendation: Avoid feeding citrus fruits and their peels to chickens.
Green Potato Skins and Sprouts
Why It’s Bad: Green potato skins and potato sprouts (rasied by sprouting potatoes in water) contain a poison called solanine that can lead to diarrhoea and even death in chickens.
Symptoms of Poisoning: Diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and neurological symptoms.
Recommendation: Only feed cooked potatoes and avoid any green parts or sprouts.
Dry Beans
Why it’s Unhealthy: Raw or dry beans contain hemagglutinin, which cause blood clot and is extremely poisonous to chickens.
Symptoms of Poisoning: Severe gastrointestinal distress, rapid onset of illness, and death.
Recommendation: Always cook beans thoroughly before feeding them to chickens.
Moldy or Rotten Food
Why It’s Harmful: Mouldy or rotten food can contain mycotoxins, toxic mould that chickens cannot metabolise well and can cause liver damage, immune suppression and other problems.
Symptoms of Poisoning: Diarrhea, lethargy, reduced egg production, and liver damage.
Recommendation: Only feed fresh, mold-free food to your chickens.
High-Salt Foods
Why It’s Cruel: Chickens can be poisoned by salt. High salt levels can stimulate their thirst and damage their kidneys. Excessive salt consumption can lead to death.
Symptoms of Poisoning: Excessive drinking, diarrhea, lethargy, and kidney damage.
Recommendation: Avoid feeding salty foods like processed snacks, chips, and salted nuts.
Onions
Why It’s Harmful: The thiosulfate in onions also causes chickens to have haemolytic anaemia, which destroys red blood cells.
Symptoms of Poisoning: Weakness, lethargy, pale combs, and reduced egg production.
Recommendation: Do not feed onions or foods containing onions to your chickens.
Rhubarb
Why It Won’t Work: The oxalic acid in rhubarb leaves can lead to kidney failure and other serious issues in chickens.
Symptoms of Poisoning: Diarrhea, lethargy, and kidney failure.
Recommendation: Avoid feeding rhubarb leaves to chickens.
Alcohol
Why It’s Unhealthy: Alcohol is debilitating to chickens, there’s no other way of putting it. It causes a range of health problems including offensive foul odours, liver damage and death.
Symptoms of Poisoning: Lethargy, loss of coordination, and death.
Recommendation: Never give alcohol to chickens.
Plants and Weeds to Avoid
Specific feed must be kept away from the chickens: some plants and weeds that chickens enjoy are actually quite poisonous:
Nightshade Family (Tomato, Eggplant, Pepper Leaves)
Why It’s Harmful: These plants contain solanine, which is toxic to chickens.
Symptoms of Poisoning: Diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and neurological symptoms.
Recommendation: Keep chickens away from nightshade plants.
Rhododendron and Azalea
Why It’s Terrible: chickens tend to have a rough go with the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular effects of the grayanotoxins within.
Symptoms of Poisoning: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and heart problems.
Recommendation: Do not plant these near your chicken coop.
Foxglove
It’s toxic to chickens because of its digitalis content. This compound comes from the plant known scientifically as Digitalis purpurea, or what is more commonly known as foxglove, which can, in high doses, cause heart problems.
Symptoms of Poisoning: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and heart failure.
Recommendation: Keep chickens away from foxglove plants.
Castor Bean
Why it’s wrong: Ricin, found in castor beans, is a dangerous poison, known to cause serious damage to the health of chickens (and even death).
Symptoms of Poisoning: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and death.
Recommendation: Avoid planting castor beans near your chicken coop.
Common Myths About Chicken Feeding
Myth 1: Chickens Can Eat Anything
While chickens are fairly omnivorous and, as we’ve discussed, most people eat, quite a few things aren’t safe for them. A number of foods, and indeed plants, are highly toxic to chickens and can be fatal if consumed.
Myth 2: Kitchen Scraps Are Always Safe
Not all kitchen scraps are good for your chickens. Some are totally off-limits. Being able to distinguish between leftovers your chickens can have and the ones to toss is crucial.
Myth 3: Chickens Know What Not to Eat
Chickens do have some basic instinct that can keep them from eating dangerous foods, but they can still end up eating toxic things, especially if they are hungry or curious.
Safe Alternatives and Treats
While the list of foods to avoid is long, the list of safe, healthy treats is also very long. Try some of the following:
Fruits
- Safe Options: Apples (without seeds), berries, melons, and bananas.
- Benefits: Provide vitamins and hydration.
Vegetables
- Safe Options: Carrots, cucumbers, leafy greens, and squash.
- Benefits: Rich in vitamins and minerals.
Grains and Seeds
- Safe Options: Cooked rice, oats, and sunflower seeds.
- Benefits: Good source of energy and nutrients.
Protein Sources
- Safe Options: Mealworms, cooked eggs, and fish.
- Benefits: High in protein, essential for growth and egg production.
Best Practices for Feeding Chickens
Balanced Diet
Make sure your chickens eat a balanced diet that includes a commercial feed designed specifically for their life stage, which will provide them with all the nutrients they need for healthy growth and production.
Fresh Water
Always keep water available to provide chickens with water to help process their food and keep them hydrated.
Moderation with Treats
In short, treats should be limited to no more than 10 per cent of your chickens’ diet because too many treats can lead to nutritional imbalances and other health problems.
Safe Foraging
If you invite your chickens to the free-range, make sure the premises are decontaminated first, unsoiled terrain and all.
FAQs
Can chickens eat bread?
Bread can be given occasionally as a treat but not as a staple, as it lacks the right nutrition.
Is it safe to feed chickens dairy products?
Chickens can have small amounts of dairy, but too much can cause digestive issues.
Can chickens eat meat?
Moderation is the key, yes. Raw meat is not recommended, you can easily contaminate it with bacteria. Check out this link for other treats for chickens.
Are there any safe herbs for chickens?
Yes, oregano, parsley, basil, etc are safe and have some health benefits when consumed.
How can I ensure my chickens get enough calcium?
Giving at least a calcium supplement such as crushed oyster shells or eggshells will help strengthen eggshells and overall health.
Conclusion
For instance, when feeding chickens, you don’t just have to throw in kitchen scraps. In fact, knowing what you shouldn’t be feeding them is just as important as knowing what you should. Giving your birds a variety of healthy foods while avoiding harmful foods will ensure your flock remains productive, healthy, and happy all year.
