🚫🐓 What NOT to Feed Your Chickens

Chickens are like feathered garbage disposals—they’ll peck at just about anything you put in front of them. But just because your hens can eat it, doesn’t mean they should. Some foods are unhealthy, and others are downright dangerous. So, let’s clear up the mystery once and for all: here’s the “no-no list” for chickens.

❌ 1. Junk Food & Salty Snacks

That leftover pizza crust or salty chips might seem like a treat, but processed human foods are full of salt, sugar, and additives that chickens simply can’t handle. Too much salt can even be deadly.
👉 Rule of thumb: if it’s junk for you, it’s junk for them too.

❌ 2. Chocolate & Caffeine

Yes, chickens can be chocoholics too… but resist the temptation! 🍫 Both chocolate and caffeine (think coffee grounds or tea leaves) contain compounds that are toxic to birds.

❌ 3. Raw Potato & Green Potato Skins

Those greenish potato peelings? Bad news. They contain solanine, a toxin that can make chickens very sick. Cooked potatoes are fine in moderation, but skip the raw or green ones.

❌ 4. Dried or Undercooked Beans

This one surprises a lot of people! Raw or dried beans contain phytohaemagglutinin, which is extremely toxic to chickens (and humans, too).
✔️ If you want to share beans, make sure they’re fully cooked and soft.

❌ 5. Avocado (Pit & Skin)

While the flesh of an avocado might be safe in tiny amounts, the pit and skin contain persin, which is toxic to chickens. Better to play it safe and keep your guacamole stash for yourself. 🥑

❌ 6. Moldy or Rotten Food

Chickens aren’t compost bins (though they often act like it!). Moldy food can lead to serious health issues like mycotoxicosis. Always feed fresh, clean scraps.

❌ 7. Onions & Garlic (in large amounts)

Small amounts of garlic can actually be good for chickens, but too much onion or garlic can cause anemia. As with most things, moderation is key.

❌ 8. Citrus Fruits

Citrus isn’t toxic, but it can mess with calcium absorption, which your hens need for strong eggshells. A nibble won’t hurt, but don’t make it a regular treat. 🍊

🐔 Safe Treats They’ll Love Instead

Want to spoil your flock? Stick to these chicken-approved goodies:

• Fresh leafy greens 🥬

• Berries & melon 🍓🍉

• Cooked rice, oats, or pasta 🍚

• Mealworms & insects 🪱

🌟 Final Peck

Feeding chickens is one of the joys of backyard chicken keeping, but remember: keeping them healthy means knowing when to say “nope, not for you, ladies.”

Stick to complete feed as their main diet, add safe treats in moderation, and your flock will reward you with happy clucks and golden eggs! 🥚💛