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Raspberries can be a delicious and refreshing treat for us, so can chickens eat raspberries? And, if so, do they provide them any health benefits?

Wanna know what we found out? Scroll down a little and find out!

Can Chickens Eat Raspberries?

Yes, chickens can eat raspberries! In fact, they absolutely love eating them. Raspberries, when combined with a good balanced regular diet, can be an excellent treat that is also beneficial to your entire chicken flock’s health and wellbeing.

Are raspberries safe for chickens?

Yes, for the most part, raspberries are safe for chickens to eat. However, they do contain xylitol, part of what gives raspberries their sweet flavor and a substance used in many artificial sweeteners, which can be toxic to chickens and other birds and lead to hypoglycemia, pancreas failure, and liver failure.

So, you will want to make sure your chickens are maintaining good health as you feed this treat. Just like there are other foods like rhubarb and asparagus that also contain toxins, but can be fed to your chickens safely with caution.

What about the seeds and leaves?

The calyx, which is the leafy green sprout on top of the berry, is often treated with pesticides and much harder to wash off. It’s best to remove them completely and/or purchase from a pesticide free vendor. Or grow your own but keep your chickens away as they will destroy the plant trying to eat it.

The other leaves of the raspberry plant carry some of the same risks as they are also treated the same. Additionally, it has been said that raspberry leaves can alter the flavor of eggs, as well.

It would be near impossible to remove the thousands of seeds from a single berry let alone a whole batch of them. Fortunately, raspberry seeds are not at all dangerous for your chickens so you can put away the microscope and tweezers for now.

What are the nutritional benefits of raspberries for chickens?

The table below from the USDA’s FoodData Center has a breakdown of the nutritional analysis based on a serving size of 1 cup (123g) of raw raspberries:

What do these nutrients do?

Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are essential to living a long and healthy life. Here is a short description of what some of these nutrients in raspberries do to help your chickens.

• Vitamin A: eye, skin, respiratory, and digestive health
• Antioxidants: (Beta Carotene, Lycopene) repair damage from free radicals, fight off/prevent future damage, protect from oxidative damage, anti-inflammatory, lower blood pressure, improve heart health in high enough doses, development and health of tissue, skin, and feathers
• Vitamin B6: healthy blood vessels, eye/vision health, nervous system, immune system
• Carotene, Beta (Beta Carotene): egg, feathers, skin, beak, and comb color; converts to Vitamin A
• Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
• Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
• Carbohydrates: give chickens energy
• Copper: helps digestion and elevates the immune system
• Vitamin E: immune system support, cell regeneration
• Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; energy, growth, and digestive health, reduce cholesterol, controls blood sugar, digestive health
• Iron: prevents anemia
• Vitamin K: blood clotting, bone metabolism
• Manganese: bone development, immune system, breaks down carbs, cholesterol, and amino acids; controls blood sugar
• Magnesium: bone development, cellular metabolism
• Phosphorus: egg quality and skeletal development
• Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative
• Protein: muscle growth and development
• Sodium: helps with growth by assisting with energy and appetite
• Zinc: assists in the formation of their feathers

How do you feed chickens raspberries?

If you have your own raspberry bush where your chickens can get to it, they will take care of this for you. You may not like the results but they will definitely handle feeding themselves. However, if you would like to keep your berry bushes intact AND give your chickens a sweet snack, you can try some of these methods.

And remember, no matter which way you choose, make sure to wash them prior to feeding. Even if you got them from a pesticide free grower, you never know if someone is just pulling your leg.

Fresh

This method is super simple. Just scatter them around in an area you don’t mind chickens scratching through. Make sure you spread them far enough apart that they do not end up fighting and so you can keep a good eye on how many raspberries each chicken is eating.

Frozen

Try freezing some raspberries, blueberries, cherries, and blackberries, and then hang them all on a piece of fishing line together. Your chickens will not only love their berry medley snack but they will also enjoy chasing the string around as it swings when pecked. This easy to make DIY chicken toy will play double duty as a treat supplement and entertainment (for you and the chickens)

How many raspberries can I feed my chickens?

It’s best to only feed each chicken between 1 and 3 raspberries. We tend to stick to the 90/10 rule which states that 90% of your chickens’ diet should be what they catch free ranging and from a quality chicken feed. The other 10% can be various other snacks and treats like raspberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, rice, or even popcorn and peanuts!

How often can I feed my chickens raspberries?

With a well balanced diet, we like to give our chickens raspberries and other special treats 3 or 4 times a week. This seems to be often enough to keep them happy and not too often that they start to develop health problems.

Did you know that on top of being delicious, the papaya is packed full of healthy vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients? Papayas also offer a whole host of other health benefits. It makes you wonder if they are so good for us, can our animals get the same improvements? So, can chickens eat papayas?

Let’s keep reading to see if papayas are the most nutritious and delicious treat EVER or the sweet kiss of death for your chickens (or maybe something in between that is less dramatic).

Can Chickens Eat Papayas?

Good news, chickens can eat papayas! Not only that, papayas are incredibly good for your chicken flock and is one of the easier supplemental foods to feed since chickens like them so much.

What exactly is a papaya?

A papaya is a small, mostly tropical fruit in the caricaceae family. It’s scientific name is Carica Papaya. As it begins to ripen, the color of it’s skin will change from a darker green to an almost orangey yellow with bits of green mixed in. The riper it is, the sweeter it will be; ranging from a mild sweet flavor, similar to a banana, to a very sweet flavor reminiscent of mango.

One common misconception is that papayas and pawpaws are the same thing. It can get confusing because papayas are sometimes called pawpaws, correctly. They are very similar, however, North American Pawpaws (similar but different name) are usually bigger and grow in colder climates; all the way up into Canada. There are some other differences in color and flavor. Here’s a good comparison from our friends at Practical Primate.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Is it safe for a chicken to eat a papaya?

It is definitely safe for chickens to eat papaya. As we mentioned, they are packed full of good nutrients that will strengthen and improve just about every facet of your flock’s physical wellbeing. Even the sugar is not as big an issue as some other treats like cranberries, cherries, peaches, or raisins.

However, with all of the health benefits, there are a few things to consider before dumping a whole bushel in your coop.

Can chickens eat papaya seeds?

The seeds of a papaya are not toxic, however, they are hard and can be difficult to eat and digest. Because of this they can be a choking hazard and possibly lead to an internal blockage.

The seeds are easy to remove, though. Just slice the papaya in half and use a spoon to scoop the seeds out. Easy peasy!

Are the leaves of a papaya plant poisonous to chickens?

Another thing to keep in mind is the greenery attached to the fruit, like leaves. While they are not explicitly toxic in the same way tomatoes or potato skins may be, there is still some debate going within the scientific community to whether the leaves are harmful or not. We like to play it safe and remove any greenery prior to feeding them to our chickens.

What about unripe or green papayas? Can my chicken eat those?

Finally, only feed ripe papayas to your chickens (and to yourself, honestly). Papayas, when unripe, contain papain which is harsh and can cause harm to the esophagus.

But don’t worry too much, just as chickens can eat asparagus despite the potential oxalic acid toxin, as long as you feed papaya in a safe manner, it’s totally safe.

Are papayas healthy for chickens?

Yes, papayas are very healthy for chickens to eat! We’ve said it a few times already but now let’s talk a little bit about WHY they are so healthy. Aside from being nutrient dense, papayas have been known to have additional health benefits.

Papaya as a dewormer

If you have ever raised any livestock you know pests and parasites can quickly become a big problem. This issue is only made worse by the overuse of many over the counter dewormers leading to stronger and more resistant breeds of worms.

Papaya has been shown in studies to act as a natural dewormer AND build up resistance for future worm loads. Not just in chickens either. Papayas can do this for your goats, too!

Papaya as an antibacterial

There are some other studies that have made a connection between papayas and wounds healing more quickly and effectively. Papayas contain many antibacterial properties and thus can help increase your chickens’ ability to heal itself when injured..

Papayas as a treatment for coccidia

Coccidia, or coccidiosis, seems to be a constant battle with chickens and goats, especially baby goats. Fortunately, papayas have shown promising signs of being a good defense against coccidia and it’s effects.

Papaya as an antifungal and antiviral

As if the above benefits were not enough, papayas have also been used as an antifungal and, because they are packed with so much immune boosting Vitamin C, they act as an antiviral, as well.

What are the nutritional benefits of papaya for chickens?

Papayas have a ton of nutrients in them. Your chickens will get just about every vitamin, mineral, antioxidant, and other nutrients they need from eating papaya.

The table below, courtesy of the USDA FoodData Center, has a breakdown of the nutritional analysis based on a serving size of 1 cup of 1″ papaya pieces (145g).

What do these nutrients do?

Here are what some of these nutrients can do to help your chicken be as healthy as possible.

• Vitamin A: eye, skin, respiratory, and digestive health
• Antioxidants: repair damage from free radicals, fight off/prevent future damage, protect from oxidative damage, anti-inflammatory, lower blood pressure, improve heart health in high enough doses, development and health of tissue, skin, and feathers
• Carotene, Beta (Beta Carotene): egg, feathers, skin, beak, and comb color; converts to Vitamin A
• Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
• Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
• Carbohydrates: give chickens energy
• Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; energy, growth, and digestive health, reduce cholesterol, controls blood sugar, digestive health
• Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
• Iron: prevents anemia
• Vitamin K: blood clotting, bone metabolism
• Magnesium: bone strength and development, cellular metabolism, heart health, muscle function
• Manganese: bone development, immune system, breaks down carbs, cholesterol, and amino acids; controls blood sugar
• Phosphorus: bone formation
• Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative
• Protein: muscle growth and development
• Selenium: Boosts their immune system and helps with over nutrient balance in selenium deficient areas (most of the US)

How do you feed papaya to chickens?

No matter what method you use, always start out by washing them. This will remove any unwanted pesticide residue that may still be present. Better yet, try and get you rpapayas from a vendor who is pesticide free (but still wash them anyway).

Whole

This is the easiest method. Just toss a whole papaya to your chickens and be done with it. However, with the ease of this method comes some risks.

1. chickens may fight over the small, unscattered portion
2. some may eat more than others and become nutritionally unbalanced
3. some may choke on the seeds

Sliced

While this takes a little more work, this is a much better, and safer, way to feed your chickens papaya. Just cut the papaya in half, scoop out the seeds with a spoon and then slice it into slivers or small cubes. Now, you don’t have to worry about as many fights or choking hazards.

Frozen

On really hot days, we love to freeze our fruit for healthy snacks, like blueberries, blackberries, grapes, and cherries. Freeze some papaya as well and give your flock a cold fruit medley during the summer months.

Bonus points if your run a needle and fishing line through them to make a hanging chicken toy. It’s a good snack and the chickens will not get bored chasing the swinging fruit.

Dried

Finally, you can dehydrate papaya and give that to your chickens. Removing the moisture will make the sugar content a little more potent and can be risky, though. However, if you want to peel them first, feed the fruit to your chickens and then dry the skins for a snack later on.

The skins typically have all of the same nutrients but without the excess sugar. To dry them yourself you can put them on a cookie sheet and stick them in the oven on the lowest temperature, usually around 140º to 150º, and let them bake for about 12 hours; checking every couple of hours on their progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I overfeed my chicken papayas?

As with anything good, feeding papayas to your chickens can be overdone. We stick with the 10% rule when feeding our chickens treats. That basically means that no more than 10% of their diet should come from anything other than a quality chicken feed and whatever they can catch while free ranging.

Q2. How often can I feed my chickens papaya?

Following the 10% rule, your chickens can benefit from eating papaya anywhere from 1 to 3 times a week.

Q3. How much papaya can I feed to my chickens?

Depending on the size of your chicken flock, the amount will vary. But the average backyard flock can probably feed 1 or 2 small papayas and be in the safe range.

Q4. Can baby chicks eat papaya?

Baby chickens can benefit from the nutrients in papaya. However, being so tiny, it is easy to give them too much without realizing it; not to mention the potential choking hazard. We recommend sticking with a specialized chick/grower feed until they are a little bit older.

