I love grapes. They’re juicy, tasty, and most importantly don’t require peeling or removing seeds (yes, I’m lazy like that).
If you’re wondering if you can share your grapes with your chickens, you’re right to double-check. Luckily for you, I’ve done the research!
Can chickens eat grapes? Yes, chickens can eat grapes. There’s nothing about grapes that is toxic or harmful to chickens, just the slight risk of a choking hazard - so slice them first.
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What’s in Grapes? (How Healthy Are They?)
Grapes are a good source of potassium, fiber, and contain a range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
There have been a number of studies into the health benefits of grapes for us. From being able to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cancer, to boosting our immune system - they’re incredibly healthy.
The same level of studies hasn’t been carried out for chickens. But it’s safe to say that they’re healthy for chickens, too. There’s certainly no known toxins or health concerns to be worried about.
Can Chickens Eat Grapes with Seeds?
Grapes come in many different colors and forms. There are green, red, purple, and many shades in between.
You can even choose between seedless and seeded grapes. It’s fine for chickens to eat the seeds or pits as they’re also called.
Whatever type and color of grapes you have, go ahead and offer them to your chickens.
How to Feed Grapes to Your Chickens
As with most fruits, you can feed them to your chickens pretty much any way you want.
The only thing to be aware of is that large grapes can pose a choking hazard. So, cut them in half to be on the safe side.
You can either hand them over if you’re not scared of getting your fingers pecked. Or, scatter them to give your chickens something to scratch for.
If you want to make things really easy then add chopped up grapes to their feed.
Another way is to hang a bunch of grapes to give your flock something to work for. Chicken really enjoy pecking at food that swings around, I do with bananas too.
What Can Chickens Not Eat List:
Grapes may be fine for chickens, but there are some foods that are not. This is not a complete list, but here are some of the most toxic foods to be aware of:
Chocolate - This is the food that most pet owners are well aware of. As a dog owner, I’m already well aware that theobromine and caffeine, which is present in chocolate is toxic to animals.
Coffee Grounds - It’s common for homesteaders to recycle coffee grounds in their yard to make compost. You need to be aware, however, that coffee is toxic to chickens for the same reasons as chocolate.
Nightshade Vegetables - Most nightshade vegetables produce a toxin called solanine as a way of defending themselves from being eaten.
It’s only present in tomatoes and potatoes when they’re green, and is found in eggplant and some other vegetables in this family. Act with caution.
Related content - Are bell peppers safe for chickens?
Raw Beans - This is the one that surprises most backyard flock owners. Raw beans can be deadly to chickens, even in small amounts.
Unless beans are cooked at a certain temperature for a number of minutes they contain a toxin called phytohaemagglutinin. Avoid at all costs.
Avocado Pit and Skin - I love avocados, and I’ve shared some on occasion with my flock. Only the flesh part of the fruit that we eat is safe for chickens though. The skin and large stone inside contain a toxin called persin that’s toxic to chicks!
Foods Chickens Can Eat List:
There are a lot more foods chickens can eat than foods they can’t.
As long as at least 90% of their nutrition is coming from their formulated feed, you can treat them with some leftovers and other foods.
Here are some of the foods chickens love:
Vegetables - Adding veggies to your flock’s diet is one of the best ways to boost their intake of vitamins, minerals, and other key nutrients. Try carrots, cabbage, vegetable peels, sweet potatoes, etc.
Fruits - Fruits are also packed with awesome nutrition, and chickens love most fruits so it’s a win-win. Try figs, apples, melons,
Grains - Grains are rich in starch and energy, and they also give chickens something to scratch around at the ground for. Try corn, barley, wheat, oats, etc.
Cooked Foods - No harm in putting a little more on the stove to share with your chickens when you’re cooking. Chickens love pasta, brown rice, oatmeal, meats, etc.
Herbs - I grow a lot of herbs so it’s something I share with my chickens and use around the garden. You can pick a herb with a specific wellness benefit, or just see what your flock enjoy.
In Summary
Grapes, and raisins while we’re on the topic, are perfectly fine for chickens.
Raisins are known to be toxic to some animals, most notably dogs, and cats. It’s not known exactly which substance in raisins causes toxicity in dogs, but they can cause liver failure and even death.
The good news is that raisins do not have the same effect on chickens and other birds. So, if you have grapes or raisins, go ahead and see if your chickens want to eat them.
Resources
What are the health benefits of grapes? MedicalNewsToday.com
