Can chickens eat...
Ever wonder to yourself: "Can chickens eat this?"... or ask yourself about the food that you shouldn't feed your chickens?
BYC has over a decade of experience with peeps asking these questions so we've put together a list of the top 50 most frequently asked foods people have searched and asked "Can chickens eat...?" Below we'll provided a quick answer to the question and links to more information! If there's something missing from this list, please reply below and ask in the comments.
Click Foods Below:
- Can chickens eat apples or apple seeds?
- Can chickens eat avocado?
- Can chickens eat bananas or banana peels?
- Can chickens eat bell peppers?
- Can chickens eat bird seed or wild bird seed?
- Can chickens eat blueberries?
- Can chickens eat bread?
- Can chickens eat broccoli?
- Can chickens eat cabbage or cabbage leaves?
- Can chickens eat cantaloupe or cantaloupe seeds?
- Can chickens eat carrots or carrot tops?
- Can chickens eat cauliflower?
- Can chickens eat celery?
- Can chickens eat cheese?
- Can chickens eat cherries or cherry pits?
- Can chickens eat chicken?
- Can chickens eat chocolate?
- Can chickens eat cilantro?
- Can chickens eat cranberries?
- Can chickens eat cucumbers?
- Can chickens eat dog food or cat food or rabbit food?
- Can chickens eat eggplant?
- Can chickens eat grapes?
- Can chickens eat green beans?
- Can chickens eat kale?
- Can chickens eat lettuce?
- Can chickens eat mango?
- Can chickens eat meat?
- Can chickens eat mushrooms?
- Can chickens eat oats or oatmeal?
- Can chickens eat peaches?
- Can chickens eat peanuts or peanut butter?
- Can chickens eat pears?
- Can chickens eat peas?
- Can chickens eat pineapple?
- Can chickens eat plums?
- Can chickens eat popcorn?
- Can chickens eat potato peels or potato skins?
- Can chickens eat pumpkin or pumpkin guts or pumpkin seeds?
- Can chickens eat raisins?
- Can chickens eat rice or cooked rice?
- Can chickens eat shrimp?
- Can chickens eat spinach?
- Can chickens eat strawberries or strawberry tops?
- Can chickens eat sunflower seeds?
- Can chickens eat sweet potatoes?
- Can chickens eat tomatoes or tomato leaves or green tomatoes?
- Can chickens eat walnuts?
- Can chickens eat watermelon or watermelon rind or watermelon seeds?
- Can chickens eat zucchini?
Can chickens eat apples or apple seeds?
Yes! Apples are a safe treat for your birds that contains several beneficial vitamins. Avoid feeding them the seeds, as they contain cyanide and can be dangerous.
More Reading:
Can chickens eat avocado?
No, avocados are toxic to chickens due to a compound called persin. Avocado skins in particular are especially toxic. While a small bite of avocado fed accidentally is unlikely to kill them, any intentional feeding should be avoided.More Reading:
Can chickens eat bananas or banana peels?
Chickens can eat both bananas and the banana peels without issue. However, bananas are high in sugar and therefore should be restricted in feeding frequency.More Reading:
Can chickens eat bell peppers?
The flesh and seeds of bell peppers are safe for chickens. The leaves, stalks, and flowers, however, contain solanine, which is a toxic substance. Underripe green bell peppers may also contain solanine and should be avoided to be on the safe side.More Reading:
Can chickens eat bird seed or wild bird seed?
Wild bird seed can make a great occasional treat for chickens, but it’s not nutritionally balanced as a daily diet and will not lead to healthy birds. As long as consumption is limited, feeding your chickens wild bird seed is perfectly fine.More Reading:
Can chickens eat blueberries?
Yes, chickens can eat blueberries. As with any other fruit, blueberries are a treat and should be fed sparingly.More Reading:
Can chickens eat bread?
Chickens can eat bread safely, and they may far prefer bread over their regular diet. Bread is nutritionally empty, though, and should be fed extremely sparingly to ensure your birds are getting a balanced diet.More Reading:
Can chickens eat broccoli?
Yes, and as far as treats go, broccoli is quite a healthy choice. Some chickens may not enjoy it, but if your birds are picky, cooking and chopping up the broccoli you serve to them should go a long way in getting them to accept it.More Reading:
Can chickens eat cabbage or cabbage leaves?
Cabbage, like broccoli, is another great treat for your birds. The leaves can cause health issues if fed in large quantities, but the consensus seems to be that regular amounts are safe.More Reading:
Can chickens eat cantaloupe or cantaloupe seeds?
Yes! Both the cantaloupe flesh and seeds are safe to feed to chickens. Cantaloupe is a great treat to feed your birds in small amounts.More Reading:
Can chickens eat carrots or carrot tops?
Certainly! It is safe for chickens to eat carrots and they contain vital nutrients and vitamins. Furthermore, chickens can safely eat carrot tops, which are just the green leaves on the carrot plant. However, you should not feed them canned carrots since they contain large amounts of sodium and other additives.
More Reading:
Can chickens eat cauliflower & ?