Q5. What other fruits and vegetables are safe for chickens?

Most fruits, vegetables and berries are safe for your chickens to eat, within the confines of the 10% rule we mentioned earlier. Here is a short list of some of our flock’s favorites:

Fruits

• Apples (not the seeds)
• Bananas
• Cantaloupe
• Cherries
• Currants
• Peaches
• Pears
• Watermelon

Vegetables & Gourdes

• Pumpkin
• Tomatoes
• Yellow Squash
• Zucchini

Berries

• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Mountain Ash Berries
• Mulberries
• Raspberries
• Rowan Berries

Raisins are pretty polarizing. Some people love them because they are a tasty and healthy alternative to candy while others have developed serious trust issues when mistaking an oatmeal raisin cookie for a chocolate chip cookie. It turns out, asking can chickens eat raisins is just as divided.

So, do you think raisins are toxic for chickens or should you let your feathered friends snack the time away with you? Let’s find out together, shall we?

Can Chickens Eat Raisins?

Chickens can eat raisins but they should not eat a lot of them. There are some risks that you should be aware of before you let them snack on your favorite treat. All in all, though, when fed properly, raisins can be a tasty and healthy treat for your chicken flock.

Is it safe for chickens to eat raisins?

So, raisins get a pretty bad rep because they can make a dog go into kidney failure and, in some cases, be fatal. If you ask us, that’s a pretty good reason to be weary of raisins. People then just assume if it will kill their dog, it will probably kill any of their other animals.

Fortunately, this is not the case. That’s not to say they do not have an element of danger. However, they are not as dangerous for chickens as they are for dogs. The major danger is the amount of sugar in raisins can lead to excessive weight gain, putting stress on their body, a, believe it or not, sugar addiction, which can cause them to stop eating their regular food, and hypoglycemia.

You should be aware of the health issues this can cause so that you can keep your chickens in good health.

Hypoglycemia in chickens

High sugar content is a pretty common risk with just about any berry or fruit you can feed your chickens. It doesn’t matter if it’s watermelon, cantaloupe, blueberries, or cherries. If they eat too much in a short period of time, your chickens can become hypoglycemic.

All hypoglycemia means is low blood sugar. Or, more accurately, glucose in the bloodstream is low. Glucose is what the body uses as it’s primary source of energy. If it gets too low, essential body functions are not able to run as smoothly as they should and can become a problem. This can range from feeling dizzy and lethargic all the way to death.

It’s not that scary though. You can avoid it by monitoring what your chickens eat and giving them a high quality chicken feed so they have all of their necessary nutrients and only give them raisins and other sweets as an occasional treat.

Can chickens eat grape leaves?

The answer to this question is an emphatic yes! Chickens can eat grape leaves. Unlike tomatoes and mangos, whose leaves and greenery can be toxic, grape leaves have all of the nutritional benefits of grapes and raisins without the huge sugar dump.

Are raisins healthy for chickens?

Just like with dried cranberries and figs when fed in moderation, raisins can be a pretty healthy snack; particularly in areas that are deficient in Selenium (which is pretty much the entirety of the US.

What are the nutritional benefits of raisins for chickens?

Other than the amount of sugar, raisins have a lot of good vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals.

The table below, courtesy of the USDA FoodData Center, has a breakdown of the nutritional analysis based on a serving size of 1 cup (145g), loose packed, seeded raisins.

What do these nutrients do?

Here is a handy breakdown of what some of those nutrients listed above do for your chickens’ overall health.

• Vitamin A: eye, skin, respiratory, and digestive health
• Antioxidants: (Beta Carotene, Lycopene) repair damage from free radicals, fight off/prevent future damage, protect from oxidative damage, anti-inflammatory, lower blood pressure, improve heart health in high enough doses, development and health of tissue, skin, and feathers
• Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
• Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
• Copper: helps digestion and elevates the immune system
• Vitamin E: immune system support, cell regeneration
• Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; energy, growth, and digestive health, reduce cholesterol, controls blood sugar, digestive health
• Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
• Iron: prevents anemia
• Vitamin K: blood clotting, bone metabolism
• Magnesium: bone strength and development, cellular metabolism, heart health, muscle function
• Omega 6 Fatty Acids: help with healthy feathers, skin, proper brain development, and assists in growth
• Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative
• Selenium: Boosts their immune system and helps with over nutrient balance in selenium deficient areas (most of the US)

How do you feed raisins to chickens?

Here are a couple of methods you can use to feed raisins to your chickens.

Fresh raisins

Just scatter them around like feed or scratch. This is the easiest method but can be difficult for your chickens to digest. We suggest serving them…

Soaked

Put them in a jar with water and let them soak over night. This softens them so they are easier to chew and digest. This is our preferred method of feeding our chickens raisins, when we do.

Chicken trail mix

Mix with some berries, nuts, meal worms, corn, black oil sunflower seeds, sunflower kernels, and/or flaxseed to make this tasty chicken treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I overfeed my chicken raisins?

Yes. Feeding your chickens too many raisins can lead to many health problems such as, obesity, sugar addiction, and hypoglycemia.

Q2. How many raisins can I feed my chickens?

Because of the high content and the dangers involved with giving your chicken’s too much sugar, you should really only give each chicken 1 to 3 raisins each.

Q3. How often can I feed raisins to my chickens?

We live by the 90/10 rule which says only 10% of a chicken’s diet should consist of snacks, treats, and unconventional foods while 90% should be what the catch free ranging and a quality chicken feed.

Q4. Can I feed raisins to my baby chicks?

We don’t recommend giving raisins to baby chicks. The can easily choke on them, even if the raisins are pre soaked. It is also very difficult to determine what is a safe amount of sugar due to the chicks’ very small size.

Q5. What fruits and vegetables are safe for chickens?

Stick to the 90/10 rule and you should be safe feeding some of these fruits, veggies, and berries.

Fruits

• Apples (not the seeds)
• Bananas
• Cantaloupe
• Cherries
• Currants
• Peaches
• Pears
• Watermelon

Vegetables & Gourdes

• Pumpkin
• Tomatoes
• Yellow Squash
• Zucchini

Berries

• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Mountain Ash Berries
• Mulberries
• Raspberries
• Rowan Berries

When you think of holiday meals there are a few things that come to mind; oven roasted turkey, glazed honey ham, and, possibly best of all, fresh, homemade cranberry sauce. And since we all love cranberries so much, we want to share them with all of our furry and feathered friends. Right? Before you do, though, maybe ask yourself can chickens eat cranberries?

Keep on reading to find out if your chickens can enjoy the holidays as much as you do!

Can Chickens Eat Cranberries?

In a word, yes, chickens can eat cranberries. In fact, adding in some cranberries to your flock’s weekly treat mix can have some pretty good health effects. Let’s take a deeper dive into how good cranberries are for chickens, what dangers you should be aware of, and how to best feed them to your chickens.

Is it safe for a chicken to eat cranberries?

Are cranberries a safe snack for your chickens? Yes and no. As we mentioned, cranberries can actually be very healthy (more on that in a minute) but, they do have a lot of sugar in them.

In order to maintain good health, chickens need to have a well balanced diet, typically from foraging and a quality feed with a specific chicken focused recipe.

Unfortunately, if they eat too many cranberries, or any especially sweet fruit like figs, papaya or raspberries it can throw their blood sugar levels off and they can become hypoglycemic.

Hypoclycemia in chickens

Hypoglycemia? Isn’t that a human disease? It is, but it’s not exclusive to us. Many animals can suffer from it, like dogs (usually small dogs) and, as you now know, chickens.

So, what is hypoglycemia? Hypo as a prefix means ” low, under, beneath, down, or below normal” and glycemia pertains to glucose being in the bloodstream. Put them together and it essentially means that the chicken does not have enough glucose in their system. Since glucose is the body’s main source of energy not having enough means important body functions are not able to operate at peak performance. If that goes on too long it can be very dangerous; and not just for chickens.

When sugar is consumed the body breaks it down into glucose, which then enters the bloodstream and is carried throughout the body providing the energy needed to function. When we get too much glucose, the body doesn’t know what to do with it and burns it off very quickly leading to a sharp drop in blood sugar level. Kind of like that wonky feeling that comes if you eat a candy bar for breakfast and then a late lunch.

At best, it is a very uncomfortable and disorienting feeling. At worst, it can lead to unconsciousness and even, in some cases, death.

Are cranberries healthy for chickens?

Now, cranberries are not nearly as scary as that last part may have made them sound. Like we said, hypoglycemia can happen with an excessive amount of cranberries. If you want to feed your chickens 1, 2, maybe 3 fresh cranberries at a time, they should be okay.

Let’s at some of the other nutrients found in cranberries.

What are the nutritional benefits of cranberries for chickens?

Cranberries, despite having a lot of sugar, have plenty of other really good nutrients that your chicken can use to grow and stay healthy and strong.

The table below, courtesy of the USDA FoodData Center, has a breakdown of the nutritional analysis based on a serving size of 1 cup whole, fresh cranberries (100g).

What do these nutrients do?

The table above may not mean much to you if you don’t have context. Here is a list of some of the most beneficial nutrients so this chart can be more than just a bunch of weird words and numbers.

• Vitamin A: eye, skin, respiratory, and digestive health
• Antioxidants: (Beta Carotene, Lycopene) repair damage from free radicals, fight off/prevent future damage, protect from oxidative damage, anti-inflammatory, lower blood pressure, improve heart health in high enough doses, development and health of tissue, skin, and feathers
• Vitamin B6: healthy blood vessels, eye/vision health, nervous system , immune system
• Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
• Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
• Vitamin E: immune system support, cell regeneration
• Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; energy, growth, and digestive health, reduce cholesterol, controls blood sugar, digestive health
• Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
• Iron: prevents anemia
• Vitamin K: blood clotting, bone metabolism
• Magnesium: bone strength and development, cellular metabolism, heart health, muscle function
• Manganese: bone development, immune system, breaks down carbs, cholesterol, and amino acids; controls blood sugar
• Phosphorus: bone formation
• Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative
• Protein: muscle growth and development
• Riboflavin: immune system

How do you feed cranberries to chickens?

You can feed cranberries to your chickens in a couple of different ways. Our recommendation is to feed them to them either raw or cooked. But let’s talk about a couple ways they can be served and the pros and cons around them.

Fresh cranberries

You can’t go wrong with fresh cranberries. They are juicy, ripe, and an almost perfect snack for your chickens. The only bad thing about them is they can be a little tough to chew and sometimes digest.

Cooked cranberries

You can bake them, stick them in a skillet, or even just boil them for a bit to cook cranberries for your chickens. The primary reason for this is it make the softer and, thus, easier to chew and digest. This method will eliminate upset stomachs and most choking hazards. The only drawback is it can be time consuming.

Cranberries as boredom buster

Turn their treat into a toy! Take a needle and some fishing line and string a bunch of cranberries like you’re making Christmas decorations. Then find a place to hang it where your chickens will be hanging out. They will enjoy pecking at the bright red berries and will have fun chasing and dodging the string when it starts to swing. Throw in some frozen blueberries, blackberries, or cherries, to add some more color and variety.

The toy method works with fresh, cooked, and, as we will see below, dried cranberries.

Dried cranberries

Dried cranberries can be a little problematic. Remember that part earlier about the high amount of sugar? Dried cranberries actually have an even higher concentration of sugar. What we mean is, when you dry cranberries, all of the moisture is removed and all that is left is the shriveled flesh or fruit. Since there is no water to dilute the sugar content, it’s even harder for the chicken’s body to balance out the sugar.

If you want to feed them dried cranberries don’t feed them ones you bought from the store. Almost every pack of dried cranberries you can find in a store is soaked in sugar or syrup prior to dehydrating. So they have even MORE sugar!

Your best bet is to use fresh cranberries and dry them out yourself.

How to dry cranberries

If you have a dehydrator follow the instructions from your manual. We don’t want to give them here because each machine is a bit different. However, if you want to use an oven, those are almost universally the same.

