They should not be fed blossoms that have been treated with pesticides. Finally, dont overdo it. My chickens went from ignoring all the burdock completely to suddenly devouring it all- even leaving food early to eat it, Safe and unsafe scraps/plants for chickens and geese, Got chickens in my cat food and cats in my chicken food, Not sure if chicken is egg bound?! 9. Possibly. Yes, chickens can eat all parts of the beet plant. While cooked beans are safe for chickens, uncooked beans contain lectins that are toxic to chickens. It is a good idea to keep poisons out of the area so chickens do not eat a poisoned mouse, leading to the bird being poisoned, Feed in moderation as chickens cannot digest milk. Some good examples include alfalfa, spinach, and kale. Scratchin' for information on what to feed your feathered friends? Cabbage contains goitrogens agents which interfere with the normal production of thyroxine by the thyroid glands. Onions. Carrots are a great, healthy treat for chickens. While sprouted beans are safe for chickens, uncooked beans contain lectins which are toxic to chickens. The plant is high in fiber and protein, and it also contains vitamins A and C. Yes, chickens can eat evening primrose. Dock leaves were commonly eaten by us during the great depression due to how readily available they were and the range of vitamins and minerals they contain. Never feed uncooked beans to chickens. Although these leaves have a slightly bitter taste, chickens seem to enjoy pecking at them, and they can be a part of their healthy, varied diet. Further, a presentation by the University of Hawaii at Manoa noted that breadfruit is a beneficial energy source for chickens. While chickens are omnivores and can eat cabbage worms, the caterpillar feeds on brassica plants (like cabbage and broccoli) that contain mustard oils and can store them in their bodies making them distasteful to birds. Then something in the back of my head suggested that burdock wasn't a good thing to eat. Explore the pros and cons of feeding dock leaves to your backyard chickens, while learning expert advice on ensuring a nutritious diet for your feathered friends. No, chickens should not eat bad eggs or any other food that is not safe for humans to eat. Etc. In general, if the food in question isnt healthy for you, you can assume that it isnt a suitable treat for chickens. Are you wondering what foods your chickens can eat? Yes, chickens can eat apple pie. However, cheese and milk products should be fed in moderation. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Chickens are omnivores which means they can eat vegetables, seeds, grain, insects and meat. Great information. Dock leaves are a great source of vitamins and minerals for chickens. Since chickens are not mammals, they do not possess the lactase enzyme and therefore cannot digest lactose. Theyll love it, and it will be good for them! While all parts of the avocado is toxic due to a compound called persin, avocado oil does not contain persin. Chickens will eat most things, as Im sure youre aware. Chickens can eat all parts of the acorn squash, including the seeds and the skin. After doing some research, however, and finding out just how nutritious they are - I think I might just try some! While chickens can eat a huge variety of kitchen scraps, there are a number of foods that are poisonous to chickens. Docks arent the only weeds that are good for chickens, here are some of the other common weeds that can provide a nutritious snack: Stinging Nettles - Having been stung more than enough times in my life, I tend to avoid nettles. Yes, chickens can eat bread crumbs. You can add to a nest box or you can feed it to your chickens. Dried up leaves Dried up leaves are not nutritious for chickens and can cause digestive problems. Chickens are omnivores and can safely eat and digest most meats, insects, fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Chicken feed should constitute around 80-90% of their diet, making up the largest portion of what they consume. They know instinctively which to eat and which to leave alone, and they know how much to eat to get the nutrients they need. This can result in avian goiters, immune deficiency, reproductive problems, decreased metabolism, lethargy, and skin and feather issues. Yes, chickens can eat cantaloupe rind. No, chickens cannot eat bell pepper plants. While it may sound cannibalistic, chickens are omnivores and can safely eat and digest most meats. This means that, at no cost to you, we may earn commissions by linking to products on Amazon.com and other sites. Never feed uncooked beans to chickens. Yes, chickens can eat ripe baby tomatoes. Affiliate Disclaimers | Privacy Anyhow, they devoured them right up. Tomato Leaves and tomato plants. Try harvesting dock leaves as early as you can find them (early spring) when they're still tender and not yet as bitter. However, cheese and milk products should be fed in moderation. Hypothetically-- Could you make