Chickens can eat apples, but they should never eat the seeds, pits from fruits like peaches, or the green parts of tomatoes, as these contain amygdalin or solanine, which release cyanide and toxins when digested, potentially causing harm. The flesh and skin of ripe apples are safe and healthy treats, but always remove seeds and cores before offering them to your flock.
Apples can be a delightful treat for our feathered friends. Chickens can safely enjoy the flesh of the apple, but it's crucial to remove the seeds before serving.
The most common causes of death in chickens vary but often include heart failure/sudden death syndrome, tumors (especially from Marek's disease), bacterial infections (like colibacillosis), and parasites, with predators also being a significant factor, especially in backyard flocks; causes can range from diet and genetics to environmental issues and specific poultry diseases like Ascites in broilers or fatty liver syndrome in layers.
Chickens should avoid avocado pits, skins, and leaves, citrus fruits in large amounts (due to acid/calcium issues), and the leaves/stems of rhubarb; also remove seeds and pits from fruits like apples, cherries, peaches, and plums, as they contain cyanide compounds, though the flesh of these fruits is generally safe.
Apple Seeds Apple seeds contain cyanide which is poisonous to both humans and chickens. While the accidental apple seed is not likely to contain enough to kill a chicken, (And some would say it takes many apple seeds to cause harm.) I still prefer to err on the side of caution and avoid giving them to my flock.
Chicken-Safe Fruits to Grow
Chicken Stuffed with Apples. An autumn favorite using harvested apples and sausage to stuff two chickens, finished with pan juices simmered to a robust essence, hinted with cream, and drizzled on top.
Digestive upset: The fiber and sugar in bananas can cause digestive upset, which can lead to soft or runny droppings, mild diarrhea, and/or bloating. This is more likely if your chicken eats too many bananas.
Diet—Birds raised for commercial purposes often consume diets high in glucose, so they put on weight faster and grow more quickly. Poor diet and rapid weight gain can strain the birds' bodies, causing them to drop dead suddenly. Give your chickens a diet that will support their overall well-being.
The 90/10 rule for feeding chickens means 90% of their diet should be a balanced, commercial feed (pellets or crumble) designed for their life stage, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and protein, while the remaining 10% can come from treats, scraps, garden forage, or scratch grains, ensuring treats don't dilute the crucial nutrients from their main diet for proper growth and egg production. This practice prevents overfeeding nutritionally weak extras and keeps hens healthy.
If birds are dead and not eaten but are missing their heads, the predator may be a raccoon, a hawk, or an owl.
The Bible talks about a hen and her baby chicks in Luke 13:34-35 and Matthew 23:37. In both passages, Jesus compares himself to a hen, longing to protect and nurture the people of Jerusalem as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but they reject his protection.
Apples. Baby chicks can eat apples, but you should chop them up and remove any seeds for easier consumption and digestion.
Dried rice expands when it comes into contact with moisture, which can cause digestive blockages or even crop impaction in chickens. However, cooked rice is safe and makes for a filling, nutritious snack that chickens will enjoy. Be sure to avoid adding seasoning, oils, or salt when preparing rice for your flock.
When a chicken in the flock dies, the others gather around the body, sometimes vocalizing softly or displaying unusual behaviors, such as staying nearby or appearing subdued. Researchers and caretakers have noted that this behavior can resemble a mourning process, reflecting their strong bonds and sense of community.
Marek's disease signs in chickens vary but often include paralysis (especially one leg forward, one tucked back), weight loss, lethargy, pale combs, poor appetite, and rough, bumpy skin around feather follicles due to tumors (cutaneous form). Birds might also show head tremors, blindness, labored breathing, or sudden death, with tumors forming in organs, nerves, and eyes as the disease progresses, leading to immunosuppression and susceptibility to other infections.
Common signs in infected flocks include:
My flock absolutely love to eat strawberries, and they can eat the tops of these. Bananas - Chickens can eat bananas in moderation, and they provide potassium and vitamins. Watermelon - A refreshing treat for chickens and this is my flock's favorite! Watermelon seeds are also fine for chickens to eat.
Foods to Avoid
Raw beans, raw potato and their peels, and moldy scraps should never be fed to your flock.
As with apple seeds, these seeds/pits can contain small amounts of amygdalin, which is toxic. Lastly, never give your flock moldy or spoiled fruits! Spoiled fruits contain harmful bacteria that might make chickens sick.
Yes! Chickens can eat celery, and it provides a healthy, low-calorie snack packed with vitamins and minerals. However, because celery is stringy, it's best to chop it into small pieces for easier eating.