• Preheat your oven at the lowest setting
  • This will usually be somewhere around 140º and 150º
• Wash and sort through your cranberries, keeping only the most ripe and fresh of the bunch
• Place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet
• Once the oven has preheated, stick the cranberries in for about 12 hours or so
• We usually check them every few hours after around hour 5 or 6. Depending on the size they may finish drying earlier

What about Craisins? Can my chicken eat those?

Craisins are just a brand name for dried cranberries; playing off the more popular dried grape snack, raisins. The same rules apply for craisins as any store bought dried cranberries. Unless they explicitly say they have no sugar in them, assume they are loaded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I overfeed my chicken cranberries?

You can absolutely overfeed your chicken cranberries. As we mentioned earlier, too many cranberries can lead to a nutrient imbalance, hypoglycemia, and other health problems.

When giving any kind of treat outside of our chickens’ normal feed and scratch diet, we stick to the 90/10 rule. This simply means that the vast majority of your chickens’ diet should come from good, quality sources, like a specialized feed and what they catch free ranging. 10% of their diet can be snacks and other, more unconventional, foods, like rice, kiwi, popcorn, peanuts, or mango.

Q2. How many cranberries can I feed my chickens?

We recommend no more than 10% of your chickens’ diet should be snacks or treats. For cranberries, in particular, we think 2 or 3 fresh or cooked cranberries should be fine. Only 1 or ,that, for dried cranberries.

Q3. How often can I feed cranberries to my chickens?

If you are sticking to a healthy chicken feed and the flock looks good and healthy, you can probably feed them cranberries a couple times a week.

Q4. Can I feed cranberries to my baby chicks?

Cranberries for chicks can be doubly dangerous. For one, baby chicks are going to be even more sensitive to the sugar in cranberries than adult birds. And two, with chicks being so small, cranberries can become a choking hazard. It’s possible that you can give your baby chickens cranberries but it is not advised.

Q5. What fruits and vegetables are safe for chickens?

When following a good diet, your chickens should be perfectly fine eating some of these fruits, veggies, and berries.

Fruits

• Apples (not the seeds)
• Bananas
• Cantaloupe
• Cherries
• Currants
• Peaches
• Pears
• Watermelon

Vegetables & Gourdes

• Pumpkin
• Tomatoes
• Yellow Squash
• Zucchini

Berries

• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Mountain Ash Berries
• Mulberries
• Raspberries
• Rowan Berries

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Peaches are about as American as baseball and apple pie. And for good reason; they are just so delicious! So, it seems that if we are lucky enough to enjoy their sweet goodness our feathered friends should be able to too. Right? Makes us wonder can chickens eat peaches or must they look on in envy?

Keep scrolling and we’ll see if chickens can eat peaches or not.

Can Chickens Eat Peaches?

Yes, chickens can eat peaches. Peaches bring with them a ton of nutrients in the form of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. So, not only are peaches delicious, but they contain nutrients essential to the health and wellbeing of a chicken.

Is it safe for a chicken to eat a peach?

For the most part, yes. The yellow flesh on the inside of the peach, what we think of as the actual peach, is absolutely a safe and tasty treat. Additionally, you do not have to remove the skin before feeding peaches to your chickens.

The skin is fine for a chicken to eat. It will contain many nutrients that the chicken can use and can help keep your chickens healthy. They may waste some of it but they will probably eat a good amount of the skin while eating the fruit.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Can chickens eat a peach pit?

No, chickens should not eat the pit, or stone, as it’s sometimes called. The pit is the large, hard seed found in the center of a peach.

They contain amygdalin which changes into hydrogen cyanide. Cyanide in peach pits are, just like in apple seeds, toxic and can cause your chicken to become sick and even die. Fortunately, cyanide can not handle too much heat and can be eliminated by cooking it.

Fortunately, this will likely never be a real problem because the pits are generally much too hard and large for a chicken to waste time bothering with it; especially when there’s a sweet and juicy peach close by.

Are the leaves and peach tree poisonous to chickens?

Just like the pit, the leaves of a peach tree also contain amygdalin. So the same risk of cyanide poisoning is present in the leaves. Stick to giving your chickens a juicy peach free of pits and greens.

What about canned peaches? Can my chicken eat those?

Technically yes, but it isn’t really a great idea. Canned peaches contain a ton of sugar which can be harmful for chickens, which we will discuss a little more in depth later.

Are peaches healthy for chickens?

Considering what we just said above, it may seem a little confusing. Are they good and safe for chickens or are peaches toxic?

Let us clear it up for you. While the pit, tree, leaves, and other greenery around the peach can be toxic, the actual peach is completely safe and healthy for chickens to eat. They are high in things like Vitamin C and antioxidants. However, we must caveat that by saying so long as they are fed in moderation.

Peaches contain a lot of sugar which can be dangerous for chickens if they eat too much. A large shift in the amount of sugar in a chicken’s diet can be harmful in a few ways. Chickens can actually become addicted, in a sense, to the sweet flavor; craving it over their own feed. Over time, they may stop eating their feed altogether and hold out just for a sweet treat.

Hypoclycemia in chickens

Another danger is hypoglycemia. Then sugar is broken down in the body it is converted into glucose which is a way our body has energy. Glucose, however, burns much faster than other sources of energy. The problem is a chicken’s body is used to a certain blood sugar level. When the chicken consumes a bunch of sugar, and then that sugar turns to glucose, and then all of the glucose is burnt away, the chicken experiences a blood sugar spike and then a sudden and steep drop.

This spike and drop is similar to what happens when we eat too much sugar and then start to feel wonky a short time later. Chickens, being much smaller than humans, experience this in a more extreme manner. At best, they can be very uncomfortable until they level back out or they can go into a sugar coma which can potentially be fatal.

Can chickens eat rotten or spoiled peaches?

Never feed rotten or moldy fruit (or any food, for that matter) to your chickens. Chickens, and just about any living creature, should not eat anything that is in a condition that we, as humans, would not eat our food in that same condition. Spoiled and moldy food can make your chickens sick and possibly even cause death.

What are the nutritional benefits of peaches for chickens?

Peaches have plenty of good nutrients that your chicken can use to grow and stay healthy and strong.

The table below, courtesy of the USDA FoodData Center, has a breakdown of the nutritional analysis based on a serving size of 1 medium sized fresh peach (147 g).

What do these nutrients do?

Antioxidants work to repair damage from free radicals and fight off or prevent future damage. They also protect against oxidative damage which can lead to accelerated issues related to aging. Additionally, antioxidants are known to work as anti-inflammatories, to lower blood pressure, improve heart health in high enough doses, and assist in the development and health of tissue, skin, and feathers.

• Antioxidants: (Beta Carotene, Lycopene) repair damage from free radicals, fight off/prevent future damage, protect from oxidative damage, anti-inflammatory, lower blood pressure, improve heart health in high enough doses, development and health of tissue, skin, and feathers
• Vitamin A: eye, skin, respiratory, and digestive health
• Carotene, Beta (Beta Carotene): egg, feathers, skin, beak, and comb color; converts to Vitamin A
• Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
• Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
• Carbohydrates: give chickens energy
• Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; energy, growth, and digestive health
• Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
• Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative

How do you feed peaches to chickens?

Wash, cut the peach, remove the pit, and give it to them; easy as that!

However, it will make things a bit easier and safer to eat if you cut them into smaller pieces. Another fun option, like we did with kiwi, is to suspend a peach at the chickens’ eye level. They will, not only have a tasty treat but a fun DIY chicken toy to keep them busy and less bored.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I overfeed my chicken peaches?

Yes, you can give them too much. Like we said earlier, only feed your chickens peaches in moderation. We like to stick with the 90/10 rule meaning no more than 10% of your chickens’ diet should be anything outside of their feed and what they can forage.

Q2. What fruits and vegetables are safe for chickens?

For the most part, when following the 90/10 rule we mentioned above, fruits and vegetables are good for your chickens. Here is a short list of things your chickens can, and will, eat.

Fruits

• Apples (not the seeds)
• Bananas
• Cantaloupe
• Cherries
• Currants
• Peaches
• Pears
• Watermelon

Vegetables & Gourdes

• Pumpkin
• Tomatoes
• Yellow Squash
• Zucchini

Berries

• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Mountain Ash Berries
• Mulberries
• Raspberries
• Rowan Berries

Do you love kiwi as much as we do? Those fuzzy little fruits are super tasty and good for you too (and the inside sometimes looks like the Batman logo). Do chickens feel the same way about kiwi as we do (minus the Batman love)? Can chickens eat kiwi or will this fruit make your chicken sick?

Keep scrolling and we will jump right in to answering these questions and more!

Can Chickens Eat Kiwi?

Yes, chickens can eat kiwi; short and simple. Kiwi is a tasty little treat that is not only safe for your flock of chickens but also something that they will really like.

What parts of the kiwi can chickens eat?

You can keep your chickens healthy letting them eat all parts of a kiwi.

Some fruits and veggies are completely safe for chickens to eat, like watermelon and radishes, while others, like tomatoes and mangoes, are good but the rest of them (greens, leaves, stems, etc) can be harmful, or even toxic.

Can chickens eat kiwi skin and seeds?

Fortunately, the entire kiwi is safe for chickens. Which is great because it would be terribly difficult to deseed them if the seeds were not safe for them to eat. The skins actually contain a lot of dietary fiber and other nutrients which are very good for your chickens health.

However, while the skin is safe and nutritious that doesn’t always mean your chickens are going to eat it. The skin is not easy to eat similar to other fruits with thick rinds like cantaloupe, orange, or grapefruit. So, don’t be surprised if you happen to find some skins leftover once the fowl feeding frenzy has finally finished.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

What are the health benefits of kiwi?

How to feed kiwi to chickens

Kiwi isn’t very hard to prepare for your flock. We mentioned earlier that the kiwi skin is a little tough but it isn’t so tough that a chicken can’t peck right through it if you toss them a whole kiwi. Now, we don’t necessarily recommend feeding whole kiwi to your flock. It’s so small, most of your chickens won’t get any and it can lead to in-flock fighting.

The best ways to feed kiwi to your chickens is to cut it into slices or, even better, chopped into small pieces. Smaller pieces are better for a few reasons. One, being small pieces are easier to scatter and thus, your chickens will not be piled on top of each other.

Small pieces are also easier to eat and less likely to become choking hazards. Another thing you can do with these small pieces is mix them up with some chopped apples, bananas, cherries, blueberries, blackberries,…you get it. Make them a nice, fresh, delicious, fruit salad!

Another fun way to feed kiwi to your chickens is to freeze it first and then give it to them. This is especially good in the summertime. Kick it up a notch, run a piece of string through it, hang it up somewhere about eye level for your chickens, and *BOOM* you have a DIY, boredom-busting, chicken toy!

Treat tips

Two pretty common question are “How much kiwi can I feed?” and “How often can I feed kiwi to my chickens?”. When feeding kiwi, or any non-grain based chicken feed, we stick to the 90%/10% rule. Essentially, this rule just says that 90% of what you feed your chickens should be specially formulated feed made especially for them; usually known as layer feed. Any other kind of food, snack, or treat should only constitute 10% of their diet.

The reason for this is because chickens get almost all of the specific nutrients, in the amounts they need, from their feed and from what they can catch and eat free ranging. Too much of something, even a “good” nutrient, can throw off a chickens internal balance and lead to health problems.

Wash and check

Like any fruit or vegetable you would want to eat yourself, wash the kiwi before giving it to your chickens. We do this to wash off some of the prickly hairlike fibers. But, more importantly, we wash the kiwi to make sure that there is no pesticide residue left on it. If possible, try and source your food from someone who is pesticide free.

Additionally, following the same concept, don’t feed your chicken anything that is in a condition that you would not eat yourself. We’re not suggesting you feed them only human food. What we’re saying is, if the kiwi is starting to rot, don’t feed it to them. Same if it is moldy. Basically, if you wouldn’t eat your food in the same condition, don’t feed it to your animals.

