There are a wide variety of tasty and healthy treats to feed your flock. So why do a majority of chicken owners take so many unnecessary risks with foods and treats that could be unhealthy or worse, fatal?


That being said, here are a selection of foods that should NEVER be given to your chickens:


Avocado Skin
Avocado skins or pits contain a toxin named persin. Ingestion of avocado by chickens has been associated with myocardial necrosis. Ingestion of fruit, seeds, stems and leaves of avocado has commonly been associated with toxicosis in birds. Please not that avocado leaves are the most toxic part.


White Potatoes
Raw or cooked, skins which are part of the ‘nightshade family’ and contains the toxin known as solanine. Solanine is known to destroy red blood cells and can cause serious episodes of diarrhea and even heart failure. It’s advised to stay away from any part of the white potato including the leaves and vines.


(Please note: Sweet potatoes are not part of the nightshade family, and are entirely safe to feed to your flock).


Tomato, Rhubarb and Eggplant Leaves
Avoid  rhubarb leaves or stalks, along with eggplant leaves. All of which are part of the nightshade family and can be considerably toxic to your chickens. Green tomatoes and should also be avoided until they are fully ripe, when the solanine levels are no longer present.


Fruit Seeds
Avoid seeds and pits from cherries, apricots, peaches, plums and pears which all contain traces of cyanide. But the actual fruit itself are all fine if cored first.


Raw Dried Beans
Raw dried beans are known to contain phytohemagglutinin, which is a natural insecticide that can be extremely harmful unless the beans are soaked and then cooked properly. Once the beans are cooked, they are absolutely fine to give to your chickens.


Onions
Onions are known to contain a toxin called thiosulphate that affects and destroys red blood cells. Excessive amounts of thiosulphate can cause anemia or jaundice in your chickens or can even be fatal. Many owners have claimed that onions can taint the taste of your eggs. Feeding onions to your chickens is not recommended, due to any potential health benefits are significantly outweighed by potential health risks.


Chocolate and Caffeine
Avoid caffeine and chocolate when it comes down to your chickens. They both contain a toxin named methylxanthines theobromine.


Salty, Sweet and Fried
Always think, if its not good for you, it's more than likely not good for your chickens either. Chickens can become overweight which affects several affects their health and egg laying.


A toxic substance does not necessarily mean that it will instantly kill the chicken that consumes it. Toxins commonly build up in the system over time. Signs of distress can take some time to become apparent. Toxins can shorten your chickens lifespan considerably if dangerous foods are fed over time and can significantly reduce the quality of your chickens life.


Sometimes that is a fine line between what foods are beneficial and what aren’t, and what food substances will eventually will take their toll on your flocks bodies.


Chickens will often avoid substances that are no good for them, but if a food source is scarce, your chickens cannot always be trusted to avoid eating these harmful foods. Additionally, treats of any type apart from so-called 'green treats' such as weeds and grass, ideally need to be limited to no more than 10% of your flocks diet. Make sure to keep your chickens and yourself happy and avoid feeding them any harmful 'toxic treats'. Keep to known healthy treats for your flock.