Are you worried about what to feed your chickens? Here is tried and true advice on exactly what chickens can eat and what chickens can not eat.
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What Can Chickens Eat?
Chickens are omnivores and can eat a variety of foods.
Knowing what to feed chickens is essential for their health and wellbeing. By understanding the types of food that chickens can eat, you can ensure that your flock is getting all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy.
The most important thing is to make sure that the majority of your chickens diet comes from a complete source. This can be a pellet or crumble food, or you can even ferment your own feed.
Studies show that animals who receive a steady intake of probiotics through fermented feed have a more robust immune system than those on a standard dry feed diet.
– Deanna Cat
A high quality pellet or crumble dry chicken feed is also a solid choice, especially if you have a very large flock. Here at Wild Mountain Homestead, we let our chickens free-range across our off-grid, mountain property (thank goodness we have Colorado Mountain Dogs to keep them safe!).
I’ve found that they eat a lot less feed, when they’re able to get out and scratch around in the great outdoors. They’re also able to naturally consume a more varied diet. In addition to their feed, they can search for bugs and peck at plants. They can be voracious and cause a lot of damage scratching, so I recommend fencing them out of the garden.
While roaming outside their coop and run, they’re also able to naturally find grit. And we provide oyster shell next to the feed for added calcium.
As a working farm, with a large homestead garden we love to share extra fruit and veggie scraps with our flock of chickens.
The Best Treats for Chickens
Chickens love treats. And, more importantly, we chicken owners love to spoil our chickens! But, of course, our number on priority is keeping our chicken flock healthy and safe.
So if you’re unsure what to feed your flock, here is a list of the best treats for chickens:
- Mealworms
- Scratch Grains
- Lettuce
- Kale and Swiss Chard
- Cucumbers
- Squash and Pumpkins
- Broccoli
- Mint
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
I’ve also found that chickens really enjoy a little bit of watermelon or other juicy fruit on a hot summer day. We’re growing strawberries (in Colorado!) and the chickens absolutely devour any berries we share with them.
There have also been interesting studies and anecdotal on the benefits of giving chickens fish meal or other meat protein sources (I’ve heard of everything from letting them clean a deer carcass to raising tilapia specifically for the chickens).
This may depend on your personal feelings about consuming animal protein, but it is an interesting point to consider. Feeding right won’t necessarily increase egg production, but it will ensure chickens are laying the optimal number of eggs a day.
What Can Chickens NOT Eat?
In general, chickens are pretty good at detecting what they can and cannot eat. If you ever throw something out and your chickens don’t eat it, take note. There’s probably good reason they are avoiding a certain food.
That said, a hungry chicken will eat just about anything. And some chickens just have poor judgement. So to keep your chickens healthy, it’s best to simply avoid sharing foods that chickens can not eat.
Here is a list of foods that can be toxic or poisonous to chickens:
- Onions
- Avocado Pits and Skins
- Very Salty Foods
- Rhubarb
- Raw Amaranth
- Tomato Leaves and Plant
- Potato Peels with Green Areas
- Undercooked or Dried Beans
- Xylitol
- Moldy or Rotten Foods
FAQ – Is This Food Safe to Feed Chickens?
Can Chickens Eat Grapes?
Can Chickens Eat Tomatoes?
Yes. Chickens can eat ripe tomato fruit. Just make sure that your chickens do not eat the leaves, plant, or unripe tomatoes. Read the full guide answering, can chickens eat tomatoes?
Can Chickens Eat Pineapple?
Sometimes. Pineapple has a higher sugar content, so it’s best to feed in moderation.
Can Chickens Eat Apples?
Yes. Apples are a healthy snack for chickens. It is best to core the apple before sharing with your chickens as the apple seeds do contain trace amounts of cyanide.
Can Chickens Eat Bread?
Sometimes. Chickens love bread, but it’s not super high in nutritional content. Fed sparingly, it’s an okay treat.