Final Word

Kiwi is a super tasty treat for your chickens. Make sure you feed it in moderation and your chickens will love you all the more for it!

Watermelon is a summer staple where we come from. It most likely is where you’re from too. Our whole family loves watermelon, that includes all of our dogs, goats, and our chickens. So, in case you were wondering can chickens eat watermelon we can confirm that they can.

But, let’s talk a little bit about it how much they can have, how often, and is it just a sweet treat, or can it be nutritious as well as delicious?

Can Chickens Eat Watermelon?

Yes, chickens can eat watermelon. It is not only a delicious, summertime snack but it is also, in moderation, a healthy food for them to eat, as well.

Watermelon is even okay for chicks to eat, in small amounts and excluding any of the tougher parts like rind, vines, or leaves.

What parts of the watermelon can chickens eat?

We already discussed that chicks can eat the pink flesh of watermelon but not the other parts. That triggers the question can chickens eat the rest of the watermelon?

Can chickens eat watermelon rind?

Yes, the rind is perfectly healthy for chickens to eat. In fact, it is chock of many of the same nutrients found in the flesh. You may be able to tell by it’s density, that this piece of the watermelon has the most plant fiber.

Now, chickens will not eat the rind with the same fervour they will the sweet pink fruit. It is less flavorful and more difficult for them to peck apart with their beaks. So, don’t be surprised if you find the rinds still intact after giving it to your chickens.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Can chickens eat the green skin of a watermelon?

Normally, we would include the green outer skin to be a part of the rind. However, chickens will eat the rind, they will almost never eat the outside green part.

Can chickens eat watermelon seeds?

Watermelon seeds are one of our chickens’ favorite snacks. In fact, while watermelon seeds are not typically something that other animals on your farm may be able to eat, chickens have no problem digesting the seeds.

Can chickens eat watermelon greens, leaves, and vines?

By now, you may be able to guess that just like when chickens eat zucchini, they can also eat the entire watermelon plant. The greens of the watermelon are, again, something chickens love and will dig right in when given the chance. Just make sure to keep them away from the vine while it is growing. They won’t wait until the watermelon grows and then everyone will be without their favorite pink fruit.

Can I feed rotten watermelon to my chickens?

What? No, you absolutely cannot feed rotten anything to your chickens. A good rule to follow is that if you wouldn’t eat your own food in the same state don’t feed it to your chickens, or any animals, in that state. That includes moldy food too.

What are the health benefits of watermelon?

How to make feed watermelon to chickens

Feeding your chickens watermelon is pretty much as simple as wash, cut, and serve. We do have a some recommendations, though, on how you should go through this process.

• Wash the outside of the watermelon and any greens that you want to give to your chickens.
  • This will remove any excess pesticide residue that may still be present. You can always grow your own or purchase from a pesticide free source, too.
• Cut the watermelon into small pieces.
  • Smaller pieces are easier for your chickens to eat and are less likely to become choking hazards.
• Top their feed with it or spread it out for your whole flock.
  • Watermelon is a high value treat and chickens will fight over it if there is not enough. Make sure to provide enough and spread it far enough out that everyone will get some and they won’t be right on top of each other.

Some treat ideas

If you want to give your chickens something really special, you can always make their snack with a little bit of extra care. Chop up all of the watermelon; that includes the pink fruit, rind, leaves, and vines. Mix those with some other chopped veggies from the garden, like grapes, cherries, blueberries or blackberries, or radishes.

If it’s hot outside, consider giving them a bunch of frozen watermelon and cantaloupe cubes. The cold fruit will cool them down and last a while longer since it will be frozen.

Take this to another level and toss the whole, chopped up, of course, watermelon into a blender or food processor, add in some ice, and fresh mint (or some frozen mint cubes). Puree everything together and pour it into a feed bowl for your chickens outside. They will love their Mint Watermelon Smoothie!

Final Word

Watermelon is a treat loved by both humans and animals alike. It makes a great snack for your chickens and can greatly improve their health!

Radishes are one of the more popular root vegetable to grow in a garden. They are not too difficult for beginners and they taste great on salads. You can also freeze them to save all year around. With all of these options have you ever wondered can chickens eat radishes?

Keep on reading if you want to find out whether or not chickens can eat radishes or not!

Can Chickens Eat Radishes?

Yes, chickens can eat radishes. Radishes are a completely non-toxic including their leaves. You can give them to your chickens raw from the garden or you can cook them up. Your chickens will love them either way.

Can chickens eat the rest of the radish?

So, we know chickens love the red, fleshy part of the radish. But, can chickens eat the rest of the radish; like greens, leaves, or seeds.

Some plants are toxic if the plant is eaten, like tomatoes and green potatoes or can just make them uncomfortable for a while, like mango leaves that contain the same chemicals as poison ivy (although, in some cases they can also cause a severe health problem). Same goes for rhubarb which chickens can eat, but only the stalks because the rest of the plant contains oxalic acid which is poisonous.

That is not the case with radishes. Chickens can eat the entire plant with no issues. You probably won’t find them snacking on seeds very often, it is a rarity mostly due to access and size.

One other question that is asked often is if chickens can eat radish plants while they are still sprouts. It is perfectly safe for them to do so. However, if you are growing radishes you probably want to keep your chickens away from any sprouts that are coming up because they WILL eat them and destroy your potential garden before it can start.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Can chicks eat radishes?

No, they chicks really shouldn’t eat radishes until they are a little bit older because radishes can be too hard to digest. Chicks should stick to a specialized chick feed. After a month, give or take, it is safe but also give them grit, as well.

Are radishes a healthy snack?

How to feed radishes to chickens

You can feed radishes to chickens raw from the garden or store bought. But the best way to do it is to cook them first. “Why?”, you ask. There are a few reasons.

Raw radishes have a pretty strong, pungent odor AND flavor to them; especially when they are fresh. When you boil them down, the strength of the smell and taste will drastically be reduced.

Radishes are also faiyl hard and tough making them difficult for chickens to peck through and eat. Cooked radishes are significantly softer, thus, making them easier to eat AND digest.

With all that being said, we prefer to cook our radishes and chop them into small bits. Then, mix them in, or sprinkle on top, their regular feed. You don’t need a lot either. A single radish, cooked and cut, is enough to feed about half a dozen chickens.

Final Word

Fresh food from the garden is almost always a a perfect snack for your flock. Radishes just barely scratch the surface.

Crested chicken breeds tend to be made up of some of the most beautiful-looking birds you can find. Crested means that the birds have plumage on top of their heads, some to the point of looking like they have on hats. There are several crested breeds to choose from, and even some that will do well in confinement or are hardy even when placed in cold weather.

Crested chickens, in general, tend to be a friendly type of chicken that can get along with others. Many chickens with cresting can be placed in shows, and some are rare varieties that many chicken enthusiasts would be incredibly happy to get their hands on. While things do vary from breed to breed. Many of the crested chicken breeds are used for egg production, although you shouldn’t be expecting to bring home a hen that produces 200 eggs and lays year-round.

Some popular crested breeds that you might have heard of include the Silie, a chicken that’s covered head to toe in feathers, and the Legbars. Along with these two, the list below contains nine other crested breeds to choose from. Surprisingly many of the breeds are ancient and have been around for several hundred years. Some have even been treated as royal birds in the past.

The wild feathering of these breeds can also lend to some fun chicken names.

If the look of crested chickens has you interested, then keep reading below to learn which of the breeds you are most interested in.

Crested Chicken Breeds

Breed 1: Silver Spangled Apenzeller 

Silver Spangled Appenzeller chickens are a rare breed that has not yet been recognized by the APA. They aren’t good for meat as they are a small breed with roosters usually weighing 4 and a half pounds, and the hens usually weigh around 3 and a half pounds. Apenzellar chickens tend to lay somewhere around 150 medium-sized white eggs a year. Apenzellars have heavy feathering on their heads, a spangled feather pattern, and a red V-shaped comb.

This is a breed that prefers to free-roam as they don’t like to be confined for long periods of time. They are a hardy breed of chicken that tends to be docile and can easily live with other breeds of chicken. The Apenzellar is also a breed that tends to go broody fairly often.

Breed 2: Polish 

The Polish chicken comes from the country of Poland and is an ancient breed that has been around for quite some time. This is a breed that tends to lay somewhere around 200 white medium-sized eggs a year. 

Polish chickens are a show birds, so they have strict standards. Polish chickens should have heavy feathering on their head, a v-shaped comb, and in some cases even have a beard. Being ornate, hens and roosters look fairly similar and can be difficult to distinguish, at times. They aren’t large birds, but the roosters do grow to be around 6 pounds, while the hens usually reach 4 and a half pounds; making their size one of the easier ways to tell them apart.

They are a nervous breed of chicken and will need a stable environment to live in. Polish chickens are sensitive to the cold, so you will need to have a well-insulated coop, but otherwise, they are a hardy bird. They do like to free-range, so you will want to let them out regularly. Polish hens don’t tend to go broody often, making breeding a bit more difficult.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Breed 3: Sultan 

The Sultan is a strikingly beautiful bird who isn’t really suitable for egg production. They come from Turkey, where they used to be kept in the courtyard of palaces. The Sultan only lays around 50 small eggs a year and is a small bird. The rooster will only reach a weight of six pounds, with the hens just weighing in at 4 pounds. This breed really shines as a show bird and has been accepted by the APA since 1874, making them one of the oldest competitive breeds.

The plumage on the head of the Sultan wraps around their head, and they have feathers covering their legs and feet. This royal bird has a v-shaped comb and a docile personality. Despite all their heavy feathering, though, they aren’t a breed that is able to tolerate the cold well. Sadly, Sultans don’t tend to be a broody breed of chicken, and due to their low egg numbers, they are generally pretty hard to breed.

Breed 4: Houdan 

The Houdan is an old breed of French chickens that’s age and origins are hard to trace back. Houdans typically lay around 150 medium-sized white eggs a year. The Houdan is a medium-sized bird with roosters weighing around 8 pounds, while the hens usually weigh in somewhere around 6 and a half pounds. The Houdan a v or butterfly-shaped comb, a flowering cresting, and have been accepted by the APA since 1874.

Houdans are a sweet breed of chicken that gets along with both humans and other breeds. They enjoy being free-range but aren’t going to do well in colder areas of the world. Luckily, Houdan hens do tend to be broody.

Breed 5: Legbars – Cream and Frost White 

The Legbar is a chicken breed that comes from the UK. It was created at Cambridge University. This breed is an auto-sexing breed, meaning that you can tell the sex of the chicken at birth. This is a breed that lays blue or green eggs, and a hen can produce 180 medium-sized eggs a year. The rooster weighs around 6 to 7 pounds, while hens typically weigh between 4 and a half to six pounds. Both the gold and silver Legbars possess cresting, and the breed has a single comb.

Legbars are an active breed that doesn’t like to confinement, but they do have a friendly nature. They are a hardy breed that can do well in the cold, making them perfect for those who live in colder regions. Legbars can be broody, but you still may want to have an incubator on hand.

Breed 6: Brabanter 

The Brabanter chicken is a rare breed that seems to have come from either the Netherlands or Belgium. The breed generally lays around 150 large white eggs a year but is small in size. Brabanter chickens tend to weigh around 4 to five pounds for the rooster and 3 and a half to 4 and a half pounds for the hen. They have a narrow crest, a three-part beard, and a V-shaped comb.

They are a calm breed that can easily get along with others and tend to be quite curious. Brabanters like to forage, so letting them roam around outside can help trim their nails down, but they don’t mind being put up in a coop either. They are a hardy breed that can do well in extremely cold temperatures. The Brabanter is a broody breed of chicken that loves sitting on their eggs.

Breed 7: Polverara 

Polverara is an Italian breed that gets it’s name from the area where many believe it comes from.

