To be honest, there is so much conflicting information out there that I had to really dig deep on this one. Lots of people give ALL their scraps to their chickens to eat, but I wondered if there was any produce that was considered a ‘no go’ and I wanted to know why. I already knew that white and red potatoes were part of the nightshade family, but was it safe for chickens to consume?
My research found that all parts of the plant including the potato itself, contain a substance called Solanine. This substance is a natural pesticide and neurotoxin which if digested can lead to respiratory illnesses, convulsions, diarrhea and can even be fatal if consumed in large amounts.
The highest concentrated levels of the toxic substance is found in the peel of green potatoes, also the eyes of the potato and the leaves of the plant. It is therefore recommended to stay clear of the white and red potato plant in general, including leaves, vines, potato skin and flesh, when considering scraps for your precious flock. Although toxic, it doesn’t always mean fatal and it may not have any immediate effects. However it can lead to other internal damage and respiratory illness’s.
If you didn’t already know, white and red potatoes are also toxic to humans and other animals, not just chickens and there have been lots of livestock deaths associated with consuming the toxin. Although most humans who digest the toxic substance are mainly subjected to vomitting and diarrhea, those that have a weakened immune system will feel the effects of this by digesting a smaller amount, than those that are deemed healthy.
After much research I personally opted to provide our flock with cooked or baked white potato skins. Boiling the skins reduces the toxin very little, however by cooking or baking (200+ degrees celcius) the skins, it kills off the majority of the Solanine substance.
We give our flock this treat every once in a while. As we had sausage and mash for dinner tonight, I have cooked the peel for them to eat tomorrow. It’s not a regular treat, but they certainly do love it! Usually, the peel goes into the compost or worm farm!
~Kerry~
