What shouldn't I feed my chickens?

[Myles]

I have 10 chickens. Each day they get some bagged feed from Rural King. I usually buy 2 different mixes and mix them in a large "trash can" type container. They also get leftovers and older foods (possibly moldy bread, brown lettuce). Of course they get scraps whether it be egg shells or carrot shavings. They went crazy for the half a sheet cake. Grapes have to be their favorite. I have a grape arbor that produces more grape than we can use.
The question is:
Is there something I should not give them?

 

[OkChickens]

I have 10 chickens. Each day they get some bagged feed from Rural King. I usually buy 2 different mixes and mix them in a large "trash can" type container. They also get leftovers and older foods (possibly moldy bread, brown lettuce). Of course they get scraps whether it be egg shells or carrot shavings. They went crazy for the half a sheet cake. Grapes have to be their favorite. I have a grape arbor that produces more grape than we can use.
The question is:
Is there something I should not give them?

I would not feed them moldy bread or spoiled produce. I feed mine mainly a layer ration and they will get a handful of scratch or cracked corn on occasion. I try to stay away from the treats but i will give them left over lettuce or tomatoes from dinner. I would not feed them sweet food that is full of sugar as well. This is my opinion on what not to feed them.

Nate

 

[donrae]

If it's good enough to feed my family, it's good enough to feed my chickens.
I've fed mine moldy bread for years with no problems. Moldy feed is another story, IMO, but bread or yucky leftovers from the way bottom of the fridge are great. Mine show no interest in citrus or avocado or potato peels, all things folks will swear you should never feed them.

I was raised with the saying " A chicken will eat anything that doesn't eat it first" and my birds are thriving.

 

[Myles]

Thanks for the input. I do the same. If I have a leftover container of rice that I don't feel comfortable eating then I give it to the chickens.

 

[Myles]

.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I don't feed anything moldy but stale is ok.

 

[Illia]

Nothing moldy or rotten, try and avoid feeding too much scratch, avoid potato skins, avoid avocado and chocolate products, things like that. Some people feed lots of leftovers which can include seriously fatty and/or salty products, I personally also recommend not to do that. Same goes for skins of fruits like Bananas - LOADS of pesticides soaked into them.

 

[Myles]

Any research to back that up or is it just your opinion? Just curious.

 

[cravenchx]

FYI

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-treat-chart-the-best-treats-for-backyard-chickens

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Any research to back that up or is it just your opinion? Just curious.

http://blog.mcmurrayhatchery.com/2011/10/04/feeding-your-chickens-table scraps/