They will usually lay around 150 white medium-size eggs a year and are also good for meat production. The roosters typically weigh somewhere around 6 pounds, while the hens weigh in at around four pounds. Sadly they are an extremely rare breed, and there aren’t a large amount of them around anymore. They have a small crest that grows upward and a V-shaped comb.

Sadly, this is a breed that hasn’t been able to get on board with being confined, so they will need to be kept outside. With that, they do tend to be a hardy breed. They are friendly and don’t mind people handling them. The Polverara can go broody, but it’s also best to keep an incubator on hand.

Breed 8: Padovana 

Padovana chickens is another old Italian breed that get its name from the providence of Padua. The Padovana is an ok layer, and you can expect them to lay around 120 small eggs a year. The roosters weigh around 9 to 10 pounds, while the hens will weigh between 7 and a half to 10 pounds. This makes them a good choice as a meat-producing bird. The Padovana is a combless breed that has an upright crest covering its head.

The Padovana is a confident bird that is friendly with humans and other breeds of chickens. These chickens do like to free-range and are a hardy breed. Padovana hens aren’t broody, so you will need to use an incubator to hatch the chicks.

Breed 9: Silkie 

Silkies are a popular breed of chickens that have been around since ancient times in China. As their name suggests, they are a bird with soft feathers that have full body coverage, head to feather toes, in a fluffy plumage. They can lay around 170 eggs a year and are right at home at a chicken show. Roosters typically only weigh between 2 to 3 pounds, while hens weigh even less at 1 and a half to 2 pounds. The bird has a walnut comb that has a high chance of being covered up by its feathers.

The silkie is a calm, friendly bird that can get along with others. They are also a cold hardy breed despite how delicate they look and can live in several different types of weather. They can be free-range, but for this breed, a chicken run is highly advised. Silkie hens are very broody and will focus on taking care of their eggs.

Breed 10: Crevecoeur 

Crevecoeur is an extremely rare French breed of chicken that is currently considered to be endangered. The breed only lays around 120 medium-sized white eggs a year and isn’t used for meat. It looks similar to the Houdan with its crest and also has a V-shaped comb. The rooster generally weighs around 8 pounds, while a hen will weigh around 4 and a half pounds.

They have an active temperament and can get along well with others. Crevecoeurs are happiest when they are able to run around outside, so allowing them to free-range is best. They aren’t a cold hardy breed and may not fare well in some regions. Crevecoeur chickens seem to go both ways with broodiness, so you will want to keep an eye on your hens and an incubator on the side.

Breed 11: Swedish Flower Hen (sometimes) 

The  Swedish Flower chick isn’t always a crested breed, but some do develop smaller crests on top of their heads. This breed tends to lay around 150 large or jumbo brown eggs a year. The roosters typically weigh in at around 8 pounds, while the hens weigh around 5 pounds; making them great dual purpose chickens for both eggs and meat. They have spots that look somewhat like flowers on their feathers and have a single serrated comb.

Swedish Flower Hens tend to be a calm breed that gets along well with others. They do well with being free-range and are a hardy breed that can even do well in colder regions where some other breeds might not thrive. The Swedish Flower hen doesn’t tend to be a broody breed, so you will need to use an incubator to hatch the chicks.

What do crested chickens look like? 

Crested breeds, like any other chicken breed, can vary in appearance. Some are small while others are large, and they have several different comb types. One thing that they all do have in common is the feathers that grow atop their heads. Crested breeds will often have their heads completely covered in feathers, some to the point that their combs are completely hidden.

Some of the crested breeds above are accepted by the APA, meaning that they have breed standards.

 You will want to refer to these before you set out to buy chicks. In addition, there are some extremely rare crested breeds like the Brabanter. These chickens will be much harder to find than normal, and you will likely have to spend time looking for a specialty breeder to buy them.

Any Special Care for them? 

There are a few things to keep in mind when caring for crested breeds. The biggest problem with them is that the crests can block their eyesight. This makes them much more prone to fall victim to a predator as they can’t keep a close watch on their surroundings. If they are a free-range breed, you will want to either trim their feathers or keep them in a run. Make a note if the breed you are building the run for is good at flying or not; if they are, you will need either high fencing or a net to help keep them from escaping into your yard.

Trimming their feathers can be a problem if they are a show bird, though, so be aware of this when cutting their feathers. In addition, some of the heavily feathered breeds like the Silkie run more of a risk of getting dirty. These breeds may need a bath, especially if you let them free-roam in a muddy area. The mud can cling to their feathers, making them heavy and stressing out your birds.

Lastly, it can be much easier to startle a crested breed. Since they can’t see well in some cases, when you sneak up on them, it can give them a fright. If you intend to touch or pick up your crested chicken, try to let them know that you are there before doing this. By giving them a chance to know that they aren’t in danger, you can alleviate some stress when interacting with them.

Lastly, while many of these breeds are covered in heavy plumage that covers their cold, many of them aren’t cold hardy. Some of the chickens on this list won’t do well when kept in cold regions and many of them like to free-range so around-the-clock confinement isn’t a good option. Be sure to check on how hardy each breed is and how they do in different weather conditions. This can help you determine which crested breeds will do well where you live.

FAQ 

Are crested chickens friendly? 

For the most part, crested breeds do tend to be friendly. Keep in mind that this can vary from chicken to chicken. The best way to ensure your chicken is friendly is by raising them as chicks and handling them daily.

Are crested chickens good layers?

Typically, crested chickens do seem to lay a decent amount of eggs, with a few exceptions like the Sultan. For the most part, there are no super layers, and many of the chickens will lay around 150 eggs on average.

Hamburg Chickens are a popular show breed that comes in a variety of different colors. They are fast-maturing birds are dual purpose; meaning that can provide both a decent amount of eggs and a sizable portion of meat. The breed is also known for being hardy and tends to do extremely well in cold environments.

You can expect a Hamburg chicken to lay around 200 eggs a year and can start laying eggs at just 5 months of age. Their small size means that they aren’t great for meat production as the roosters can easily reach 4 and a half to 5 and a half pounds while the hens will weigh 3 and a half to 4 pounds.  Additionally, they are a popular show bird, and the APA has recognized six different color variations of the Hamburg chicken.

Hamburg chickens typically live between 5 to 8 years with proper care. These are active birds, so if you intend to keep a flock, then you will need to build a sizable coop so that they will have plenty of room to move around. Luckily, they are hardy otherwise and can live in most types of environments without a problem. If you are looking for a well-rounded hardy birdy, then the Hamburg chicken may just be exactly what your coop needs.

Hamburg Chickens

History and Origin

The Hamburg chicken is a breed that seems to have emerged sometime in the fourteenth century in the country of Holland. Today there are fourteen breeds of the Hamburg chicken that are recognized overseas, with six of these coloring now being recognized by the APA. They were even used in the first-ever chicken show and are an important part of chicken history. This makes the Hamburg chicken a popular show bird, and today they can be found being kept and used for a multitude of reasons.  

When looking for the Hamburg chicken, you may also find that some places call them by their English name Hamburger chickens or their Dutch name Hollands Hoen. This chicken is a rare breed now and is currently under the “watch” status of the conservation list.

What do they look like? 

Hamburg chickens are accepted by the APA and have several different colorings. They were displayed in one of the first-ever chicken shows and, as such, are held to high breed standards. The six colors recognizable colors by the APA are White, Black, Silver Spangled, Golden Spangled, Silver Penciled, and Golden Penciled.

Penciled coloring is also common in some other breeds such as Deathlayers.

If you go to Europe, you will find that there are several different varieties of the Hamburg available, many of which are part of several overseas poultry associations.  They have long tails and featherless legs that will be have different colors depending on the Hamburg you choose. They have rose-shaped combs (similar to Anacona Chickens) that are red and red round waddles.

Differences between hens and roosters

Generally, size and the lavishness of their feathering is an easy way to distinguish between hens and roosters. The hens have small waddles, while the rooster’s waddles can be medium in size. They also have white earlobes and a compacted body type. The roosters typically weigh between 4 and a half to 5 and a half pounds, while the hens will weigh 3 and a half to 4 pounds. There is also a Bantam version of this chicken breed that tends to weigh around 1 to 2 pounds. Hamburg chicks can vary in coloring, so they can be quite hard to identify. 

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Temperament 

Hamburg chickens are a docile breed that doesn’t mind sharing their coop with other chickens. They can integrate well into an established coop, and generally, the hens shouldn’t cause you too much of a problem. Hamburg roosters, on the other hand, should be kept apart from other roosters and can be aggressive. Sadly, this is not the breed you will want to get if you are just looking for a pet.

The Hamburg chicken doesn’t tend to be a breed that really likes to interact with humans. In fact, it’s been noted by Hamburg owners that the chickens will sometimes actively avoid being too close to them. You shouldn’t leave children alone with this breed or try to interact with them much yourself. Just trying to touch Hamburg chickens can actually stress them out, and the last thing you want is your child chasing after them and getting injured in the process. If you do want to try and make them a bit more social, then try to raise chicks.

 These chickens dislike being handled and won’t sit still for you to pet them. They also don’t like to stay cooped up for long periods of time and are a breed that needs to be allowed to free-range.

Hamburgs are pretty fast and are an active breed that keeps a careful watch on their surroundings. Some will say these birds can be flighty and a bit wild. Will will want to keep an eye on your flock if you don’t plan to keep them in a run just to ensure they don’t get into any trouble when left to forge. Hamburg chickens do tend to get loud, so if you have neighbors that live close by, this may not be the breed for you.

What is their purpose? 

The Hamburg chicken is a popular show bird that also tends to be used fairly often for eggs. They are small in size, so using them for meat isn’t popular, and they don’t tend to enjoy humans, so they won’t make a good pet. They do tend to lay around 200 medium eggs a year and are solid layers. Most Hamburg chickens mature early and can start laying eggs around the 5-month mark. They are also a breed that tends to continue laying for a long period of time, although this will slow down after a few years have passed.

Hamburg chickens are an incredibly popular breed and even have a history as some of the first show chickens. The APA has already accepted six different colorations of the Hamburg, and they are beautiful birds that are perfect for someone who is just getting started in the show world. It will be incredibly important to source your chicks from a reliable choice if you intend to compete.

Keep in mind that if you buy chicks that have come from show champions, they are going to cost you a bit more than normal. But the up front purchase for quality birds is just a small cost in the overall cost to keep chickens.

When buying a Hamburg chick, make sure to do thorough research on the breeder or look for an owner at a show who sells chicks themselves. You will want to ensure that the chicken you buy meets the strict breed standards. While they aren’t the rarest breed out there, they are still rare and, depending on where you live, may be a bit harder to find. You should be ready to travel or pay high shipping prices to get Hamburg chicks. You are typically looking at spending a bit more on this breed than some more common ones, and the price of the chicks will vary based on sex and coloring.

Breeding Hamburg chickens can be a bit tough as the hens don’t tend to be very broody. If you intend to raise chicks, then you will need to have an incubator on hand.

Care and Health 

Hamburg chickens are hardy birds that are generally pretty easy to care for. To begin with, they do well in the cold, so raising them in regions that tend to be colder than normal won’t be much of a problem. You will need to build a sizable coop to keep this breed as they are active.

Make sure that the coop is well insulated to keep your chickens warm in the winter. When the weather gets cold, be sure to place some extra hay in the coop to keep your Hamburg chickens happy. And make sure you have a plan to keep their waters from freezing.

You should always provide access to food and water. While the Hamburg does love to forage, you shouldn’t expect them to find all their food this way. Hamburg chickens don’t do confinement well thanks to their active nature, so you will need to let them free-range to keep them happy. They are an alert breed and do well with handling predators, but you should still keep an eye on your chickens to ensure you don’t need to build a run to keep them from wandering too far away from home.

Make sure that you follow a strict schedule so your chickens will know what time they go out, and ensure that they are all in the coop with the door shut by sunset to keep them out of harm’s way. Even though this is an alert breed of bird when left out at night and asleep, predators like foxes can easily prey on your flock.

