Here are tips on what NOT to feed your chickens. Chickens shouldn't eat anything that is too salty, sweet or fried.
1. Avocado
Chickens shouldn't eat avocado flesh, pits or skins, all of which contain the toxin persin, and according to the Merck Veterinary Manual: "Ingestion of avocado has been associated with myocardial necrosis in mammals and birds.
2. White potatoes
The entire plant, leaves, stems skins and flesh are part of the nightshade family and contain the toxin solanine. Solanine destroys red blood cells and can cause diarrhoea and heart failure. It is sometimes killed by cooking at high heats, however, boiling won't reduce the solanine levels.
3. Eggplant/tomatoes
Green tomatoes and immature eggplant flesh should also be avoided until ripe when the solanine isn't present any longer in amounts that are of as much concern.
4.Stone Fruit Pits or Apple Seeds
Apple seeds contain cyanide. Also avoid pits/seeds from apricots, cherries, peaches, pears and plums which also contain trace amounts of cyanide.
5. Mushroom
Although store-bought mushrooms that are edible for humans to eat are safe for chickens as well, there are many types of mushrooms that grow wild in the lawn or woods that are dangerously toxic.
6. Raw Dried Beans
Dried beans, which contain phytohemagglutinin (PHA/hemaglutin), a natural insecticide that can be harmful to humans and animals, should never be eaten raw. Dried beans shouldn't be given to your chickens unless the beans are soaked and then properly cooked.
Fresh beans, frozen or canned beans are okay for chickens.
7. Onions
Onions, which contain a toxin called thiosulphate that destroys red blood cells, should be avoided. Excessive amounts can cause jaundice or anemia in your hens or even death. Some claim that onions will taint the taste of your eggs as well.
8. Oranges
Citrus is thought to interfere with calcium absorption, leach calcium out of bones and contribute to thin-shelled and fewer eggs, so don't feed your chickens oranges or other citrus fruits regularly.
