Chickens and avocado

[fruitsalad8]

I have heard that chickens can't eat avocado. We let our four chickens rummage in the compost pile every couple days which has some avocado in it. Should we stop putting avocado in our compost? Is it just the flesh they can't eat, or the pit and peel?

 

[chfite]

The Merck Vet site : http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/211102.htm
Avocados can be harmful.

I don't know if chickens will eat them, but might be prudent to keep them away.

Chris

 

[my sunwolf]

From the manual: "leaves are the most toxic part." And that chickens are more resistant than caged birds.

I think you're safe putting avocado scraps in there as long as they have plenty of other things to peck at. Mine love to eat the very ripe flesh and leave the skin and pit alone. Guess it depends on your management style.

 

[fruitsalad8]

Alright. Thanks!