Chicken Food: Safe Scraps Your Flock Can Eat (And What to Avoid)
Feeding kitchen scraps to your chickens is a smart way to cut waste, save money, and give your flock a nutrient boost. But not all scraps are safe. Some can upset digestion, reduce egg production, or even be toxic. In this guide, you’ll learn which scraps are chicken-approved and which to leave out of the coop.
Can Chickens Eat Table Scraps?
Yes, chickens can eat many kinds of table scraps, especially fruit and vegetable trimmings, grains, and certain cooked leftovers. Chickens are natural foragers and omnivores, meaning they thrive on a varied diet that includes both plant and animal matter.
That said, some foods can be harmful or even deadly to chickens. Understanding which scraps are safe will keep your flock healthy and productive.
Safe Kitchen Scraps for Chickens
Here’s a list of common kitchen scraps that are perfectly safe—and even beneficial—for chickens.
Vegetable Scraps
- Lettuce (avoid iceberg in large amounts)
- Spinach (in moderation)
- Carrot tops and peelings
- Cabbage and kale
- Broccoli stems and leaves
- Peas and beans (cooked)
- Zucchini, cucumber, squash
Fruit Scraps
- Apple cores (remove seeds)
- Banana peels and soft spots
- Melon rinds and seeds
- Grapes (cut up for easier eating)
- Berries—strawberries, raspberries, blueberries
- Pineapple core (chopped)
Grains and Bread
- Cooked rice and pasta (plain)
- Oatmeal (cooked or dry)
- Whole grain bread (small amounts)
- Quinoa, barley, or other grains
Protein Scraps
- Cooked eggs (no shells or salt)
- Mealworms and bugs (live or dried)
- Leftover cooked meats (no bones or seasoning)
- Fish scraps (fully cooked, no bones)
Chickens need protein to lay eggs and stay active. Scraps high in protein can be especially useful during molting or cold weather.
Dairy in Moderation
Chickens can digest small amounts of dairy, though too much can cause loose droppings. A little yogurt, cottage cheese, or shredded cheese is fine now and then.
Scraps to Avoid Feeding Chickens
Not all food scraps are safe. Some contain toxins, harmful bacteria, or ingredients that can disrupt egg laying. Here’s what to keep out of your chicken’s diet:
Toxic Foods
- Avocado (pit and skin): Contains persin, which is toxic to birds.
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine and caffeine—both harmful to poultry.
- Onions: Can cause anemia and affect egg flavor.
- Garlic (in excess): Can taint eggs and irritate the gut.
- Green potato peels: Contain solanine, a dangerous compound.
- Tomato leaves and stems: Also contain solanine.
Moldy or Spoiled Food
Never give your chickens food that’s moldy, sour-smelling, or slimy. Chickens are susceptible to mycotoxins, which can lead to serious health problems or sudden death.
Salty, Sugary, or Processed Foods
- Chips, cookies, pastries
- Sausages, bacon, and lunch meat
- Leftovers with sauces, spices, or high sodium
- Soda, candy, and anything artificially sweetened
Raw Beans and Lentils
Uncooked dried beans contain lectins, which are toxic to chickens. Always cook beans thoroughly before feeding.
How to Feed Scraps to Chickens the Right Way
Feeding scraps isn’t just about tossing leftovers in the coop. Here are a few tips to do it right:
- Chop or mash scraps into small, manageable pieces. This prevents choking and waste.
- Mix scraps with regular feed. This helps keep nutrition balanced.
- Feed in small quantities. Scraps should never make up more than 10–15% of the total diet.
- Use a clean dish or feeder. Avoid letting scraps sit on the ground too long, especially in wet weather.
Compost Scraps vs. Feeding Scraps
Not all kitchen waste needs to go to the chickens. Some scraps are better off in the compost pile, especially if they’re not poultry-friendly. Chickens and compost go hand in hand—what they don’t eat, they’ll gladly scratch through to help break down.
Just make sure compost-bound food doesn’t contain anything toxic before letting chickens forage in it.
Turn Your Kitchen Scraps Into Coop Gold
Your scraps are more than waste—they’re a renewable resource. And with the right systems in place, you can feed your flock, build compost, and even fertilize your garden all at once.
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Protect Your Flock From Digestive Issues
Feeding the wrong scraps—even with the best intentions—can upset your chicken’s digestive system. If you want to keep your flock healthy without relying on commercial meds, it’s time to stock your homestead with proven natural remedies.
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Conclusion
Feeding chickens scraps is a great way to supplement their diet, reduce food waste, and even boost egg quality—but you’ve got to know what’s safe. Stick to fruits, vegetables, cooked grains, and proteins. Avoid moldy, salty, or toxic foods like chocolate and raw beans.
Done right, your kitchen scraps can support a thriving flock and cut feed costs at the same time. But when in doubt, leave it out—or toss it in the compost instead.
- The Doctor’s Book of Survival Home Remedies – Essential for poultry health and home care
- Woodworking & Survival Plans – Build smarter systems for feeding and housing your flock
Start feeding smarter today—your chickens (and your wallet) will thank you.