Article Summary
- Chickens can safely eat apricots, both fresh and dried, as long as it’s in moderation.
- The fleshy orange part of the fruit is safe and provides essential nutrients.
- It is crucial to remove pits before feeding apricots to chickens to prevent cyanide poisoning.
Apricots are a nutritious fruit packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. As a treat, chickens can benefit from eating apricots in moderation. However, some parts of the apricot contain substances toxic to chickens.
Understanding which parts to avoid and proper portion sizes allows chicken owners to safely incorporate apricots into their flock’s diet. Read on to learn everything you need to know about feeding apricots to chickens.
Is it Safe to Give Chickens Apricots?
Yes, it is safe for chickens to eat apricots. Both fresh and dried apricots contain healthy nutrients that chickens can benefit from. However, chickens should only eat apricots in moderation as too much of the sugars and acids can cause digestive upset.
Apricots are not toxic to chickens.
Apricots are not toxic to chickens. The fleshy orange part of the fruit provides useful vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The main safety concerns come from the pit and seeds which contain amygdalin.
As long as chickens do not ingest the pit, seeds, or leaves, apricots can be an occasional treat. Monitor your chickens closely anytime they are eating apricots.
What Makes Apricot Pits and Seeds Dangerous?
The danger with apricot pits and seeds comes from a substance called amygdalin found in the kernels. Amygdalin breaks down into hydrogen cyanide when ingested. Cyanide is highly toxic and can be fatal even in small doses.
While the flesh of the apricot is safe, chickens should never eat apricot pits or seeds. Make sure to cut apricots to remove the pit before feeding them. If chickens eat the pit whole, they will gain access to the toxin inside.
It only takes a few ground apricot seeds for the amygdalin to become concentrated enough to cause cyanide poisoning in chickens. Never purposefully feed apricot kernels or processed apricot seed products to your flock.
Do Chickens Like the Taste of Apricots?
Most chickens love apricots! Both fresh and dried apricots have a sweet taste chickens find appealing. Apricots offer a nice change from typical chicken feed or scraps.
The soft texture of fresh apricots is easy for chickens to pick at and consume. Dried apricots have a chewy, almost candy-like texture chickens enjoy. Just be careful not to let them gorge as too many sugars can upset digestion.
TIP
To increase palatability, try chopping fresh apricots into small pieces before feeding. You can also hydrate dried apricots to soften them up. Introduce apricots slowly and monitor which chickens seem to like them best.
Health Benefits of Feeding Apricots to Chickens
When fed in moderation, apricots provide some great health benefits:
- Vitamin A – Essential for eye and skin health. Supports immune system.
- Vitamin C – Boosts immunity and combats disease. Needed for collagen production.
- Potassium – Important electrolyte. Helps with muscle function.
- Fiber – Improves digestion and gut health. Provides prebiotics.
- Antioxidants – May reduce cell damage. Carotenoids support egg yolk color.
- Hydration – High water content helps with hydration. Electrolytes replenish chickens.
Apricots also provide smaller amounts of vitamins E, K, and B-complex. The nutrients and hydration make apricots a great occasional treat during hot summer months.
What Type of Apricots Can Chickens Eat?
Chickens can eat most varieties of apricots including:
- Fresh apricots – Sweet and juicy. Easy for chickens to consume. Be sure to remove pit first.
- Dried apricots – Convenient treat option. Look for unsweetened with no additives. Rehydrate before feeding.
- Canned apricots – Canned in juice or light syrup are fine. Avoid heavy syrups with added sugar. Rinse syrup off before feeding.
No matter what form you choose, always check for pits first and cut into bite-size pieces. This prevents choking hazards. Introduce new apricot forms slowly in case any additives cause digestive upset.
Can Chickens Eat Fresh Apricots?
Yes, chickens can safely eat fresh apricots as an occasional treat. Fresh apricots are a great way to provide chickens with extra hydration and nutrients during hot summer months.
The fleshy orange part of fresh apricots provides a tasty, juicy treat chickens love. Just be sure to slice the apricot in half and remove the large pit first. Chop into smaller pieces to prevent choking.
Introduce fresh apricots slowly at first to gauge reactions. Feed only a few diced up pieces per chicken so they don’t overdo the natural sugars. Remove any uneaten apricot pieces within an hour.
What About Dried or Dehydrated Apricots?
Dried apricots are also safe for chickens in moderation. Look for unsweetened dried apricots without any added preservatives or sulfur dioxide.
It’s best to rehydrate dried apricots before feeding to chickens. This makes them easier to digest and lowers the sugar concentration.