Since cauliflower is packed with nutrients and low in calories, chickens can eat its leaves, as well as the curd or heart, whether raw or cooked.More Reading:
Can chickens eat celery?
There are many essential nutrients found in celery that can contribute to the health and productivity of your bird. Celery could also be a valuable source of nutrition for chickens who don't forage outdoors.More Reading:
Can chickens eat cheese?
Cheese is rich in vitamins A, D, and K, all of which benefit the health of chickens. It also contains trace minerals, such as calcium, zinc, and magnesium, that improve the bird's immunity and bone strength plus phosphorus that helps to prevent weak eggshells. But be sure to keep the amount of cheese you feed them to a minimum as chickens are lactose intolerant.More Reading:
Can chickens eat cherries or cherry pits?
The nutritional content of cherries is high without being too high in calories, so chickens enjoy cherries as treats. However, you should not feed them the pits since they contain cyanide and can be harmful.More Reading:
Can chickens eat chicken?
The answer is yes, chickens can eat chicken that has been cooked. As omnivores, chickens can safely consume most meat, no matter how cannibalistic it may sound. Raw chicken can contaminate your flock or make them sick, so any chicken you offer your flock should be cooked.More Reading:
Can chickens eat chocolate?
Even in small amounts, chocolate is harmful to your flock. This is due to the high levels of caffeine and theobromine in chocolate. For this reason, your chickens should not be exposed to chocolate.More Reading:
Can chickens eat cilantro?
Cilantro is safe for chickens to eat. In addition to being safe and healthy, cilantro has a lot of essential vitamins and nutrients which are beneficial for your chickens.More Reading:
Can chickens eat cranberries?
Cranberries are suitable for chicken consumption. The fact that they are high in fiber and low in sugar, fat, and calories makes them a great treat. Moreover, cranberries are high in antioxidants.More Reading:
Can chickens eat cucumbers?
Cucumbers contain a wide range of vitamins and minerals, which make them an ideal snack for chickens. In addition to keeping your birds cool, cucumbers keep them hydrated, especially during the summer.More Reading:
Can chickens eat dog food or cat food or rabbit food?
Dog food, cat food, and rabbit food is safe for chickens to eat. Each different pet food can provide different nutritional elements too. There is a danger of throwing off nutrition levels for optimal egg laying and even cause health issues if the treat is allowed to become too much of a percentage of the flock's daily feed. Rabbit feed and cat food are similar and should be treated in the same manner as Dog Food.
Further information:
- Can I Feed Dry Cat Food to My Chickens?
- Dog food for chickens? | BackYard Chickens - Learn How to Raise Chickens
- Chickens eating Rabbits food | BackYard Chickens - Learn How to Raise Chickens
- Cat food for chickens? | BackYard Chickens - Learn How to Raise Chickens
Can chickens eat eggplant?
Chickens can eat Eggplant. It is good for them in small amounts and can be fed to them raw. Do not feed them the green parts as they can contain solanine which is toxic.Further information:
Can chickens eat grapes?
Chickens can eat grapes but not too many of them. Grapes have Vitamin A, C and B complex along with Calcium and copper. They are very high in sugar so should be given as a treat sparingly.More Reading:
Can chickens eat green beans?
Yes for cooked and not advised for raw. Raw green beans contain solanine which is toxic. Cooked green beans leftover from supper should be given sparingly if the beans were cooked with butter and salt.More Reading:
Can chickens eat kale?
Kale is very good for chickens to eat since it is very nutrient-dense. Fed as a daily treat, it will make them very happy and healthy.More Information:
Can chickens eat lettuce?
Chickens can eat lettuce. It is not as nutrient-dense as kale but in small amounts, it is a good treat for them.More Reading:
Can chickens eat mango?
Mango is good for chickens but has a lot of sugar, more than even bananas. Do not give them too much Mango and make sure that treats do not exceed 10% of their diet.More Reading:
Can chickens eat meat?
Absolutely! Chickens are omnivores and eat meat along with grains, grasses, fruits and etc. Any food given to them should not be spoiled and do not feed them processed foods since the high salt content is bad for them.- Is It Safe to feed my chickens table scraps
- What kind of meat can chickens eat
- Can I feed my free-range chickens Meat? If so, What kinds?
Can chickens eat mushrooms?
Since mushrooms are spongy and hard to peck, chickens will not usually eat them while free-ranging. They will eat mushrooms if cooked and chopped more readily and commercial mushrooms are safe for chickens to eat.Being a bit avoidant of eating wild mushrooms, there is little risk of chickens eating poisonous versions. It would be a good idea to remove wild mushrooms from their free-range area though.
More Reading:
Can chickens eat oats or oatmeal?
While chickens can eat oats and oatmeal, Oats contain Geta Glucan which is considered an anti-nutrient for chickens. Beta Glucan can coat the intestines and make it hard for other nutrients to be digested. It would be fine to use as a treat but not as a replacement for feed-- for example not more than 10% of the diet.More Reading:
Can chickens eat peaches?
Sure! In addition to being rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they have high water content. Peach pits, also known as stones or seeds, contain a compound called amygdalin, which when consumed breaks down into hydrogen cyanide, so you should not feed them the pit.
More Reading:
Can chickens eat peanuts or peanut butter?
Chickens can eat peanuts without any problems. They're packed with protein and essential amino acids, which keep chickens strong and active. You should avoid giving your chicken raw peanuts due to the enzyme (peanut lectin) they contain that can potentially harm your chicken. Peanut butter is also allowed, however in moderation since it is very high in fats, carbohydrates, and protein.More Reading:
Can chickens eat pears?
As long as chickens are given pear in moderation, they are considered to be healthy food. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are all present in them, as well as a small amount of calcium. Laying hens will, of course, benefit from this.More Reading:
Can chickens eat peas?
Cooked, raw, or frozen, peas are safe for chickens to eat. Nutrient-rich, they provide many vitamins and minerals. You should feed peas in moderation and as a treat, not as part of their normal diet.More Reading:
Can chickens eat pineapple?
Absolutely! Pineapples are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. Pineapples are good for the immune system, aid digestion, and best of all, they taste delicious! It is important to note that unripe pineapple can be toxic. Too much core can also be harmful to your chickens' health.More Reading:
Can chickens eat plums?
You can feed plums to chickens. The nutrients in plums make them a great food source for laying hens. But please note that there is a small amount of cyanide is present in plum pits. So before feeding plums to your chickens, remove the pit.More Reading:
Can chickens eat popcorn?
There is no doubt that chickens can eat popcorn. But make sure it is unsalted without any flavors or additives. Popcorn is a great source of magnesium and fiber for your chickens, and they'll love it!More Reading:
Can chickens eat potato peels or potato skins?
Solanine is an alkaloid found in potato peels, especially when those peels turn green from exposure to sunlight. When consumed in large amounts, this pesticide and neurotoxin can cause respiratory illnesses, convulsions, diarrhea, and even death if consumed at high levels. So it is best to steer clear of potato peels.More Reading:
Can chickens eat pumpkin or pumpkin guts or pumpkin seeds?
Certainly. With additional benefits of boosting the chicken's immune system, pumpkin is a healthy source of vitamins, minerals, and protein. Zinc, vitamin A, B, and C are all present in pumpkin flesh. Pumpkin seeds are packed with vitamin E as well. Your chickens will devour all parts of the pumpkin: the guts, the seeds, the flesh, everything!More Reading:
Can chickens eat raisins?
When fed in moderation, raisins are safe for chickens. Besides being a great source of energy, minerals, vitamins, and electrolytes, they also contain a number of other nutrients. Raisins are also loaded with fiber, natural antioxidants, potassium, and iron, in addition to being utterly delicious.More Reading:
Can chickens eat rice or cooked rice?
Yes, chickens can eat both raw rice and cooked rice in moderation. Like other grains or grass seeds, rice is consumed by a variety of birds, however rice is lower in protein and higher in carbohydrates should be thought of as a light treat.
More Reading:
Can chickens eat shrimp?
Chickens can indeed eat shrimp and their shells. They are a good source of both protein and calcium. Of course general caution might need to be used with raw shrimp, or with any seasoning shrimp are often cooked or steamed in.More Reading:
Can chickens eat spinach?
Yes! Like many leafy greens, spinach can make a tasty treat for your flock so long as your birds are receiving the bulk of their nutrition from a well balanced feed or other diet. Like people though, chickens can be choosy about which greens they prefer.More Reading:
Can chickens eat strawberries or strawberry tops?
Yes. Actually good luck finding any strawberries left if your flock happens to raid your berry patch. Or not getting mugged if you have some strawberries in your hands. But like most fruits high in sugar strawberries should be given in moderation.The tops however, should be treated with caution. Though not as high as apple seeds or cherry pits, the tops and stem do contain a small amount of cyanide and could upset the digestive system of your flock.
More Reading:
Can chickens eat sunflower seeds?
In moderation only. While sunflower seeds are nutritious with or without the shells, they are also high in fats and oils. Longer term this might lead to stress on the internal organs.More Reading:
Can chickens eat sweet potatoes?
Yes. Sweet potatoes are from the morning glory family, and unlike regular potatoes, they do not contain Solanine. Chickens can consume sweet potatoes raw or cooked, and can have the peels as well.More Reading:
Can chickens eat tomatoes or tomato leaves or green tomatoes?
Ripe tomatoes are a healthy snack and chickens can consume them in moderation. However unripe green tomatoes as well as the tomato plant itself (leaves, stalk) do contain Solanine, just like other members of the nightshade family, and are best avoided.More Reading:
Can chickens eat walnuts?
Unsalted fresh walnuts broken into smaller pieces are safe for chickens to consume. They are nutritionally dense, but should be considered an occasional treat.More Reading:
Can chickens eat watermelon or watermelon rind or watermelon seeds?
Most chickens LOVE watermelon and all parts of it are safe for chickens to consume. Watermelon is an especially nice treat on a hot day since it has such a high moisture content and be hydrating for the birds.More Reading:
Can chickens eat zucchini?
Chickens can safely consume all parts of a zucchini, raw or cooked. They are high in moisture as well as fiber and would be relished on a warm summer day by your flock.More Reading:
