If you’re enjoying a big bowl of sweet cherries, you might wonder—can chickens eat cherries too?
Cherries are colorful, juicy, and full of flavor, but are they good for your backyard flock?
The good news is that chickens can eat cherries!
However, there are a few important things to know before tossing them into the coop.
This article will help you understand which parts of the cherry are safe, which parts to avoid (especially the pits!), and how to give cherries to your chickens safely.
Can Chickens Eat Cherries?
Yes, chickens can eat cherries!
These fruits are packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins and antioxidants.
Chickens love sweet snacks, and cherries can be a fun treat they’ll cluck over.
Benefits of Cherries for Chickens
- Full of vitamin C and A
- High in water—great for summer and hot days!
- Fun and tasty to peck at
Just remember: cherries should be a treat, not a full meal. Too much fruit can upset a chicken’s tummy.
Can Chickens Eat Cherry Pits?
This is a very common question (and concern) for most chicken owners, and you couldn’t blame them.
Cherry pits are the hard, stone-like seeds found inside cherries.
If you take a good look at them, they’re basically a choking hazard for chickens and chicks!
This is where you need to be careful. Chickens should not eat cherry pits.
Why Are Cherry Pits Dangerous
As mentioned, they are hard and can cause choking.
Cherry pits contain a small amount of cyanide, which is poisonous.
Even though a chicken would have to eat a lot of pits to get sick, it’s better to be safe.
Always remove the pits before feeding cherries to your chickens.
Cherries With Pits: What To Do
You might be wondering, can chickens eat cherries with pits inside? The answer is no.
Even though they might peck around the pit and not eat it, it’s still risky.
So if you find pits inside the cherries, here’s what you need to do:
- Remove the pit before tossing the cherries to your flock.
- Cut cherries in half to make them easier to eat.
- Use fresh, ripe cherries (not canned ones with added sugar).
So again, chickens can eat cherries, but not cherries with pits.
How to Prepare Cherries for Your Chickens
Feeding cherries the right way keeps your chickens safe and happy.
Safe Ways to Serve Cherries
- Fresh and pitted: Cut them in halves or quarters.
- Frozen: Great for hot days! Freeze cherry pieces as a cool treat.
- Mixed in feed: Add small cherry bits to their regular feed for a fruity surprise.
What To Avoid
- Cherry pits
- Cherry stems and leaves (also contain small amounts of toxins)
- Moldy or spoiled cherries
How Much Is Too Much?
Chickens need a balanced diet to stay healthy.
Cherries are yummy, but should be given in small amounts.
As a guide, remember this treat rule:
- Fruits like cherries should be only 10% of their total diet.
- Stick to giving cherries once or twice a week.
Feeding too much fruit can lead to:
- Runny poop
- Poor nutrition
- Weight gain
What Happens If Chickens Eat Cherry Pits?
If a chicken eats one pit by accident, don’t panic.
One pit probably won’t hurt, especially if the chicken spits it out.
But if they eat many, it could be dangerous.
Here are the signs to look out for:
- Trouble breathing
- Acting weak or tired
- Not eating or drinking
If your chicken acts sick, call a vet right away.
Other Fruits Chickens Can Enjoy
If you want to give your chickens more fruity treats, try these:
- Watermelon (no seeds)
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Apples (remove seeds)
- Bananas
Just like cherries, all fruits should be given in moderation and without seeds or pits.
Can Baby Chicks Eat Cherries?
Baby chicks need special food while they’re growing.
It’s best to wait until they are at least 8 weeks old before giving them treats like cherries.
If you do offer cherries:
- Make sure they are soft, mashed, and pit-free.
- Give just a tiny amount.
- Watch to make sure they don’t choke.
Can Chickens Eat Dried Cherries?
Only plain, unsweetened dried cherries.
Avoid any with added sugar or preservatives.
You also need to consider that dried cherries are harder than ripe ones, so it might still pose a choking risk.
Can I Give Canned Cherries to Chickens?
No. Canned cherries usually have too much sugar and syrup.
Giving them these kinds of treats would only result in an upset stomach and poor health.
Can Chickens Eat Cherries: Before You Go…
Can chickens eat cherries? Yes, they sure can!
Just make sure you take the pits, stems, and leaves out first!
Cherries are a fun and healthy treat when given the right way.
They make snack time exciting and give your chickens a little vitamin boost.
So next time you enjoy a bowl of cherries, save a few (pit-free!) pieces for your clucking friends.