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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/chick-toxic-scraps

Which kitchen scrap is toxic to chickens?

Green potato peels can be toxic.

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  1. Green potato peels ✔
  2. Plain cooked rice
  3. Chopped leafy greens

Why: Green potato peels and sprouting potato parts contain solanine, which can poison chickens. Avoid them and other toxic kitchen scraps.

Huh, didn't know that: Also avoid moldy, salty, or heavily seasoned leftovers.

The dad joke
Why did the hen avoid green potato chips? She knew they were bad eggs.
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References

Answer: Green potato peels. Green potato peels and sprouting potato parts contain solanine, which can poison chickens. Avoid them and other toxic kitchen scraps.

  1. UF/IFAS Extension Holmes County: 10 Foods You Should Never Feed Chickens blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/holmesco/2026/05/25/10-foods-you-should-never-feed-chickens
    Green or sprouting potatoes contain solanine, a toxic compound
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. University of Kentucky Extension: Urban Poultry (ASC-241) publications.ca.uky.edu/files/ASC241.pdf
    Do not feed them raw potatoes, rotting food, peanuts, dried beans, chocolate, junk food, eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, avocados, or raw meat.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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