Can Chickens Eat Potatoes – Are They TOXIC?

There are a lot of myths floating around about what chickens can and can’t eat. One of the most common questions we’re asked is whether or not chickens can eat potatoes. So, can chickens eat potatoes? Like most other vegetables, chickens can eat potatoes (cooked and raw)! However, some potatoes, like green potatoes, are toxic to chickens and should be avoided entirely. Let’s dive in and discuss how to safely feed potatoes to your chickens!

Can Chickens Eat Potatoes?

Chickens are omnivores, which means that they can eat both plants and animals. When it comes to plants, chickens will typically eat anything they can find, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and seeds. Chickens can eat potatoes, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind:

• Potatoes should not make up the majority of a chicken’s diet. They should only be given as a treat or supplemental food.
• Avoid green potatoes at all costs. Green potatoes have a toxic chemical that can cause health problems or even death in chickens who consume them.
• Never feed the leaves or stems. Chickens can have raw potatoes, but not leaves or stems.

Some potatoes are more prone to turning green than others, but it’s important to watch out for this if you’re feeding your chickens potatoes. With these considerations in mind, feeding your chickens potatoes from time to time shouldn’t be a problem. Read More: Can Goats Eat Potatoes? Find out if these barnyard critters can eat potatoes!

How to Feed Potatoes to Chickens

One thing to remember is that chickens don’t really have teeth, so cutting the potatoes into small bite-sized pieces is best. While you can feed your chickens raw potatoes, cooking or boiling potatoes is the best way to feed them to your chickens as it makes them easier to digest and break apart. REMEMBER: keep an eye out for green potatoes as they typically show on the peel first. Here’s a video showing chickens eating all sorts of potatoes:

Read our related article, Can Chickens Eat Tomatoes? Are vine-ripe tomatoes good for your flock? We explore this question here!

How Often Should You Feed Potatoes to Chickens?

You can safely feed chickens potatoes every day as long as they’re fed alongside a varied diet of other vegetables, fruit, insects, etc. The only thing to keep in mind is that they’re starchy so, if consumed in excess, they can be unhealthy for chickens.

Types of Potatoes to Feed Chickens

When it comes to feeding chickens, potatoes can be a great option. Not only are they a good source of nutrients, but they’re also relatively inexpensive and easy to find. However, not all potatoes are created equal. Some varieties are better suited for chicken feed than others. Yukon Gold potatoes are a good option. They’re high in carbohydrates, which provide chickens with energy, and they also contain a fair amount of protein. Russet potatoes are another good choice. They’re not as high in carbs as Yukon Golds, but they’re still a good source of energy for chickens. DON’T FORGET: Green potatoes can be extremely toxic to chickens. So just be sure to check all your potatoes and never use any that you find with green on it for your chickens. Read our related article, Can Chickens Eat Carrots Raw? What about carrot tops? Learn more about what chickens can eat in this guide!

Benefits of Feeding Potatoes to Chickens

Potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, potassium, and copper. They also contain a good amount of protein and fiber. Feeding potatoes to chickens can help to improve their overall health and vitality. In addition, potatoes can provide your chickens with a much-needed energy boost. If you have a flock of particularly active chickens, feeding them potatoes can help them to maintain their high level of activity. Finally, potatoes are a relatively inexpensive food, so feeding them to your chickens is a great way to save money on your chicken feed bill.

Conclusion

Chickens can safely eat potatoes, both cooked and raw. Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates and can help to bulk up your chickens’ diet. When feeding chickens potatoes, it is important to avoid any potato skins that have been treated with pesticides or herbicides. In addition, green potatoes should not be fed to chickens as they contain solanine, a toxin that can make chickens sick.