Can Chickens Eat Strawberries?
Yes. Strawberries are full or vitamins and minerals that are great for chickens.
Can Chickens Eat Blueberries?
Yes. Chickens love blueberries. You may notice the chicken poop is dark or purple after eating blueberries.
Can Chickens Eat Carrots?
Yes. Carrots are full of nutrients and vitamins. My flock doesn’t have a high interest in raw carrots, but are more inclined to eat a cooked carrot.
Can Chickens Eat Cucumber?
Yes. Chickens love eating cucumbers and they are a very healthy treat. I recommend slicing it open so they can enjoy the meat and seeds. My chickens love to pick out the juicy flesh and then leave behind the skin.
Can Chickens Eat Onions?
No. Onions can affect egg flavor and cause anemia.
Can Chickens Eat Oranges?
Yes, but they don’t like them! Oranges (and other citrus) aren’t technically harmful to chickens, but in my experience chickens do not like oranges.
Can Chickens Eat Broccoli?
Yes. Broccoli is full of nutrients that are great for chickens.
Can Chickens Eat Potatoes?
No. Potato skin with the green is toxic to chickens.
Can Chickens Eat Watermelon?
Yes. Chickens especially enjoy watermelon on a hot summer day.
Can Chickens Eat Avocado?
No. Avocado pits and skin are toxic to chickens as they contain a toxin called persin.
Can Chickens Eat Bell Peppers?
Yes. Though I’ve found my chickens are less excited about bell peppers than other treats.
Can Chickens Eat Cabbage?
Yes. Chickens can eat cabbage. They often enjoy when a cabbage is hung from a string in the chicken run as it gives them a bit of entertainment along with a snack.
Can Chickens Eat Popcorn?
Yes. Chickens can eat plain, unsalted popcorn.
Can Chickens Eat Walnuts?
Yes. Chickens can eat walnuts (and all kinds of other nuts). Chop them up and toss out for a healthy chicken snack.
Can Chickens Eat Blackberries?
Yes. Blackberries are a juicy, nutrient-filled snack for chickens.
Can Chickens Eat Pickles?
Yes. Chickens can eat pickles. Of course, they should only be fed a small amount as they are higher in salt than other chicken-safe foods.
Can Chickens Eat Plums?
Yes. Chickens love to eat juicy fruits like plums. That said, they are higher in sugar so limit your clocks intake of plums.
Can Chickens Eat Butternut Squash?
Yes. Butternut squash is a favorite chicken food. I like to break one open and let the chickens eat the flesh and seeds.
Can Chickens Eat French Fries?
Not recommended. Your chicken won’t immediately die if she snags a french fry from you, but they are high in salt and fat, so it’s not a recommended treat.
Can Chickens Eat Olives?
Can Chickens Eat Pecans?
Yes. Chickens can eat pecans, which are an excellent source of healthy fats and nutrients.
Can Chickens Eat Honeydew?
Yes. Honeydew melon (and the seeds) are a safe and yummy food for chickens. Like all fruits, feed in moderation.
Can Chickens Eat Pickles?
Yes. Chickens can eat pickles. But do so in moderation.
Can Chickens Eat Bananas?
Can Chickens Eat Microgreens?
Yes. Chickens can eat microgreens. They are an easy to grow treat that my flock loves.
Which chickens lay brown eggs?
Learn which chickens lay brown eggs in this complete guide.
Can Chickens Eat Sprouts?
Yes. Chickens can eat sprouts. I like to grow sprouts on jutes mats and place the entire tray out for my flock to enjoy.
Conclusion: What Chickens Can (& Can NOT) Eat
As you can see, chickens can eat a wide variety of foods. But it’s important to remember that your flock needs a complete diet. Scraps and human foods can be a fun treat, but make sure your focusing on providing a nutrient-dense feed for the majority of their caloric needs.
Keep treats in moderation and you’ll have a healthy and happy flock on your hands.
