Food Scraps

[rmonge00]

Hey everyone,

I am about to get a flock of chickens (25-30 birds) and am thinking of the most economical ways to feed them. I work for a high school and I was thinking about asking the cafeteria to hold back their food scraps for me. Do you guys think this is a good idea? Are there any food items that I should avoid?

Thanks!
Ryan

 

[Imp]

Pretty much anything people eat, chickens can eat. The only food I'd worry about is avocado, and there is some discussion about it. Also a lot of salt is not good for chickens. Nothing rotten or spoiled etc either.
It is suggested that limiting treats (anything other than chicken feed) to 10% of their diet or less.

25-30 chickens will eat a lot of treats you are lucky if it works out and the school can supply you.

Imp

 

[HHandbasket]

I have read many sources that say you should also not feed them citrus, though I am not sure why... but citrus and avocados are bad for chickens. And onions will not hurt them but will make their eggs taste odd.

 

[Judy]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-Treats_Chart

 

[Imp]

Quote:
Yes HH is so right.

A lot of people don't feed citrus or any fruit. I think it is an urban legend that it will decrease laying. There is some disagreement about it. Also onions, garlic etc can cause eggs to taste odd. I do give mine small amounts, if leftover, without any problem.

 

[Liamm_1]

LOL my chickens spend most of their day digging, scratching and eating in the compost pile, which is full of all types of decomposing material. kitchen scraps being just one. They absolutely LOVE when I turn the pile, revealing some freshly decomposing material they haven't seen in a while. Chickens can and will eat anything you offer them, although they can be picky. avocados? mine won't touch them. Citrus? same thing. Potato skins are another 'no-no' and mine won't touch those either. For all of their stupidity, chickens are pretty darn smart. Offer them anything you can, they'll take the good and leave the bad.

 

[LC orps]

my birds do NOT like citrus but will eat anything else..........