What Not To Feed Your Chickens.

Chickens are known for their voracious appetite, and they are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. This can make it tempting to feed them whatever scraps of food we have lying around the house or garden.

However, some foods can be harmful to chickens and may even be toxic. That’s why it’s important for every chicken keeper to know what foods their feathered friends can’t eat.

Chickens Will Eat Almost Anything

Chickens are notorious for their indiscriminate eating habits – they’ll happily peck at just about anything that moves (or doesn’t move). However, this doesn’t mean that everything is safe for them to eat. In fact, there are many common foods that we humans enjoy which can be dangerous or even fatal if eaten by chickens.

Some examples of these foods include chocolate and caffeine-containing products, avocado (including the skin, pit, and flesh), onions and garlic, raw beans and legumes, green tomatoes and potato peels. But this is just the tip of the iceberg – there are many other fruits, vegetables, herbs, plants and bugs that should also be avoided.

The Dangers of Feeding Chickens Harmful Foods

Feeding chickens foods that they shouldn’t eat can result in a range of health problems or even death. For example, chocolate contains theobromine which is toxic to chickens in large quantities.

Avocado contains persin which can cause respiratory distress in birds. Onions contain a compound called thiosulphate which damages red blood cells in chickens.

These examples alone highlight how harmful certain foods can be – not just because they make our feathered friends sick but because these illnesses could ultimately lead to death if left untreated. In addition to knowing what not to feed your chickens, it’s also important to know how to recognize the signs of illness or poisoning if they do accidentally consume a toxic food.

Foods that are Toxic to Chickens

Chocolate and Caffeine-Containing Products:

As much as we love chocolate and caffeine, these foods can be harmful to our feathered friends. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to chickens.

Even small amounts of chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures in chickens. Similarly, caffeine-containing products like tea or coffee should also be avoided as it can cause nervousness and heart palpitations.

Avocado and its parts (skin, pit, flesh):

While avocado may be considered a superfood for humans due to its healthy fats, it is definitely a “no-no” for chickens. The skin and pit contain persin which is toxic to them. Ingesting avocado can lead to respiratory distress, heart failure, fluid accumulation in the lungs or even death.

Onions and Garlic:

Onions and garlic belong to the allium family that has thiosulphate compounds that are a danger for the health of chickens. They have been known to cause anemia by breaking down red blood cells in chickens leading them towards weakness or even death.

Raw Beans and Legumes:

While cooked beans are an excellent source of protein for birds high amounts of lectins present in raw beans such as kidney beans or soybeans can cause vomiting or diarrhea if consumed by chickens.

Green Tomatoes & Potato Peels:

Green tomatoes contain solanine that affects the digestive system when ingested by chickens leading up toward troubles like decreased egg production or weight loss while potato peels also contain solanine which leads towards digestive problems like vomiting when consumed. It’s important to note what foods cannot be eaten by our chicken friends so they remain healthy throughout their lives. By avoiding certain foods, we can ensure that our chickens stay happy and healthy.

Foods that are not necessarily toxic but should be avoided

The Downside of Citrus Fruits for Chickens

When it comes to what fruits and vegetables can chickens not eat, citrus fruits cause a stir. The truth is, citrus fruit can be given to chickens in moderation, but the acidity can cause digestive issues in excess.

Chickens are known to love getting their beaks on fruits and veggies, but too much of anything is never a good thing. Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, grapefruits, and limes are rich in vitamin C but can cause diarrhea and other digestive disturbances when consumed in large quantities by chickens.

Why Salty or Sugary Snacks Should Be Avoided By Chickens

As omnivores, chickens will eat almost anything they come across. They will also eat what food scraps can chickens not eat if you let them. Salty or sugary snacks often contain high levels of sodium or sugar that affect chicken’s health negatively.

Salt intake increases thirst and dehydration while too much sugar causes obesity-related problems like fatty liver disease. You must avoid feeding your beloved birds donuts or any sugary snacks for that matter.

Processed Foods: The Nutritional Value-Less Foods for Chickens

Chickens thrive on natural foods such as grains, herbs, bugs, weeds, and veggies from the garden; processed foods lack the nutritional value required by these birds for optimal health. Processed foods contain additives that make them last longer on shelves but offer little nutrition to animals.

Such foods may lead to malnourishment despite being fed in large amounts by your chickens daily as they do not contain the essential vitamins needed by the chicken’s body to function properly. It is best practice to avoid processed junk food entirely when feeding your feathered friends as part of their diet plan

Other items that should not be given to chickens

Moldy or spoiled food

Just like with humans, consuming moldy or spoiled food can cause a host of problems for chickens. Mold can contain mycotoxins that are harmful to their health. It’s best to avoid feeding them any food scraps that have gone bad, even if they look okay on the surface.

If you’re not sure if something is still good, err on the side of caution and throw it away. Chicken feed should also be stored properly to prevent it from going bad.

Medications meant for humans or other animals

Chickens may sometimes need medication, but it’s important to only give them medications specifically designed for them. Medications meant for humans or other animals can be dangerous and potentially lethal for chickens. Always consult with a veterinarian who is knowledgeable about poultry before administering any medication.

Plants that are poisonous to humans

Some plants that are harmless to humans can be toxic or even deadly for chickens. For example, rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid which can cause kidney damage in chickens when ingested in large amounts.

Onions and garlic are also dangerous as they contain compounds that can damage their red blood cells leading to anemia and weakness. Research what plants you have in your garden before letting your feathered friends roam free.

It’s important to remember that while chickens will eat almost anything put in front of them, there are many things they shouldn’t eat! Some foods such as chocolate and caffeine-containing products, avocado parts (skin, pit, flesh), raw beans and legumes, green tomatoes and potato peels are toxic; while others such as citrus fruits (can cause digestive issues), salty or sugary snacks (can lead to obesity) should be avoided because they do not provide enough nutritional value for chickens.

Additionally, it’s important to avoid feeding chickens moldy or spoiled food, medications meant for humans or other animals and plants that are poisonous to humans such as rhubarb leaves, onions, and garlic. By providing a balanced diet of what foods can chickens not eat from the garden alongside appropriate chicken feed, you can keep your feathered friends healthy and happy.

Conclusion: Keeping Your Chickens Safe and Healthy

Summary of Important Points on What Chickens Can’t Eat

Chickens can be fed a variety of foods, but there are some items that they should not consume. Chocolate, avocado, onions, garlic, raw beans/legumes; green tomatoes and potato peels are all toxic to chickens. Citrus fruits, salty or sugary snacks and processed foods should be avoided as well.

It’s important to also keep moldy or spoiled food away from your chickens along with medications meant for humans or other animals. Certain plants like tomato leaves and nightshade plants such as belladonna, henbane, and jimson weed can be harmful too.

The Importance of Providing a Balanced Diet for Chickens

The old adage “you are what you eat” rings true for all animals including chickens. By providing your flock with the right food will keep them healthy and productive. Depending on their age and purpose (eggs or meat production), a balanced diet is essential which includes grains, protein sources like insects/worms or cooked meats/eggs; fresh fruits & vegetables that aren’t harmful to them like berries or leafy greens; grit for digestion purposes.

A Bright Future For Your Flock

As an owner of backyard chickens it’s important to remember the responsibility that comes along with it – having healthy birds means providing them with safe food options which ensures their well-being in the long term. By keeping in mind what foods can be harmful to your birds you’ll be one step closer to ensuring their happiness and longevity!