Hamburg chickens don’t have any type of special grooming needs. These chickens also don’t have any health issues outside of what you would find in most chicken breeds. You should still keep watch for any strange behavior like a lethargic hen, as any chicken can get sick regardless of breed hardiness. In addition, make sure to do weekly parasite checks. Mites are common in chickens and will quickly spread through your coop. 

FAQ 

Are Hamburg chickens rare? 

Hamburgs are a rare breed, so you may have to ship chicks to your home or travel to pick them up.

How many eggs do Hamburg chickens lay? 

Hamburg chickens tend to lay around 200 medium eggs a year.

Where did the Hamburg chicken come from? 

Hamburg chickens came from Holland and are a breed that has been around since the fourteenth century.

What age do Hamburg chickens lay? 

Hamburg chickens mature quickly and can actually start laying as early as five months old. In some cases, a Hamburg chicken may even start laying at four months old.

What color eggs do Hamburg chickens lay? 

Hamburg chickens lay white eggs.

Are Hamburg chickens broody? 

No, Hamburg chickens are not a breed that tends to go broody. If you intend to raise chicks, you will need to buy an incubator.

How much do Hamburg chickens weigh? 

Hamburg chickens are a small breed of chicken. The roosters tend to weigh between 4 and a half to 5 and a half pounds. Hamburg hens will weigh between 3 and a half to 4 pounds.

Are Hamburg chickens cold-hardy? 

Yes, Hamburg chickens do well in the cold and can easily live in some colder climates.

What does a Hamburg rooster look like?

Hamburg roosters look similar to hens, but tend to weigh more, have medium-sized waddles, and longer tails.

Once upon a time, I worked at a movie theater and we used to save all of our popcorn at the end of the night in huge 30 gallon trash bags. A friend, who ran a farm and non-profit horse rescue, would come by, pick it up, and use it as a supplementary feed for some of their animals. That got me to asking him, can chickens eat popcorn? I didn’t know back then.

Keep on reading if you want to find out whether or not chickens can enjoy popcorn or not!

Can Chickens Eat Popcorn?

Obviously, yes, chickens can eat popcorn. Many chicken feeds are corn based so it’s safe to assume your chickens can safely eat the popped version of corn, as well. However, unlike my friend, you should probably skip the movie theater popcorn and go for something a little healthier.

Is popcorn safe for chickens to eat?

In general, yes, popcorn is safe for chickens, both hens and roosters, to eat. The particular reason movie theater popcorn, and many store bought popcorns, can be bad for your chickens is because they are, at a minimum, cooked in oil. To add on to that, many have added salt, butter, sugar, and other additive, natural and artificial, that chickens just should not eat.

Baby chickens are a different story. Chicks should not be given popcorn. Popcorn has so few helpful nutrients that it just isn’t worth feeding to them. It’s also difficult for them to digest properly.

So, while it is not a top choice to feed to keep your chickens healthy, it is fine as occasional treat.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Can chickens eat popcorn with salt?

No, chickens cannot eat popcorn with salt. The amount of sodium in salted popcorn can cause an imbalance in the chicken’s dietary health.

So, what does salt do to chickens? Not much, just excess salt can lead to thyroid issues, kidney disease, weak legs and muscles, dehydration, excess thirst, and can possibly be fatal (we left out the convulsions and leaking fluids).

So, maybe we just don’t give our chickens extra salt. They get what they need on their own.

Can chickens eat buttered popcorn?

No, similar to salt, butter can throw off a chickens balance of nutrients. Butter is high in fat and, as a dairy product, is not digestible by chickens. Too much can lead to digestive issues, diarhea, and potentially dehydration.

Can chickens eat popcorn kernals?

Chickens can absolutely eat popcorn kernals. They may have a rough time since popcorn seeds are much harder than the dried corn they may be used to.

Can chickens eat sweet or flavored popcorn?

There are a ton of different types of popcorn sold in bags like chips, microwaveable bags, decorative Christmas tins, etc. Wouldn’t you chickens love to try a cheese flavor like white cheddar? Or maybe a sweet popcorn like caramel or kettle corn?

NO! Don’t do it! Many of those additional flavorings can be harmful to your chickens; especially sugar. Chickens can actually form a sort of addiction if they have too much sugar which can cause them to stop eating enough of their proper feed.

It’s best to keep sweets and things with unnatural, or artificial, flavoring in them away from chickens.

Can chickens eat microwave popcorn?

Microwave popcorn follows the same rules as any other type of popcorn we have discussed today. Make sure it does not have extra oil, salt, butter, or other additives. If it’s just plain popcorn kernals, they should be fine. However, if you want to make sure they are getting the healthiest popcorn you can feed them, you can try making it yourself.

Is popcorn a healthy snack at all?

How to make “healthy” popcorn

If you want to avoid all of the additives that come with store bought popcorn, the best route is to get an airpopper, a container of popcorn kernals, and make it yourself. Plus, it’s cheaper in the long run.

Final Word

As you can see, chickens can eat popcorn. It is best to give them plain popcorn without salt, butter or other additives. And, it is also best to make sure that they don’t eat too much popcorn as it is just mostly empty calories.

Bottom line, be safe, and be conscious of what and how much you feed to your chickens.

Wild onions grow in just about every part of North America and even stretches as far south as Cuba. There are also many other places in the world that cultivate onions where they do not grow naturally. We say that to say, it’s likely where you have chickens, there will also be wild onions growing. So, can chickens eat onions, wild or store bought, or is this a ticking time bomb waiting to go off?

The answer to that question is a bit more complicated than most other chicken treats. Keep reading to find out why!

Can Chickens Eat Onions?

Yes, chickens can definitely eat onions. Onions can be a healthy part of a balanced diet or the precursor to some major health issues. The key in staying on the healthy end versus the other is all in the amount they eat.

Let’s learn what that means.

Are onions safe for chickens to eat?

In general, yes, onions are safe for chickens to eat. However, it’s not really as simple as a nice, clean, yes or no. Let’s look a bit closer at what is edible and safe, what is not, and what problems can arise.

What part of the onion is edible?

Like many plants, for example mango and tomatoes, the fruit or vegetable is fine, and even healthy, to eat but the stalk, leaves, and flowers of the plant can be toxic; sometimes enough to make them feel bad and others can be fatal. That is the case with onions as well.

Skip anything green that grows above the ground and stick to giving them the bulb that grows in the dirt. They can also eat the peel but generally won’t

Also, contrary to what some may say, chickens are not allergic to onions. Onions can be harmful but not due to any sort of allergy.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

What are the nutritional benefits of onions for chickens?

Onions, in moderation, are a good, low calorie food that is also high in protein, carbs, some healthy fats, various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidents.

The table below, courtesy of the USDA FoodData Center, is the nutritional value of 1 medium, raw, white onion (110 g).

How are these nutrients beneficial?

Here’s a small sample of how a proper amount of onions and the nutrients they provide can help improve your chickens’ health.

• Antioxidants: repair damage from free radicals, fight off/prevent future damage, protect from oxidative damage, anti-inflammaty, lower blood pressure, improve heart health in high enough doses, development and health of tissue, skin, and feathers
• Vitamin B6: healthy blood vessels, eye/vision health, nervous system , immune system
• Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
• Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
• Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; enery, growth, and digestive health, reduce cholesterol, controls blood sugar, digestive health
• Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
• Vitamin K: blood clotting, bone metabolism
• Magnesium: bone strength and development, cellular metabolism, heart health, muscle function
• Manganese: bone development, immune system, breaks down carbs, cholesterol, and amino acids; controls blood sugar
• Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative

What happens if chickens eat onions?

In small quantities, chickens can eat onions with no problems. In fact, as we said above, they can even benefit from onions being in their diet. However, large quantities can be very harmful to chickens, as well as some pets and livestock.

Onions have a toxin in them called “n-propyl disulfide“. This toxin has been linked to “oxidative damage to erythrocytes, resulting in hemolysis” which can then become Heinz or hemolytic, anemia. This form of anemia is when a chicken’s bloodstream has all of it’s red blood cells “destroyed…before their normal lifespan is up.”

Some of the more apparent symptoms are a general unwell appearance (ruffled feathers, puffed up, weight loss), loss of strength in their legs, loss or change of color in their feathers, combs, and wattles, and an overall demeanor of lethargy.

A much less severe negative effect is that it can sometimes change the flavor of their eggs. We’re not sure if there are any studies behind this but it is a pretty popular belief. We have not experienced this ourselves so we cannot really offer an opinion.

How to feed them?

Chickens don’t typically care for the overwhelming scent and flavor of onions. They tend to prefer a nice meal worm, some fresh blueberries or even some frozen watermelon or bananas.

Cooked in a skillet

But, if you want to prepare some for them anyway, you can make them more appealing by cooking them a little first. Now, don’t make a delicious, perfectly seasoned stiry fry for your chickens. The extra oil, fat, salt, and other seasonings can be harmful. Instead toss them in a skillet with a bit of water and let them sizzle enough just to soften up and make them easier for your chickens to eat and digest.

Roasted

Cut the onion up and place them in the oven to roast them. Let them heat up until they are soft but not to the point that they caramelize. You can then mix them up with some other fruit, veggies, table scraps, their chicken feed, or even make a chicken trail mix out of cooked onions and meal worms (I can hear your mouth watering from here).

Just take note, cooking them is just to make them more appealing and easier to eat. Cooking will not destroy the n-propyl disulfide.

Food and Fun

One other way you can serve them is to have your treat play double duty. Since onions seperate into rings why not run a string through them and hang them up as a DIY chicken toy? This boredom buster can keep your chickens fed and entertained for a while. Plus, it’s fun to watch.

How many and how often can I feed onions to my chickens?

Due to the potential toxicity of onions, we don’t recommend making them a large part of their diet. Generally, we go by the 90/10 rule for chicken treats. Meaning that 90% of their diet should be a chicken specific feed, created with the nutrients a chicken needs for a balanced diet and only 10% should be other various treats, like cantaloup, peanuts, blackberries, mushrooms, rice, or apples.

Final Word

As you can see, chickens can eat onions but there is a lot to think about when feeding it to them. Depending on the amount they eat, onions can be very beneficial due to the sheer amount of beneficial nutrients or they can be detrimental by leading to anemia and other health issues.

Bottom line, be safe, and be conscious of what and how much you feed to your chickens.

Have you ever noticed right after it rains, there are always a ton of mushrooms, toadstools, and other various forms of fungi all over the place? Sometimes that includes the barnyard and around the chicken coop! Now, before your chickens realize a potential snack has popped up over night, you have to ask yourself, “Can chickens eat mushrooms or do I need to make a mad dash before they find them?”

If you’re ready to make like Mario on his way to save Princess Toadstool, keep on scrolling!

Can Chickens Eat Mushrooms?

Yes, chickens can definitely eat mushrooms! Chickens can eat them, assuming they are among the 25-30% of edible, meaning safe to eat, mushrooms that we know of. Now, whether or not you can convince your chickens to eat these mushrooms is an entirely different question of it’s own.

Will chickens eat mushrooms?

This is the catch. While chickens can eat mushrooms and mushrooms may even be a good healthy food, they most likely will pass them up for just about anything else. If you’ve noticed, most of the time when we, as humans, eat mushrooms, it is cooked in a dish where they tend to absorb some of the flavor and characteristics of what they are cooked in.

Chickens do not have that luxury and tend to find mushrooms to be a little too bland. On top of that, many mushrooms have a sort of rubbery texture to them that chickens usually just spit out.

This isn’t always a bad thing though. Remember, if they are ignoring or spitting out the mushrooms you are giving them, they probably aren’t pecking at random, potentially dangerous, wild mushrooms that they happen by throughout the day.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Will chickens eat morel mushrooms?

Yes, and they seem to really like them. Unfortunately, morel mushrooms while delicious when cooked, are highly toxic when eaten raw.

What are the nutritional benefits of mushrooms for chickens?

First of all, they ar super low in calories and are packed with vitamins, protein, antioxidants, and various minerals. All of these nutrients are beneficial to a chicken’s overall health.

The table below, courtesy of the USDA FoodData Center, is the nutritional value of 1 cup of raw morel mushrooms. These may change a bit when cooked (so they are no longer toxic) but should still be close enough to give you a good idea of their value.

How are these nutrients beneficial?

Here’s a small sample of how some of the above nutrients can improve your chickens’ health.

• Vitamin B6: healthy blood vessels, eye/vision health, nervous system , immune system
• Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
• Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; enery, growth, and digestive health, reduce cholesterol, controls blood sugar, digestive health
• Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
• Magnesium: bone strength and development, cellular metabolism, heart health, muscle function
• Manganese: bone development, immune system, breaks down carbs, cholesterol, and amino acids; controls blood sugar
• Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Aren’t mushrooms dangerous if you eat them?

There are more than 10,000 types of mushrooms that have been identified across the world and it’s probably safe to speculate there are thousands more we haven’t found yet. They can range from pure delicacy to doornail dead if you eat them.

According to The Mushroom Journal, about 20% of mushrooms can make you ill, while 50% are just not good to eat, being too tough or something we can’t digest. Another 25% are technically edible but son’t really offer much in the way of taste. And finally, 4% are desireable to eat, as in they have a good flavor or offer some other benefit while only 1% of mushrooms are potentially fatal.

Q2. So, how do I tell which ones are safe or not?

Here are just a few things to look out for. However, there are many other dangerous mushrooms that do not fit into the following descriptions. They are merely a small sample of some of the easier features to spot.

• White and slightly brown mushrooms are typically poisonous
• Dangerous mushrooms have gills or ridges under their caps
• red is almost always a warning, especially on the cap of a mushroom

Q3. What are the best types of mushrooms for chickens to eat?

Chickens can eat morel, button, hen of the woods, chicken of the woods, magic (just kidding), oyster, portabello, porcini, shittake. If you can buy it in a store, it will be safe for your chickens to eat. Store bought is really the best route to go if you want to feed mushrooms to your flock.

Unless you are a pro at identifying mushrooms in the wild, it’s usually best to not take the potential risk.

Q4. How do you serve mushrooms to chickens?

As we mentioned, the rubbery texture and bland flavor are an almost instant turnoff for most chickens. However, you can cook them first and that will harden up the more rubbery quality a bit. You won’t want to add salt or oil or anything, that can cause in imbalance in their diet.

Q5. What if they’re growing in my yard/coop/barnyard?

Most likely your chickens will not mess with them as there are more interesting things for them to eat. However, if you are concerned that your chickens or any other animals may give them a little nibble or two, you can scoop them up and throw them out.

Peanuts are one of the tastiest, most convenient snacks you can eat. They’re easy and full of protein, but can chickens eat peanuts also?

Wanna know what we found out? Scroll down a little and find out!

Can Chickens Eat Peanuts?

Yes, chickens can eat peanuts. Peanuts can make a great snack for your flock of chickens when fed in moderation. The reason you do not want to over feed peanuts is due to their high caloric count, fat count, and, most importantly, the dangers associated with consuming an element known as aflatoxin.

Are peanuts toxic to chickens?

Peanuts, and some other nuts, contain a substance called aflatoxin. Consuming aflatoxin can lead to Aflatoxicosis, sometimes known as “turkey X-disease”. Aflatoxicosis can cause a whole host of problems in chickens ranging from a suppresses immune system, to organ damage, and a reduction or complete shut down of egg production and loss of quality.

Generally, this condition is a result of poor quality chicken feed, feed that is not stored properly, and the overconsumption of foods high in aflatoxin, like corn (including popcorn at times), rice, and, yes, peanuts.

With that being said, there have been studies that show roasting peanuts can reduce aflatoxins by almost 90% at 200ºC (392ºF) and boiling or pressure cooking rice can destroy between 50% and 70%. To be safe, we recommend feeding your chickens roasted or cooked, boiled or roasted, peanuts, if you feed your chickens peanuts at all.

Please keep the dangers related to aflatoxin and aflatoxicosis in mind while reading the rest of this post.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

So, are peanuts bad for them?

In general, peanuts are not bad for chickens to eat. However, many prepackaged peanuts are going to be sold coated in a lot of salt or some other kind of flavor enhancer. You do not want to feed anything like that to your chickens as they can vary from “not great” to “dead cluck”. There are too many different types of additives to list here. So, suffice it to say skip them all and opt for plain, unsalted peanuts (unless you know for certain it is harmless and safe).

Are there health benefits in peanuts for chickens?

Sure, peanuts are chock full of protein and good fats. They also contain a lot of vital vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients.

• Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
• Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; enery, growth, and digestive health, reduce cholesterol, controls blood sugar, digestive health
• Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
• Magnesium: bone development, cellular metabolism
• Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative

Can chickens eat peanuts and peanut shells?

Yes, chickens can eat both peanuts and peanut shells. The shells can be very good for them too since they have a lot of antioxidants which are known to provide a wide variety of health benefits.

The best way to feed shells is to first roast them (yes, chickens can eat roasted peanuts) and then crush them up. In this form you can even feed them to baby chicks, in moderation. The shells do contain a high amount of cellulose and fiber, the latter which can lead to constipation and other digestive issues if fed too much.

Can chickens eat boiled peanuts?

Yes, chickens love boiled peanuts and it’s generally safe for them to eat. However, just like regular peanuts, make sure they are plain and have no added salt. Boiled peanuts are actually more beneficial for a chicken’s health and wellbeing than either roasted or raw peanuts. In fact, according to Peanut-Institute.com, boiled peanuts have been known to have up to 4 times the amount of antioxidants as their unboiled counterparts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why won’t the birds eat my peanuts?

If your chickens are not eating the peanuts you give them it means they are either spoiled or may have some sort contamination, like mold. The other option, which is more likely, is that you may have just given them too many and they are full.

Q2. Can you wash salt off peanuts for birds?

You can try, but if they have been roasted or boiled in salt, it may not do much good. It’s best to give your chickens peanuts that have never been salted.

Q3. Can I feed birds peanut butter?

Peanut butter is, for the most part, fine for your chickens to eat. The things that we would caution you on with peanut butter is the risk of aflatoxin, although it is likely low since peanuts are usually roasted first. We would also remind you of the high fat content in peanut butter which can become a health issue. And last, but not least, peanut butter can be very sticky and be a choking hazard.

Q4. Do peanuts make chickens lay bigger eggs?

Yes, peanuts can make chickens lay bigger eggs up to a certain point. A study out of California from 2004 showed that adding 2, and then 4, ounces of peanuts to a hen’s daily diet increased the height, width, and weight of the egg. However, in each instance that the amount was increased to 6 oz, the hens stopped laying altogether.

Q5. What kind of nuts can chickens eat?

Most nuts are safe for chickens to eat. However, they are generally high in fat and calories so should only be fed as a snack and in moderation. The one thing you should be aware of is whether or not the nuts contain tannins; like acorns, for example.

Tannins are “antinutrients” and can cause your chickens’ bodies (and yours, in high enough quantities) to “reduce [it’s] ability to absorb essential nutrients from food.” They have also been linked to cancer and liver damage.

So, if you’re wondering if chickens can eat all nuts, they can’t

Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/can-you-eat-acorns#nutrition

Nothing says sunshine, warm weather, and relaxation like sitting back and enjoying some ripe, fresh, delicious tropical fruit. As you take another juicy bite from your second mango of the day you notice your chickens starting to gather around like Raptors in Jurassic Park. Is it safe to toss your mango and run? Can chickens eat mango or will this all turn out poorly?

Find out what happens by scrolling down just a little bit!

Can Chickens Eat Mango?

Yes, chickens can eat mango! Mangos provide lots of nutrients. They can eat the entire mango, flesh and skin.

No need to worry that your chickens will get sick or poisoned it you toss your fruity snack at them in an attempt to escape with your life. In fact, in moderate amounts, mangos are a good and healthy snack for chickens. So, maybe you should have just run instead of giving those clever girls (and roos) more fuel.

In all seriousness though, mangoes are packed with all sorts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidents, and other nutrients that are very good for your chickens’ overall health and appearance.

Is it healthy for chickens to eat mangos?

Yes, it is very healthy for chickens to mangos as long as they are not eating too much in one sitting. The high sugar content in the fruit can be harmful if not monitored. But, unless you have a mango tree growing near your coop, you should be able to monitor how much they eat just fine.

Mangos are one food that is fine for chickens to eat, but not safe as an entire plant (much like how chickens can eat onions, but only certain parts). Similar to how chickens can eat rhubarb stalks, but must avoid their leaves due to poisonous oxalic acid. Chickens cannot eat mango leaves.

They contain urushiol, which is a chemical shared by another avoidable plant, poison ivy. You don’t want your feathered friends getting that in their mouths, do you?

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

What are the nutritional benefits of mangoes for chickens?

A single serving of mango (around ¾ cup) has 70 calories and no fat or cholesterol. Here is the nutritional analysis, according to Mango.org.

How do these nutrients help?

For all of us, not just chickens, a healthy balance of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients is what keeps us going. Here are some of the benefits that chickens get just from the nutrients found in mangos.

• Vitamin A: eye, skin, respiratory, and digestive health
• Vitamin B6: healthy blood vessels, eye/vision health, nervous system , immune system
• Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
• Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
• Vitamin E: immune system support, cell regeneration
• Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
• Vitamin K: blood clotting, bone metabolism
• Magnesium: bone strength and development, cellular metabolism, heart health, muscle function,
• Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative

How do you feed chickens mango?

First off all, pick out a fresh and ripe mango. You can tell it’s fresh by how soft it is and it’s bright yellow color. When it’s green and unripe it’s still safe but too bitter and hard for your chickens to eat it.

Next, wash the outside skin very well. You want to remove any dirt, pests, or potential residue from pesticides off before your chickens eat it. If you want to be extra safe, only get your mangos from a source that is pesticide free (if an option, of course).

Once it’s good and clean just cut it up, into halves, quarters, or cubes, and serve it to your birds. They love just about every part of the mango and, fortunately, it’s all safe for them to eat; fruit, skins, seeds or pits (although the seeds are probably too hard and can technically be a choking hazard).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can chicks eat mango?

Baby chickens, or chicks, should not eat mango. If they get a tiny bit, they will likely be okay, but in general, it is far to sweet and sugary for them to handle.

Q2. How many mangoes can I feed my chickens?

If you ask your chickens how many mangos you should feed them they will likely just cluck at you because chickens don’t speak human languages. But, if they did they would probably say give them all the mangos *bwawk*.

The truth is, and this applies to any kind of extra treat, mangos should not exceed more than 10% of their daily feed. This is known as the 90/10 rule and means that 90% of what they eat in a day should be a good and healthy, well balanced, chicken feed.

The same rule applies if you want to know how often to feed your chickens mangos. As long as they are not eating more than 10% of their daily intake in mangos, they should be okay.

Q4. Is it true that eating mangoes can change my chickens’ behavior?

Eating mangos, and other fruits high in sugar, can change your chickens personality and behavior. Buuuuut, just for a short period of time until the sugar rush burns out.

Think about when your little brother (or sister, cousin, friend, you) ate an entire bucket of Halloween candy and how they behaved. They (you?) probably weren’t actually posessed by evil speed demons, but it sure may have seemed that way for a while.

Q5. Why do you keep switching between ‘mangos’ and ‘mangoes’? Which one is the right spelling?

We were wondering if you would notice. According to Mango.org, Merriam-Webster says both spellings are correct. However, while they “keep it simple” with mango, Merriam-Webster prefers mangoes.

Where we’re from it seems like you can’t go 10 feet without running into a wild blackberry bush. We’re not complaining though. They’re delicious, convenient, and a healthy snack…for us. But, if we can get to them, so can our chickens. That got us wondering can chickens eat blackberries or are all of these berry bushes a disaster waiting to happen?

Wanna know what we found out? Scroll down a little and find out!

Can Chickens Eat Blackberries?

Yes, chickens can eat blackberries! There can be some adverse health risks if they eat too many at once, but overall, blackberries are perfectly safe for your chickens.

There will be no poultry related disasters today (at least not due to blackberries, anyway). Blackberries, store bought, garden grown, or free ranged are a pretty easy and healthy snack for your flock.

Are blackberries safe for chickens?

Yes, blackberries are safe for chickens and are part of a healthy treat routine for your chickens. In fact, there aren’t too many berries your chickens can’t eat. Just from our own garden we treat them with blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and, of course, blackberries. One thing they really love is when we freeze the blackberries (or blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, etc) before bringing them out. The extra cold berries are a fantastic summer cool down treat.

The only berries you really want to avoid letting your chickens eat are elderberries and gooseberries. Both of them are can be toxic and make your chicken sick or worse. Some say they are not bad and it’s the plants that are toxic but we err on the side of caution with our flock.

Really one of the main worries you can have with your chickens eating blackberries is the high sugar content and the risk of them becoming hypoglycemic.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

Chickens and hypoglycemia

When sugar is metabolized in the body it is converted into glucose, which is where the body gets most of it’s energy. Unfortunately, glucose burns very quickly and can leave your chicken bottoming out with their blood sugar levels. This is, at best, uncomfortable and, at worst, deadly.

What are the nutritional benefits of blackberries for chickens?

As you can see on the table below, blackberries are full of many of the nutrients and vitamins that a chicken needs to live a healthy life. Some key minerals to pay attention to are both copper and selenium. Depending on where you live, there may be a copper deficiency. And almost everywhere, at least in the US, is deficient in Selenium.

The table below from the USDA’s FoodData Center has a breakdown of the nutritional analysis based on a serving size of 1 cup (144g) of raw blackberries:

What do these nutrients do?

Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are essential to living a long and healthy life. Here is a brief synopsis of what some the nutrients found in blackberries can do to help your chickens.

• Vitamin A: eye, skin, respiratory, and digestive health
• Carotene, Beta (Beta Carotene): egg, feathers, skin, beak, and comb color; converts to Vitamin A
• Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
• Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
• Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; enery, growth, and digestive health, reduce cholesterol, controls blood sugar, digestive health
• Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
• Vitamin K: blood clotting, bone metabolism
• Manganese: bone development, immune system, breaks down carbs, cholesterol, and amino acids; controls blood sugar
• Magnesium: bone development, cellular metabolism
• Omega-3: heart health, egg production
• Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative

How do you feed chickens blackberries?

If you have a blackberry bush, you don’t really have to do much other than make sure they aren’t eating so much that it bottoms out their blood sugar. If you notice that starting to happen, maybe consider building some sort of barrier so you chickens can longer help themselves to the all-you-can-peck blackberry buffet.

For homegrown, store bought, or from the local farmer’s market, you just want to go through the same steps you would for your own snack. Make sure there are no berries that are rotting or moldy. As a general rule, if you wouldn’t eat your food under those conditions you shouldn’t feed your animals their food in subpar condition.

Depending on where you get your blackberries, you may want to remove any green parts of the plant. Pesticides tend to hang around on stems, leaves, and the calyx (green leaf at the top of the berry) even after you wash them. Pesticides, even in small amounts, can be very dangerous for a chicken. It’s best to either grow them without using pesticides, purchase them from a pesticide-free organic source, or, if those options are not available, make sure all the greenery is gone from the berries before serving them to your chickens.

If there is no rick of pesticides being ingested, blackberry leaves and plant stems are completely safe for your chickens to eat. They probably won’t since they prefer the berries, but it’s safe if they do.

How to prepare them

Like we said above, prepare them like your own snack

• Wash them
  • make sure you get any dirt, tiny bugs, and potential pesticide residue cleaned off
• Serve them
  • serve them freshly washed, mixed in with some other treats or in their daily feed, or freeze them and help them cool down

What fruit is bad for chickens?

There are very few fruits or veggies that are truly bad for your chicken. Most of them, when fed in moderation, can end up being very beneficial. Some fruits, veggies, and berries that are safe for chickens to eat are:

Fruits

• Apples (not the seeds)
• Bananas
• Cantaloupe
• Cherries
• Currants
• Peaches
• Pears
• Watermelon

Vegetables & Gourdes

• Pumpkin
• Tomatoes
• Yellow Squash
• Zucchini

Berries

• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Mountain Ash Berries
• Mulberries
• Raspberries
• Rowan Berries

Now, there are plenty of other natural and man made things that are not good for chickens to eat.

• Acorns: contain tanic acid which can cause vomiting, diarhea, dehydration, and, in some cases, be fatal
• Alcohol: you already knew this one
• Apple seeds: in small amounts okay but too much can be toxic due to the cyanide present in apple seeds
• Candy: the loads of sugar in candy wreak havoc on a chicken’s blood sugar levels
• Dry beans: even small amounts of phytohaemagglutinin can be deadly. Beans MUST be cooked before eaten. This applies to chickens, pets, AND humans
• jam, jelly, or preserves: same as candy
• pesticides: we already covered this but it’s literally poison
• raw/green potato skin/unripe tomatoes: the solanin in many nightshade plants is toxic. Peel your green potato skins, only give ripe tomatoes, and don’t let your chickens eat the green parts of the plants.
• tea bags: same as acorns, many teas contain tannins

Cantaloupe is a staple at most backyard BBQ’s during the summer. Inevitably, some is going to end up on the ground. While you try to stop your toddler from putting it in their mouth (c’mon, you know this is true) one of your feathered friends gets to it and runs. So, can chickens eat cantaloupe or is that hen on a midnight train to deadsville?

Keep reading and we’ll find out the fate of our flock!

Can Chickens Eat Cantaloupe?

Yes, chickens can eat cantaloupe! Chickens can eat the entire thing, rind, flesh, seeds. And cantaloupe are chock full of healthy vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Just don’t overfeed them because the sugar content can cause blood sugar issues.

They can eat all kinds of melons. They especially love melons as a nice cool down snack in the summer; so try freezing cantaloupe or watermelon and give them something to pack at all day long.

Is cantaloup healthy for chickens?

Cantaloupe can be very healthy when fed in moderation. One of the problems with feeding any kind of fruit in excess, whether melons, strawberries, bananas, cherries, etc, is there is typically a high level of sucrose that can lead to hypoglycemia.

Chickens and hypoglycemia

When chickens eat something with sucrose, or sugar, it metabolizes and converts into glucose. Glucose is what the body uses for energy. When the chicken has too much sugar in it’s diet they end up with excess glucose in their blood stream which burns very quickly, thus causing a drop in their overall blood sugar balance.

Need some help keeping your chickens health and care taken care of? Check out the Organized Chicken Keeper for an easy to follow system.

What are the nutritional benefits of cantaloupe for chickens?

Cantaloupe is chock full of an assortment of vitamins and nutrients. It can help from everything from vision health, to shiny feathers, to their digestive tract, and even the quality of their egg shells.

According to the USDA’s FoodData Center, a single large wedge of cantaloupe has 34.7 calories, or kcal. Additionally, cantaloupe is a terrific source of water and hydration and has no cholesterol or fatty acids.

The table below has a breakdown of the nutritional analysis based on a serving size of 1 large wedge of cantaloupe:

Your chickens will also benefit from the antioxidants present in cantaloupe.

What do these nutrients do?

Antioxidants work to repair damage from free radicals and fight off or prevent future damage. They also protect against oxidative damage which can lead to accelerated issues related to aging. Additionally, antioxidants are known to work as anti-inflammatories, to lower blood pressure, improve heart health in high enough doses, and assist in the development and health of tissue, skin, and feathers.

• Vitamin A: eye, skin, respiratory, and digestive health
• Carotene, Beta (Beta Carotene): egg, feathers, skin, beak, and comb color; converts to Vitamin A
• Vitamin C: joint, cellular, and immune health; collagen synthesis
• Calcium: bones and egg shell strength
• Fiber: only small amounts or they can become constipated, get a blockage, etc; enery, growth, and digestive health
• Folate (B Vitamin): folate deficiency; helps blood formation; healthy feathers & size
• Potassium: temperature control; hydration & electrolyte regulation, metabolism; heart health/heart disease preventative

How do you feed chickens cantaloupe?

You can give your chickens a whole cantaloupe but they will probably peck at it with little to no success and eventually get bored and leave. So, whole may not be a great idea but, fortunately, there are many other ways to feed cantaloupe to your chickens.

Some popular methods are:

• chop it in half and let them peck at it like a bowl
• cut it into quarters or even eighths
• scoop out the seeds and give them to your flock, as well
  • bonus points if you dehydrate or roast (maybe skip the salt though) them first and mix it in with your chicken feed
• give them the rind for something to peck at for fun with the ocassional bit of fruit as a reward

How to prepare it

Start the same way you would if you were making it for yourself.

• Wash it
  • scrub the outside well to remove any dirt, junk, and pesticide residue
• Cut it
  • cut it in half, into wedges, cubes, or rindless slices
• Serve it
  • take it out to your chickens

“What Can Chickens Not Eat?” List

we are often asked variations of the same questions like, “What can chickens not eat?”, “What fruit is bad for chickens?” or “What is poisonous to chickens?”. The truth is, chickens are pretty hardy little creatures and can eat a huge variety of things.

While there are certainly more things that can be harmful, here are some of the most commonly available things that can make your chicken sick or even kill them.

• Acorns: Tanic acid is a huge no-no for chickens. It can cause vomiting, diarhea, dehydration, and, in some cases, be fatal
• Alcohol: as funny as seeing a drunk chicken may be, this is a huge no
• Apple seeds: an apple seed here and there is not likely to be harmful but if they are regularly consuming them, the cyanide in apple seeds can be harmful and deadly
• Candy: The sugar in candy has the same effect as fruit sugar but multiplied. Candy can be very dangerous for chickens.
• Dry beans: contain the toxic compound phytohaemagglutinin. It only takes a handful of beans to poison a human that will probably recover. Your chicken will not likely be as lucky. So cook, not just soak, your beans completely.
• jam, jelly, or preserves: again, with the sugar
• pesticides: is this a real question even?
• raw/green potato peels or skins: solanin is a toxin found in green potato skins. All you need to do is peel any potato before you give it to your chickens
• tea bags: many teas contain tannins which, like acorns, can be toxic

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the dangers of cantaloupe for chickens?

The most obvious danger of feeding cantaloup to your chickens is the choking hazard. If they get a piece that is too big, they can easily choke. However, unless it’s a piece of the hard rind, cantaloup is soft enough that they will likely just peck out small enough chunks that are safe to eat.

If the cantaloup came from a non-organic or pesticide free source, it may have some residue on the rind. That should, in theory, be resolved when you wash it, but it doesn’t hurt to be extra careful and either only buy pesticide free or just throw the rind out and only give them the flesh and seeds.

Other dangers can come from leaving the cantaloup out and not cleaning up properly. Cantaloup is best given as a monitored treat so you can dispose of everything that wasn’t eaten. Leftover and rotting fruit can attract bugs and rodents, as well as, become a breeding ground for bacteria, including harmful varieties.

Q2. Can I overfeed?

You should not overfeed cantaloup to your chickens. Any type of chicken treat should be kept to around 10% or less of their daily diet.

Q4. What fruits and vegetables are safe for chickens?

Most fruits are safe for chickens to eat. The only caveat is that they are eaten in moderation. Stick to the 90%/10% rule we mentioned earlier and your chickens will be happy and healthy eating any of these fruits and veggies.11

Fruits

• Apples (not the seeds)
• Bananas
• Cantaloupe
• Cherries
• Currants
• Peaches
• Pears
• Watermelon

Vegetables & Gourdes

• Pumpkin
• Tomatoes
• Yellow Squash
• Zucchini

Berries

• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Mountain Ash Berries
• Mulberries
• Raspberries
• Rowan Berries

Berries chickens should NOT eat

Both elderberries and gooseberries can be deadly if your chickens eat them.