What Not to Feed Chickens and Foods to Avoid
What Not to Feed Chickens and Foods to Avoid
Feeding chickens safely means knowing which foods can harm them.
Some everyday items, like avocado and raw beans, can be toxic, while others, such as citrus or garlic, should only be given occasionally. Even certain plants, like azalea and ivy, can pose serious risks.
To keep your chooks healthy, stick to fresh water and good-quality chicken feed as the main diet. Using a reliable chicken feeder or drinker can help prevent waste and make feeding easier.
If you’re new to keeping chickens, start with the essentials and make sure to avoid any foods or plants that could harm them.
Harmful and Toxic Foods for Chickens
Not all foods are safe for chickens, and some can be downright dangerous. Knowing what not to feed chickens can help you avoid serious health issues or even death in your flock. The list below covers what foods are harmful or toxic to chickens, so you’ll know what food kills chickens instantly and what to keep out of their diet.
1. Avocado
The skins and pits contain persin, a toxin that can cause severe health issues such as breathing and heart problems. Even small amounts can be lethal, so it’s safest to avoid feeding avocados altogether.
2. Raw or Dried Beans
Especially kidney beans, these contain phytohaemagglutinin, a highly toxic compound. Ingesting even a few beans can be fatal to chickens, so only feed cooked beans.
3. Raw Green Potato Skins
Green potato skins contain solanine, a harmful toxin that affects both chickens and humans. Avoid feeding potato peels to your flock.
4. Tomato Plants and Leaves
While ripe tomatoes are safe, the leaves and stems are toxic due to solanine content. Keep chickens away from tomato plants.
5. Rhubarb
Contains oxalic acid, which can be poisonous to chickens, leading to symptoms like weakness or death.
6. Chocolate
Theobromine and caffeine, found in chocolate, are toxic to chickens, affecting their heart and nervous system. Keep all chocolate products away from the flock.
7. Apple Seeds
While apples are fine, their seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide. Always remove seeds before feeding apples.
8. Apricot Pits and Leaves
Similar to apple seeds, apricot pits contain amygdalin, a compound that can convert to cyanide. Avoid feeding pits or leaves.
9. Moldy or Spoiled Foods
Mold can produce harmful mycotoxins, posing a risk to chickens. Only feed fresh food.
10. Alcohol
Chickens are unable to process alcohol, which can quickly lead to poisoning. Never offer alcohol.
11. Caffeine (Tea, Coffee Grounds, etc.)
Caffeine affects the heart and nervous system. Keep caffeinated products out of reach.
Foods to Avoid or Give in Moderation
1. Citrus Fruits
Not toxic, but can reduce egg production. It’s best to limit or avoid.
2. Onions
Contains thiosulfate, which can cause anemia. While small amounts might not harm them, it’s safer to avoid feeding onions.
3. Garlic in Excess
Beneficial in small doses but can cause digestive problems if overfed. Use sparingly.
4. Salty Foods
High sodium content can lead to salt toxicity. Limit salty treats.
5. Sugary or Fried Foods
Disrupts digestion and general health. Avoid or give only occasionally.
Toxic Plants and Weeds for Chickens
In addition to certain foods, some plants and weeds can pose serious risks to chickens. It’s important to recognize these and keep your flock away from any potentially harmful vegetation.
1. Azalea
Ingesting even small amounts can be fatal. If you have azaleas in your garden, ensure chickens cannot access them.
2. Bracken Fern
This fern contains toxins that can harm a chicken’s nervous system. Avoid areas where it grows.
3. Lupine
Can cause birth defects in chicks and pose other health risks. It’s best to keep lupine away from areas where chickens roam.
4. Oak (Acorns and Leaves)
Oak trees produce tannins, which can cause digestive problems if consumed in large amounts.
5. Periwinkle
Can impact the heart and nervous system of chickens if ingested.
6. Tulip Bulbs
Tulip bulbs contain toxic compounds that can harm chickens.
7. Horseradish Leaves
While the root is safe in small amounts, the leaves contain compounds that cause digestive upset.
8. Ivy (All Types)
Contains saponins, which are harmful when ingested. Keep chickens away from all types of ivy.
9. Rhododendron
Like azaleas, rhododendrons contain grayanotoxins that can cause severe symptoms or death.
10. Hyacinth
The bulbs contain harmful alkaloids. Keep chickens away from hyacinth plants.
11. Hydrangea
Contains cyanogenic glycosides, similar to apple seeds. Prevent access to hydrangeas.
12. Lantana
Can cause liver damage and other health problems.
13. Castor Bean Plant
Contains ricin, which is highly toxic. Avoid any contact.
14. Foxglove
Foxglove contains digitalis, a compound that can affect the heart.
Other Substances and Liquids to Avoid
Chickens should also be kept away from certain liquids and man-made substances that can be harmful if ingested.
Unsafe Liquids
- Alcohol: Can quickly lead to poisoning.
- Caffeinated Beverages (Tea, Coffee): Affects the heart and nervous system.
- Sugary Drinks (Soda, Juice): Can disrupt digestion.
- Milk in Large Quantities: Chickens struggle to digest lactose; small amounts are fine. Especially unsweetened greek yogurt can be a good way to give your chickens some probiotics.
Man-Made Substances
While these items aren’t food, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for things like peeling paint on the chook house or pest control products nearby. Always make sure your chickens are kept safe from harmful chemicals or materials around the yard.
- Pesticides and Herbicides: Can be fatal; keep chickens away from treated areas.
- Paint Chips (Especially Older Paint with Lead): Risk of lead poisoning.
- Treated Wood: Contains chemicals that could leach out.
- Rat Poison or Bait: Highly toxic even in small quantities.
- Plastic and Styrofoam: May cause blockages if ingested.
- Antifreeze: Contains ethylene glycol, which is very toxic.
- Household Cleaners and Chemicals: Exposure to bleach, ammonia, etc., can be dangerous.
- Fertilizers: Even organic types may contain harmful substances.
For more tips on keeping your flock safe and healthy, check out our guide on how to keep chickens from wasting food.
Safe Feeding Practices for Chickens
Keeping your chooks healthy starts with safe feeding habits. Here are some simple tips to make sure they get the right nutrition and stay out of harm's way:
- Always provide fresh water: Make sure chicken waterers are clean and always topped up. Read how much water do chickens need.
- Offer a balanced diet: Use commercial chicken feed as the main food source.
- Limit treats: Too many extras can mess with their nutrition.
- Inspect the garden regularly: Keep an eye out for any toxic plants or other hazards.
For more feeding tips, check out The Dine-A-Chook Guide to Feeding Backyard Chickens. And if you need reliable feeders, explore our range of chicken feeders.
Happy feeding!
Shop for:
