Chickens can safely eat table scraps like fruits, vegetables, grains, and cooked eggs, but avoid onions, garlic, chocolate, and anything moldy or salty.
Feeding chickens table scraps is a great way to reduce food waste while supplementing your flock’s diet. But not all human foods are safe for poultry. This guide covers everything you need to know about feeding kitchen scraps to chickens.
Benefits of Feeding Chickens Table Scraps
Sharing food waste with your flock offers multiple advantages:
- Reduces household food waste by 30-40%
- Cuts feed costs by 15-20%
- Provides nutritional variety beyond commercial feed
- Offers mental stimulation through foraging
- Helps chickens stay active and healthy
According to chicken feeding experts, scraps should never exceed 10% of a chicken’s daily diet. Always provide free-choice grit to help digestion.
Safe Table Scraps for Chickens
Vegetables
Most veggies are excellent for chickens:
- Leafy greens (kale, spinach, lettuce)
- Broccoli and cauliflower
- Carrots (tops and roots)
- Squash and pumpkins
- Cooked potatoes (no green skins)
Fruits
Chickens enjoy most fruits in moderation:
- Berries (strawberries, blueberries)
- Melons (watermelon rinds are great in summer)
- Apples (remove seeds)
- Bananas (peeled)
Grains and Bread
Carbohydrate-rich foods provide energy:
- Cooked rice and pasta
- Oatmeal and cereal
- Stale bread (avoid mold)
- Corn and popcorn
Protein Sources
Occasional protein boosts help laying hens:
- Cooked meat scraps
- Fish (in moderation)
- Eggshells (crushed for calcium)
- Mealworms (excellent treat)
Foods to Avoid Feeding Chickens
Some human foods are toxic to poultry:
| Food | Reason to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Avocado | Contains persin, a fungicidal toxin |
| Chocolate | Theobromine is poisonous to birds |
| Onions/Garlic | Can cause anemia in large quantities |
| Raw potatoes | Green skins contain solanine |
| Salty foods | Can cause kidney damage |
According to poultry health experts, moldy food can cause serious digestive issues and should always be avoided.
Feeding Tips and Best Practices
Age Considerations
Wait until chicks are 3-4 months old before introducing scraps. Young birds need precise nutrition from starter feed.
Preparation Methods
- Chop large pieces to prevent choking
- Cook tough vegetables to soften
- Remove pits and large seeds
- Avoid feeding spoiled or rotten food
Feeding Techniques
For enrichment, try:
- Hanging treats in suet cages
- Scattering scraps for foraging
- Using treat balls or puzzle feeders
As noted in Penn State Extension research, proper food handling prevents bacterial growth that could make chickens sick.
Seasonal Feeding Considerations
Summer Feeding
Focus on hydrating foods:
- Watermelon and cucumbers
- Frozen vegetable treats
- Electrolyte-rich foods
Winter Feeding
Provide energy-dense options:
- Warm oatmeal
- Corn and scratch grains
- High-fat seeds and nuts
Remember that scraps should complement, not replace, a balanced poultry feed. Always provide fresh water and monitor your flock’s health when introducing new foods.