a super friendly chicken breed? While the ripe tomato fruit is safe for chickens, green tomatoes, leaves and plant stems are toxic to chickens. Did you know that most of the weeds in your yard and around your home are actually a source of good nutrition for your chickens? Acorns, oak leaves, buds and twigs should all be avoided. Be sure no pesticides were used on any colony. Dock leaves are also a good source of fiber. Since I use your list more than any other guide since getting my first chickens over a year ago, I thought I would ask. Yes, chickens can have popped or unpopped popcorn. No, chickens cannot eat bell pepper leaves. These are the leaves that chickens should not eat. When the leaves are damaged (by being pecked or eaten), the plant released the raphine crystals from the idioblast cells. Download a beautiful 15 page printable version of this Ultimate List and save it to your computer for future reference! Dock leaves usually have long, broad, and smooth leaves with a somewhat leathery texture. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary advice. With such a vital role to play, its important that we choose wisely when it comes to our feathery friends feed. So next time youre enjoying a sunny day in your backyard, be sure to share a few dock leaves with your clucky companionstheyll surely thank you with a chorus of contented clucks! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Cluckin' confused? No, chickens cannot eat bell pepper stems. It makes us happy to see them happily pecking in the yard. Commercial Bird Feed (Tossed on the ground as a treat, not a meal) Sprouted grains / Fodder (Learn how to grow it here !) While likely safe in moderation, a definitive answer cannot be found. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Dark chocolate has a higher concentration of theobromine than milk chocolate. Are you constantly cluckin' for more chicken-related content? Bread has nearly no nutritional value and butter is too fatty for chickens. The answer is yes! I was very displeased when it started taking over a corner of our pasture. Use caution with longer cuttings, as they could lead to crop impaction, Avoid fat, only feed cooked scraps, and only in moderation, Can flavor eggs in smaller quantities. Yes, chickens can eat bottle gourd (also called Calabash). No, chickens must not eat avocado. Castor bean plants however are extremely toxic and contain ricin. 10. I feed my chickens grass clippingsHave for years..just bag the grass and drop in the coupThey love it!!!! However, its crucial to ensure that consuming dock leaves is part of a well-balanced diet to prevent any potential issues in your poultrys health. While the ripe tomato fruit is safe for chickens, green tomatoes, leaves and plant stems are toxic to chickens. Can I grow dock leaves in my chicken coop or run? Feed in moderation, as it contains nearly no nutritional value, Only feed in moderation, best to restrict to when birds are molting, In small quantities, and only occasionally, The verdict is out on this one. Yes, absolutely. Yes, chickens can eat adzuki beans as long as they are cooked. Older leaves may accumulate excessive nitrates, so don't feed them heavily. One of my favorite treats for chickens is mealworms. 2023 - Chicken Pets All rights reserved. Docks are perennial plants growing from taproots, and they are most often found in neglected, disturbed ground like open fields and along roadsides. An example of vegetables that could be negative for hens is cabbage, whose layers may look like large leaves. Mine love leaves from my bloody dock plants. However cheese and milk products should be fed in moderation. 2. Get expert advice on raising backyard chickens. The descriptions tell why the plants are worth feeding to chickens. As a small child I used to regularly eat this plant that LOOKED like clover, but was a brighter green and tasted tangy. Yes, chickens can eat brown beans. Yes, chickens can eat canned beans. Heres some interesting information that will change your opinion on dock leaves. Fantastic info and the photos really help! Chickens should only eat fresh leaves that have been washed. Cattails can help chickens stay hydrated and are a good way to add variety to their diet. At Chickenpets.com, we are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs. Yec, chickens can eat blueberry pie. Dock leaves are known to be rich in vitamins and minerals, which provide a supplementary source of nutrition for your flock. Try to limit or avoid butters with sugar or salt, as it is not healthy for them. This acid can help to improve the quality of a chickens feathers and skin, and can also aid in the production of healthy eggs. Its also known to help reduce inflammation and help with some skin conditions. They eat herbs, flowers, and weeds along with insects and worms. 