In the UK it’s actually illegal to feed your hens any kitchen scraps! In the good old days, they were a perfect output for all the bits of vegetables that were left after the Sunday roast. However, nowadays there’s nothing stopping you from giving your hens the extra bits of veg straight from the garden. We often feed our hens the grapes and extra bits of vine off our grape vine when we trim it and they go nuts for them!
We’ve had a few people ask us what the definitely shouldn’t feed their hens, so thought i’d let you guys know what’s actually poisonous to them:
Avacadoes:
The peel and pit of an avocado contains persin which can be toxic to birds. So definitely steer clear of this one! The fleshy part is ok to feed them in moderation.
Chocolate
Normally speaking people wouldn’t necessarily think to feed chocolate to their hens, but if you ever thought about it, don’t! the compound that is toxic to dogs, Theobromine, is also toxic to birds.
Potato Plants
Green potatoes contain Solanine which is another substance that is toxic to birds, don’t give them sprouted potatoes either as they have the same toxin. It’s bad for their nervous system. The leaves and stems are also toxic so keep them away from the plants too.
Dried beans
Dried beans contain hemaglutin which is toxic to birds.
Moldy or rotten food
Stale or overripe food is fine for the hens, but don’t give them moldy food, it’ll upset their tummies and they could get bacteria from the food.
Tomato, Pepper or Aubergine leaves
As members of the nightshade family they contain Solanine, but they can eat the produce, just not the leaves!
Rhubarb leaves
They contain Oxalic Acid which can cause calcium deficiency in the hens. Prolonged exposure can lead to kidney failure.
Raw Eggs
These are actually ok for the hens to eat, but if they get wind of how tasty they are, then you might experience them eating them straight out of their nest boxes! Not ideal for you.
Onions, Chives and garlic
A small amount is fine, but too much can alter the flavour of the eggs! Too much can also cause them to develop Heinz Anemia.
Raw Meat
It can carry pesticides and disease. It can potentially lead to aggressive behaviour and cannibalism within the flock.
Dairy
Chickens aren’t able to digest lactose so it’s best to avoid anything dairy. If you want to increase their calcium, just feed them crushed up egg shell.
Grass clippings and pulled weeds
Eating bits that are too big can lead to an impacted crop so it’s best to just let them forage for themselves.
It may seem like a lot that they can’t have, but there’s so much that they can have, so don’t feel put off by this list, it’s just a helping hand to ensure you give the hens the correct foods!
