Feeding chickens toxic foods can harm their health and lead to various health problems, including disease, reduced egg production, and even death. Although healthy snacks and treats eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet are fine for your herd, you should still avoid the toxic foods on this list.
Here are 15 examples of toxic foods chickens should avoid:
1. Avacodo
Avocados contain a toxin called persin, which is harmless to humans but can be toxic to many animals, including chickens. Persin is found in the leaves, fruits and seeds of the avocado tree and can cause breathing difficulties, abdominal enlargement and sudden death in chickens.
Although small amounts of avocado are not harmful to chickens, it is best to avoid feeding them this fruit to prevent possible health issues.
2. Chocolate – a toxic food for chickens
Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance toxic to many animals, including chickens. Theobromine can cause various symptoms in chickens, such as vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death.
It is essential to keep all chocolate and chocolate-containing products away from chickens, including cocoa powder, chocolate bars and chocolate-based treats. Even small amounts of chocolate can harm chickens, so it’s best to avoid feeding them.
3. Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic are not toxic to chickens, but they can cause digestive issues and affect the taste of eggs. They contain compounds that can alter the flavor of eggs, which may make them less appetizing for human consumption.
As far as health is concerned, onions and garlic can cause digestive problems, especially if given in large amounts. Feeding chickens a small amount of onion or garlic once in a while probably won’t cause any problems, but if given in excess it could cause digestive upset and diarrhoea.
In general, it is best to limit the amount of onion and garlic given to chickens. If you notice any changes in their behavior or health after eating them, it is best to stop giving them these foods altogether.
4. Alcohol
Alcohol is toxic to chickens and can cause serious health problems including dehydration, disorientation and even death.
Chickens are small animals and their bodies are not equipped to withstand the effects of alcohol. Even a tiny amount of alcohol can cause serious health problems in chickens, so it’s essential to keep all alcoholic beverages away from them.
If you suspect your chicken has ingested alcohol or any other toxic substance, you should contact a veterinarian immediately.
5. Raw Beans – a toxic feed for chickens
Raw beans contain a toxin called lectin which can cause digestive upset, diarrhea and other health problems in chickens. The toxin is destroyed by cooking, so if you want to feed your hens beans, it is essential to cook them first.
Cooked beans can be a nutritious addition to a chicken’s diet, as they are a good source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. However, it is important to feed them in moderation as part of a balanced diet, as excessive amounts of beans can cause digestive upset and other health issues.
6. Moldy or spoiled foods
Moldy or spoiled feed can contain harmful bacteria or toxins that can cause disease or even death in chickens. Mold produces mycotoxins that can cause a variety of health issues, including liver damage, reproductive issues, and immune suppression.
7. Green potatoes and green tomatoes – toxic food for chickens
Green potatoes, peels, and green tomatoes contain a toxic substance called solanine, which can cause a range of health problems in chickens, including digestive upset, breathing difficulties, and even death.
Solanine is found in high concentrations in the green parts of potatoes and tomatoes and in the sprouts and eyes of potatoes. It is essential to remove all green parts from potatoes or tomatoes before feeding them to your chickens or other animals.
In addition to solanine, green potatoes, potato skins and green tomatoes may also contain other toxic substances, such as glycoalkaloids and alpha-tomatine. These can cause various health problems in chickens and other animals.
8. Rhubarb leaves – a toxic food for chickens
Rhubarb leaves are a toxic food for your backyard flock because they contain a high concentration of oxalic acid. Oxalic acid is toxic to chickens and can cause a variety of health issues, including digestive upset, kidney failure, and even death.
While the stems of the rhubarb plant are safe for chickens to eat in moderation, the leaves should always be avoided. If you have rhubarb growing in your garden, it is essential to keep your hens away from the plants and to remove any leaves that are falling or cut.
9. Citrus
Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruits can be a nutritious addition to a chicken’s diet. They are a good source of vitamin C and other essential nutrients.
However, it is important to feed citrus only in moderation. Excess amounts can cause digestive upset and other health problems in chickens. Additionally, citrus fruits can be high in acid, which can cause irritation or even sores in a chicken’s mouth.
When feeding citrus fruits to chickens, it is best to cut them into small pieces and give them as a treat rather than a staple.
10. Raw or undercooked meat
Although chickens are omnivores and can eat meat, they should not be fed raw or undercooked meat. Raw or undercooked meat can contain harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli. This can cause illness or even death in chickens. Additionally, feeding raw or undercooked meat to chickens may increase the risk of spreading these bacteria to humans through contact with chicken droppings. Or by handling the chickens themselves.
If you want to give meat to your chickens, it is essential to cook it well before giving it to them.
11. Wild mushrooms or mushrooms that grow in the garden
It is not recommended to feed chickens with wild mushrooms. Many species of fungi are poisonous and even deadly foods for chickens. It can often be difficult to distinguish between safe and poisonous species. Even small amounts of poisonous mushrooms can cause disease or death in chickens.
Some poisonous mushrooms commonly found in nature include mortar mushroom and false morel mushroom. These mushrooms contain toxins that can cause liver and kidney damage, neurological symptoms and even death in chickens.
12. Fruit pits and seeds
It is generally best to avoid feeding chickens seeds and fruit pits. Some seeds and fruit pits contain small amounts of toxins that can harm chickens if ingested in large amounts. Apple seeds contain cyanide and peach pits contain amygdalin, which can break down into cyanide in the digestive system.
Small amounts of seeds and fruit pits are unlikely to cause harm. It is always best to err on the side of caution and remove them before feeding chickens fruit. Additionally, larger seeds and pits can pose a choking hazard to chickens, so removing them is essential to avoid accidents.
It is best to offer the fleshy parts of the fruit and avoid giving them seeds or pits. Fruits such as berries, melons, grapes and bananas are safe and healthy chicken options. They make a great summer treat when frozen.
13. Foods containing caffeine – a toxic food for chickens
Caffeine is found in various products, including coffee, tea, chocolate, and soft drinks. Keep these items away from chickens and avoid giving them caffeinated foods or treats.
Caffeine is a stimulant that can have a variety of adverse effects on chickens, including increased heart rate, hyperactivity, and digestive upset. In severe cases, caffeine consumption can even be fatal to chickens.
Foods containing caffeine, such as coffee or tea, can harm chickens. If consumed in large amounts, it can cause restlessness, tremors, and heart problems.
14. High Grade Salty Foods
It is best to avoid giving chickens foods that are too salty. While chickens need sodium, too much salt can be harmful and even toxic.
Excess salt intake can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and kidney damage in chickens. Symptoms of salt toxicity in chickens can include lethargy, loss of appetite, increased thirst and diarrhea.
Foods high in salt, such as processed foods, salty snacks, and fast food, should be avoided. Likewise, adding too much salt to a chicken’s food or treats is not recommended.
15. Junk Foods and Highly Processed Foods
Junk and highly processed foods are usually high in salt, sugar, and fat, which can harm chickens in large amounts. Additionally, these feeds are often lacking in essential nutrients that hens need to stay healthy and lay eggs.
Providing chickens with a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs and avoids these toxic foods is essential to keeping them healthy and productive. Buy healthy treats for your backyard flock.