5. Yes, chickens can eat canned carrots as long as they are not expired. Chickens and cows also will eat burdock leaves, up to a point. Yes, chickens can eat carrot shavings. (Cool and Refreshing + Healthy), Health Benefits of Dock Plants for Chickens. Thank you so much! Carrots are a great, healthy treat for chickens. Yes, chickens can eat acorn squash, either raw or cooked. If they happen to eat a few seeds, it should not be a cause of panic but they should not eat a lot of apple seeds. As omnivores, chickens can eat almost anything, including vegetables as a side dish, although there are some warnings. I literally have every one of these growing in my yardGreat articleThanks. All parts of the avocado including the skin, fruit and seed contain a compound called persin that is highly toxic to chickens. Possibly. 7. The leaves may be chopped, cooked, and added to tomato sauce . Carrots are a great, healthy treat for chickens. Storage Vegetables - Both pumpkins and winter squash give an excellent source of delicious, nutritious food for chickens all through the winter. 2. Yes, chickens can eat all parts of the beet plant including beet peels. I will make good use of the info! Its very easy, inexpensive and (I think) fun. Yes, chickens can eat apple pieces. The leaves of these plants are used in salads or cooked just as you would spinach. Yes, chickens can eat cooked black eyed peas. Celery contains vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin B, vitamin C, phosphorus, magnesium and lots of fiber. Cat Aggression: Aggressive Cat Behavior towards other Cats, People, Using WEEDS: Bitter & Curly Dock | Chicken, Rabbit & Human Food, PVC Chicken Feeder: 5 Steps (with Pictures), 10 DIY Chicken Feeder And Waterer Plans And Ideas, 69 DIY Chicken Coop Plans And Ideas Easy To Build, Homemade DIY Automatic Chicken Waterer Youll Ever Make. If you choose not to raise mealworms, try to avoid freeze dried mealworms. Can I feed dock seeds to my chickens? 5. If you do feed your chickens cattails, make sure to do so in moderation. The leaves and stems of the plant are the most likely to be toxic. Chickens enjoy eating the leaves and flowers of this weed. Yes, chickens can eat celery root (also called Celeriac). Carrots are a great, healthy treat for chickens. Yes, chickens can eat cannellini beans. Moreover, the high water content in dock leaves helps in keeping your chickens well-hydrated, especially during warmer months. One thing I hadnt considered was eating them. Yes, chickens can eat brie cheese. Yet I also read a couple of post on here about people giving it to . They contain vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and calcium. Yes, chickens can eat dandelions. However it should be fed in moderation as it contains nearly no nutritional value. Chickens do not possess the lactase enzyme and therefore cannot digest lactose. The Top Ten Flowers your Chickens Will Love. I am passionate about sharing the best products and most accurate, reputable hobby farming information with you. While dock leaves are not poisonous to chickens, they are not a good source of nutrition and can cause digestive problems. However, they should not eat apple seeds as they contain trace amounts of cyanide. Learn how your comment data is processed. They arent just annoying weeds popping up in your yard, they a free, nutritious snack for your chickens: First of all, there are a lot of different types of docks. It can be assumed that if the seeds are safe enough to be eaten by wild birds that they would also be safe for chickens. These raphines are made of calcium oxalate stored in special plant cells known as idioblast cells. Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant that not only aids reproductive health but also prevents ailments caused by deficiencies. From choosing the perfect breed (we'll give you the scoop on which ones are egg-stra special) to building a coop that's fit for a chicken king or queen, we've got you covered. A few flock favorites include: Vegetables: Lettuce, beets, broccoli, carrots, kale, swiss chard, squash, pumpkins and cucumbers. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in supporting healthy feathers, skin, and eyes, while vitamin C is an important antioxidant that can help to strengthen their immune system. Carrots are a great, healthy treat for chickens. Bread has nearly no nutritional value. Yes, chickens can eat cactus fruit, which is also known as prickly pears. Chickens are omnivores, which means they will eat just about anything. No, apples seeds are not safe for chickens as they contain trace amounts of cyanide. If you do feed your chickens bay leaves, make sure they are fresh and not wilted, as this can make them more potent. Dandelions are a great source of nutrition for chickens. Don't let them eat the leaves from any vegetable plants in the nightshade family (tomatoes, potatoes, sweet and hot peppers, eggplant, tomatillos, huckleberry - and more). . @Vicky Ann, could you rinse off the sticky sugar in a strainer and just give the good parts? This can result in avian goiters, immune deficiency, reproductive problems, decreased metabolism, lethargy, and skin and feather issues. Dock leaves were commonly eaten by us during the great depression due to how readily available they were and the range of vitamins and minerals they contain. Excellent water additive for immune support, Obviously, this is not meant to be a primary food source. They can be found growing in various moist conditions such as fields, gardens, and riverbanks. Guess When BYC Will Hit 1.5 Million Threads! Young leaves and freshly fallen acorns have the most tannins and are therefore the most toxic to chickens. Broccoli contains goitrogens agents that interfere with the normal production of thyroxine by the thyroid glands. They are usually very enthusiastic about them. They are nutrient-rich though and great for chickens to eat though. You can google "Nightshade plants" to . However, they cannot eat green raw potatoes because they contain solanine, which is extremely deadly to chickens. You are using an out of date browser. The leaves look very similar to dock and the height of the overall plant is still under 1 foot. If they happen to eat a few seeds, it should not be a cause of panic but they should not eat a lot of apple seeds. No, chickens should not be given butter. While chickens usually prefer fresh greens, you can feed them dried dock leaves in moderation as long as they are properly stored and free from mold. Feeding dock leaves to chickens can offer several nutritional benefits. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to many animals including chickens. Yes, chickens can eat butter beans, also known as lima beans. Some say its ok, others say it will interfere with calcium absorption and cause soft eggshells, Feed in moderation, chickens cannot process large quantities of dairy, Only feed cooked eggs, so they dont start eating their own eggs, Much debate on whether raw eggplant is safe for chickens, as it is in the nightshade family. Yes, chickens can eat carrot stalks. Chickens can eat dock leaves without any problems. Yes, chickens can eat carrot scraps. Don't be a chicken and miss out on all the fowl-ly fun. Cattails are a type of aquatic plant that grows in marshes and wetland areas. Second, how the leaves are prepared is important. The average weight of an adult standard breed chicken is 8 pounds, or about 3.5 kilograms. While likely safe in moderation, a definitive answer cannot be found. @Penny Bragg, Read for the sugar and salt content. I had been giving them other greens from the garden but now that we've had some hard frosts there isn't much left EXCEPT for grass and burdock. https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/chicken-treat-chart-the-best-treats-for-backyard-chickens.47738/, https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/are-grass-clippings-bad-for-your-chickens.760044/, http://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/avocado, http://www2.ca.uky.edu/smallflocks/Nutrition-Amaranth.html, http://www.dummies.com/home-garden/hobby-farming/raising-chickens/plants-that-are-poisonous-to-chickens/, http://www.oldfashionedfamilies.com/things-you-should-and-should-not-feed-chickens/, http://www.hobbyfarms.com/feeding-chicken-scraps-to-chickens/, https://countrysidenetwork.com/daily/poultry/feed-health/what-is-coconut-oil-good-for-chickens/, https://www.backyardchickencoops.com.au/herbs-for-hen-health-ginger, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/20075283/, http://articles.extension.org/pages/67473/feeding-quinoa-to-poultry, http://articles.extension.org/pages/65717/seaweed-in-poultry-diets, http://www.poultrydvm.com/condition/cyanide-poisoning, https://www.petmd.com/bird/slideshows/8-foods-are-toxic-birds, Growing Popcorn and Garden Rules ft Farmer Fred Hoffman, Fascinating Facts about Bats & How To Attract Them ft Dr. Merlin Tuttle. But it would take a lot of dock leaves to reach any levels remotely harmful, so dont worry about that. Yes, chickens can eat apple blossoms. At 3.5 kilograms, a chicken would need to eat about 240 mg theobromine for chocolate toxicity. Yes, chickens can eat carrot greens. Yes, chickens can eat apple butter. Yes, chickens can eat all parts of the beet plant including beetroot greens. Chickens are omnivores which means they can eat a wide variety of vegetables, seeds, grain, insects and meat. They also contain some other vitamins like B1 and B2, and various minerals - powerful stuff for a weed! It is also a ton of fun to watch chickens gobble up mealworm snacks! No, chickens should not eat anything with caffeine. While dock leaves are not poisonous to chickens, they are not a good source of nutrition and can cause digestive problems. Yes, chickens can eat apple cinnamon oatmeal. Carrots are a great, healthy treat for chickens. Never feed uncooked beans to chickens. What a helpful article. Magnesium. Chicken Run Plans & Ideas However bread should be fed in moderation as it contains nearly no nutritional value. Cauliflower contains goitrogens agents that interfere with the normal production of thyroxine by the thyroid glands. But have you ever thought about what plants they are actually eating? They don't need added salts, preservatives, or sugars. PoultryCareSunday.