To rehydrate, soak dried apricots in water for a few hours until softened. Drain then dice into bite-sized pieces before feeding a few to each chicken.
Can Chickens Have Canned Apricots?
Canned apricots packed in juice or light syrup are fine for chickens as an occasional snack. Just be sure to rinse off any sugary syrup before feeding. Heavy syrups with added sugar should be avoided.
Check the can for pits as well. Remove any pits or large chunks that could pose a choking risk. As with other forms, only feed a few canned apricot pieces per chicken at a time.
Look for BPA-free cans or pouches when possible. Introduce slowly and discontinue use if any signs of digestive upset.
Is it Safe for Chickens to Eat Apricot Seeds?
No, chickens should never eat apricot seeds. Apricot seeds, also called kernels, contain a form of cyanide called amygdalin. Even small amounts of apricot seeds can be toxic to chickens.
If an apricot pit gets broken open, the inner seed becomes accessible. Chickens who eat the seed can then ingest the toxic substance inside. Just a few seeds can cause cyanide poisoning.
NOTE
Make sure to always discard the pit when preparing apricots. Never purposefully feed apricot kernels or processed apricot seeds. It takes just a small amount of seeds to endanger your flock.
Can Chickens Eat Apricot Skins?
Apricot skins are safe for chickens to eat. The soft, fuzzy skin contains beneficial fiber and nutrients. Chickens who eat the skin along with the fleshy fruit gain additional prebiotics.
Some people prefer peeling apricots before eating for texture reasons. But leaving the skin on for chickens poses no safety issues.
Small amounts of peel add beneficial fiber without disrupting digestion. The skin also provides extra vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants chickens can utilize.
How to Feed Apricots to Chickens
Follow these tips for safely feeding apricots:
- Introduce slowly at first to watch for reactions
- Remove pits – never feed pits or seeds
- Chop into bite-size pieces for easiest consumption
- Feed only a few small pieces per chicken at a time
- Provide fresh water to help digest natural sugars
- Discard uneaten fruit within an hour to prevent spoilage
Feed apricots as an occasional treat no more than 2-3 times per week. This prevents too much sugar in their diet from disrupting digestion.
NOTE
Always supervise your flock when offering new foods like apricots. Monitor to ensure every chicken is tolerating it well.
What’s a Safe Portion of Apricots for a Chicken?
A good general guideline is 1-2 bites of apricot per treat. To get a sense of portion size:
- A medium fresh apricot half would be suitable
- For dried apricots, a piece around 1 inch square rehydrated
- Canned apricots, feed 2-3 smaller pieces drained
Adjust portions based on apricot size and your chicken’s size. Smaller breeds like bantams should get less. Larger slices are choking hazards.
Never let chickens gorge unlimited on apricots. The natural sugar content can lead to loose droppings if overdone. Stick to a few pieces and always remove uneaten fruit quickly.
Can Chickens Have Apricots Every Day?
It’s best not to feed apricots to chickens daily. Apricots should be an occasional treat no more than 2-3 times per week.
Daily apricot feeding can lead to loose stool, diarrhea, or digestive upset. The natural fruit sugars and acids can be disruptive if chickens eat too much.
Think of apricots as a snack for chickens, not a dietary staple. Keep their main diet balanced with layers pellets, grains, greens, proteins, and grit.
TIP
Rotate various healthy treat options like watermelon, berries, and pumpkin to provide variety. This keeps their sugar intake in check while still enjoying fruits.
Conclusion
Apricots can be a nutritious and enjoyable treat for backyard chickens when fed properly. Chickens should not eat the pits or seeds, but the flesh, juice and skins are safe in moderation. Introduce new fruits slowly and never overfeed high-sugar foods. With some common sense precautions, the sweet flavor of apricots can be a fun way to supplement your flock’s diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fruit can chickens not eat?
Chickens should avoid certain fruits, particularly those with pits or seeds that contain cyanide, such as cherries and apricots. Additionally, citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, which are too acidic, should be given sparingly.
What is the healthiest fruit for chickens?
Berries, such as blueberries and strawberries, are often considered among the healthiest fruits for chickens. These fruits are rich in antioxidants and provide essential vitamins. However, a varied diet including different fruits is best for overall chicken health.
Can chickens eat nuts and dried fruit?
Chickens can eat nuts and dried fruit in moderation. Nuts should be unsalted and preferably chopped into smaller pieces to prevent choking. Dried fruits, like raisins and cranberries, can be given as treats but should be free of added sugars. As with any treats, it’s important not to overfeed to maintain a balanced diet.
