Chickens can safely eat table scraps like fruits, vegetables, grains, and cooked pasta, but avoid onions, garlic, and anything moldy or salty.
Feeding table scraps to chickens can reduce waste and supplement their diet, but not all human foods are safe for poultry. Learn which scraps benefit your flock and which could harm them.
Best Table Scraps for Chickens
Chickens are omnivores that enjoy diverse foods. These scraps provide nutrients while cutting feed costs:
Vegetable Scraps
- Leafy greens (kale, lettuce, spinach)
- Carrot tops and peels
- Cucumber ends
- Zucchini scraps
- Cooked potato skins (never raw)
Fruit Treats
- Melon rinds and seeds
- Berry leftovers
- Apple cores (remove seeds)
- Banana peels (chopped)
Grains and Carbohydrates
- Stale bread (soaked for chicks)
- Cooked rice or pasta
- Oatmeal (cooled)
- Cereal crumbs
Protein Sources
- Cooked meat scraps (no chicken)
- Fish skin and shellfish shells
- Hard-boiled egg scraps
- Mealworms (dried or fresh)
Dangerous Foods to Avoid
Some common scraps can poison chickens or cause health issues:
| Food | Risk |
|---|---|
| Avocado skins/pits | Contains persin, toxic to birds |
| Raw potato peels | Solanine poisoning risk |
| Onions/garlic | Can cause anemia |
| Chocolate | Theobromine toxicity |
| Caffeine | Cardiac issues |
Feeding Scraps Safely
Proper Preparation
Always chop large pieces to prevent choking. Cook beans and potatoes to neutralize toxins. Remove pits from fruits.
Portion Control
Scraps should never exceed 10% of daily intake. According to Hobby Farms, overfeeding scraps leads to nutritional imbalances.
Feeding Schedule
Offer scraps in afternoon after chickens have eaten their complete feed. This ensures they get proper nutrition first.
Health Considerations
Monitor your flock for these signs of scrap-related issues:
- Decreased egg production
- Watery droppings (learn more about watery chicken poop)
- Feather picking behavior
- Lethargy or reduced activity
Special Situations
Molting Chickens
During molt, increase protein scraps like cooked eggs and meat to support feather regrowth.
Winter Feeding
High-energy scraps like corn and oats help maintain body heat in cold months.
Broody Hens
Limit scraps to ensure they leave the nest to eat balanced feed. Discover how long broody periods last.
Environmental Benefits
Feeding scraps reduces landfill waste significantly. The USDA estimates chickens can process about 30% of household food waste safely.
Storing Scraps Properly
Keep a dedicated scrap container with these features:
- Tight lid to prevent odors
- Paper towel liner for easy cleaning
- Refrigerated if keeping overnight
- Separate from toxic foods
Common Questions
Can chickens eat dairy?
Small amounts of yogurt or cheese are safe, but many chickens are lactose intolerant.
Are citrus fruits bad?
While not toxic, citrus may decrease calcium absorption affecting eggshell quality.
How old should chickens be before getting scraps?
Wait until at least 4-6 weeks old, when chicks are eating grower feed consistently.