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. 4. 10 Foods Chickens Aren't Fond Of (Should Be Fed in Moderation) 1. One the plants grows all over in my yard!!! Yes, chickens can eat all varieties of bush beans. Most common varieties of dock leaves are safe for chickens; however, its important to ensure proper identification of the plant to avoid toxic plants. Yes, chickens can eat apples. Nutritional value of dock leaves for chickens. Yes, chickens can eat ripe baby plum tomatoes. But no harm will come if they get in the goat feed, Dont feed grass clippings with any weed killer, pesticides or fertilizers applied. These include: 1. Now, when we say high-quality chicken feed, we mean a mix thats designed to cater to the specific requirements of chickens, providing essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and energy. While cooked beans are safe for chickens, uncooked beans contain lectins which are toxic to chickens. Mint grows rapidly - in many places, it is invasive. All parts of the avocado including the flesh, fruit and seed contain a compound called persin that is highly toxic to chickens. Thank you! Feeding dock leaves in moderation can help support normal digestion and prevent digestive issues in chickens. I was wondering if we could grind them up and feed them to the chickens? However, remember that moderation is key! Cauliflower contains goitrogens agents that interfere with the normal production of thyroxine by the thyroid glands. The Latin name for these plants is Solanaceae. A Frame Chicken Coop Plans Exhibition, Genetics, & Breeding to the SOP. Other foods that contain goitrogenic agents include soybean, flax, rapeseed, kale, cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and turnips [source]. Some common varieties of dock leaves are curly dock, which has wavy-edged leaves, and broad-leaved dock, which has larger and flatter leaves. However, if you are giving your chickens a well-balanced diet, they should get all the vitamins and minerals they need from their food. According to Healthline, dandelions are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K. They also contain some B and E vitamins, along with a range of vitamins and minerals like . And if youd like to save this list for later, youll find a form below to have a printable version of this list sent straight to your inbox (or save it to your computer to reduce paper usage). By raising your own, youll have an unlimited supply for your flock. While cooked beans are safe for chickens, uncooked beans contain lectins which are toxic to chickens. Chickens can eat goosegrass, but it is not a common food item in their diet. Cornell University, broad beans negatively affect chickens metabolism. Other foods that contain goitrogenic agents include soybean, flax, rapeseed, kale, broccoli, cabbage, and turnips [source]. Yes, chickens can eat bread rolls. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. A small handful of chopped dock leaves can be offered as an occasional treat for backyard chickens. It is also known as cleavers, stickyweed, or catchweed. Since chickens are not mammals, they do not possess the lactase enzyme and therefore cannot digest lactose. Milk products in excess can cause diarrhea. Wonderful article. Sharing yourkitchen scraps and leftovers with your flock is a great way tovary their diet, especially when winter has killed the grasses and bugs they usually forage upon. Yes, chickens can eat canned tuna fish as long as it is not expired. Or just a membrane egg? 56) alfalfa. However, eating a small amount of chocolate on rare occasions should not be dangerous to chickens. Can I feed dock leaf roots to my chickens? However carrot cake is not a very healthy treat and should be fed in moderation. Manage Settings Chickens are omnivores, which means they will eat just about anything. Thanks so much for sharing this information. Yes, chickens can eat carrot cake. Egg-cellent job on making it to the footer, welcome to the egg-clusive chicken club! This includes dock leaves! If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. That way, you can help the chickens avoid any unpleasant side effects and add to your knowledge-base of plants safe for chickens to eat. While leaves are a healthy part of a chickens diet, they should not make up the entirety of their diet. While cooked beans are safe for chickens, uncooked beans contain lectins which are toxic to chickens. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Blog | Facebook. All parts of the avocado including the skin, fruit (meat) and seed contain a compound called persin that is highly toxic to chickens. Chickweed Chickweed is a common weed that is found in many gardens. The entire plant is edible, and there isnt much to do as the plant is mostly large leaves with thin stalks. If you have docks growing on your property, its best to keep your chickens away from them. If they happen to eat a few seeds, it should not be a cause of panic. Everything there is to know about chickens and poultry. The pictures really help us identify the plants. This is great if you're feeding your chickens radish, but not so great if you're growing radishes and the chickens have found your plantation. Just like their human caretakers, chickens also require a well-balanced diet to stay happy, healthy, and cluck-tastic. Pasta should be fed in moderation as it contains nearly no nutritional value. So, there you have it! if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'poultrycaresunday_com-banner-1','ezslot_10',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-poultrycaresunday_com-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'poultrycaresunday_com-banner-1','ezslot_11',111,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-poultrycaresunday_com-banner-1-0_1'); .banner-1-multi-111{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:15px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. She also shares her experiences and observations on pet ownership, making her blog relatable and informative for pet lovers. Never feed uncooked beans to chickens. When it comes to leaves, there are a few things to consider. Yes, chickens can eat cheddar cheese. I had some of these weeds in my backyard but didn't know what they were. Note: I realized that A Guide To Understanding The Differences. Yes, chickens can eat blueberry bagels. Could this be EYP? While I raise mealworms, I LOVE Rainbow Mealworms. However, if you have a chicken that is not interested in eating dock leaves, you can try chopping them up into smaller pieces or shredding them. Did a little googling and it shows up on at least one list of TOXIC things for burds. So, where does this leave the other 10-20% of their diet? Tannins (tannic acid) can cause damage to a chicken's gastrointestinal tract and kidneys. Then something in the back of my head suggested that burdock wasn't a good thing to eat. Someone please advise? PVC Chicken Feeder. Here are some examples: Dandelions Chickens love to eat the leaves, flowers, and even the root of dandelions. Those halves are recommended no-no's for wild birds by freakin peta!!! This weed is full of nutrients like Vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and potassium. Yes! Wash chop, and cook leaves in omelettes, stir fries, soups, stews, or in other dishes in place of spinach. The compound can be broken down if the plants are cooked however. Chickens are omnivores and naturally consume bugs as a part of their diet. They are a great company and have the cheapest live mealworms Ive found. I know I dont. Its certainly one of the better leafy greens youll find in your yard. Carrots are a great, healthy treat for chickens. Additionally, milk products in excess can cause diarrhea. They are a good source of nutrients and provide a variety of health benefits for chickens. Chickens are known to be avid eaters of dandelions. 1. Clover is a good source of protein, calcium, and phosphorus. In one scientific study (Theobromine as undesirable substances in animal feed), chickens were fed measured doses of theobromine. Yes, chickens can eat baked beans. They dig in the ground for foods they like. Dock leaves are most abundant during spring and summer seasons. Sunchokes are now an important part of my chicken operation. So this morning while checking in on the little cluckers I happened to grab a couple of big burdock leaves to throw in the run. . Are there any other wild plants that chickens can eat? Chickens are Omnivores so there are many types of weeds chickens can eat. Another study suggests that breadfruit would be a beneficial addition to a chickens diet. Chickens can eat all parts of the carrot including the greens, and can safely eat both raw and cooked carrots. If youve ever found yourself pondering the latest in poultry cuisine, todays discussion is sure to ruffle your feathers in a good way! 1. What can chickens eat? Watermelon, strawberries, and blueberries make healthy snacks for chickens when fed in moderation. If in doubt, keep harmful plants away from your birds. However, unripe tomatoes, tomato leaves, and parts of the tomato plant are toxic to chickens as they contain solanine and demissine. While cooked beans are safe for chickens, uncooked beans contain lectins which are toxic to chickens. Yes, chickens can eat all parts of the beet plant including beet pulp. Dock leaves can be served to the chickens as treat. Bay leaves can be used to add flavor to chicken feed, or they can be chopped up and added to chicken coops for a natural pest repellent. Oh how wonderful this is!! Rinse and chop dock leaves into smaller pieces before feeding them to your chickens. Blending these leaves into a balanced diet along with high-quality chicken feed will ensure your flock stays in tip-top shape.