Have you ever been munching on an apple and wondered if those leftover cores and seeds are safe to toss to your backyard chickens? As a chicken keeper myself, I’ve definitely questioned whether those tiny black seeds could harm my feathered friends. After all, we’ve all heard those whispers about apple seeds containing cyanide
But just how dangerous are they really? How many apple seeds would it actually take to kill a chicken? Let’s dive into this common concern and separate fact from fiction so you can confidently decide what to do with those apple scraps.
The Cyanide Connection: What Makes Apple Seeds Potentially Dangerous
First things first – yes, apple seeds DO contain a toxic compound. But before you panic and swear off apples forever, let’s understand what we’re dealing with.
Apple seeds contain a substance called amygdalin which is a type of cyanogenic glycoside. When apple seeds are crushed chewed, or digested, this amygdalin can convert to hydrogen cyanide. And yes, cyanide is definitely toxic – it works by preventing cells from using oxygen, which can eventually lead to organ failure and death in sufficient quantities.
But here’s where things get interesting…
The Numbers Game: How Many Seeds Are Actually Lethal?
So just how many apple seeds would it take to poison a chicken? This is where the math gets fascinating.
According to research, the lethal dose of cyanide for chickens is approximately 11.1 mg per kilogram of body weight. Let’s break this down with some chicken math:
- An average chicken weighs about 7 pounds (3.2 kilograms)
- Apple seeds contain between 1-4 mg of amygdalin per gram of seeds
- Each apple seed weighs approximately 0.7 grams
- When amygdalin breaks down, about 0.06 mg of cyanide can be produced from each 1 mg of amygdalin
Based on these calculations, a 7-pound chicken would need to consume between 66-264 apple seeds to reach toxic levels, depending on the potency of the specific seeds!
Considering that most apples only contain 5-8 seeds, this means a single chicken would need to eat anywhere from 8 to 52 whole apples in one sitting to reach potentially lethal levels. That’s a LOT of apples!
Size Matters: Why Some Chickens Are More Vulnerable
Not all chickens are created equal when it comes to apple seed toxicity. Here are some factors that influence how sensitive your birds might be:
Smaller Breeds Face Higher Risks
Bantams and smaller chicken breeds like Silkies or Polish chickens are more susceptible to apple seed poisoning simply because of their smaller body mass. Think about it – the same amount of toxin will have a much bigger impact on a tiny 2-pound bird compared to a hefty 10-pound broiler.
Larger Breeds Have More Resistance
On the flip side, larger chicken breeds like Brahmas or Orpingtons can typically handle more exposure to apple seeds before experiencing negative effects. Their larger body size gives them a bit more buffer against the toxins.
The Reality Check: Actual Risk Assessment
Despite the scary math, the practical risk of apple seed poisoning in chickens is generally considered low. Here’s why:
- Chickens typically peck at food rather than gulping it down whole
- Their gizzards are fairly acidic (pH of 2.5-3.5), which actually reduces cyanide formation
- Free-ranging chickens have diverse diets that dilute any potential toxins
- The body can naturally detoxify small amounts of cyanide
The real danger comes when chickens are confined and given access to large quantities of apples or apple waste – like after making cider or applesauce when there might be piles of cores and seeds available.
Warning Signs: Recognizing Apple Seed Poisoning
Although rare, it’s still important to know what cyanide poisoning looks like in chickens. Keep an eye out for these symptoms:
- Lethargy and weakness: A normally active chicken suddenly becoming sluggish
- Breathing difficulties: Gasping, wheezing, or labored breathing
- Muscle tremors or convulsions
- Collapse
- Bright red blood (due to oxygen not being utilized)
- In severe cases, sudden death may be the first and only sign
If you notice these symptoms and suspect apple seed poisoning, contact a poultry veterinarian immediately.
Practical Guidelines for Chicken Keepers
Now that we understand the science, let’s talk practical advice. Here’s what I recommend based on my research and experience:
Safe Ways to Feed Apples to Your Chickens
- Limit quantity: Apples should be an occasional treat, not a daily staple
- Remove the cores: While not strictly necessary given the math above, it’s an easy precaution
- Chop into pieces: This helps ensure everyone gets a share and prevents gorging
- Watch for soft spots: Chickens actually prefer the soft brown spots, so slightly past-prime apples are perfect!
- Never feed moldy apples: Mold can be far more dangerous than seeds
Serving Suggestions
Apples make excellent chicken treats! I’ve found my flock absolutely loves them. Here are some easy ways to serve apples to your chickens:
- Toss whole apples (especially those getting soft) into the chicken yard
- Throw apple cores after you’ve finished eating one
- Chop apples into chunks to ensure fair distribution
- Feed about 1/4 apple per bird as a good rule of thumb
Health Benefits of Apples for Chickens
When fed in moderation, apples actually offer several health benefits for your flock:
Fiber Boost
A medium apple provides about 4g of fiber, which is fantastic for chicken gut health. Chickens have a complex microbiome with over 900 unique strains of microorganisms that thrive on fiber. This fiber can even help reduce ammonia emissions in your coop!
Vitamin and Mineral Content
Apples pack several nutrients beneficial for chickens:
- Vitamin C: Improves stress response and disease resistance
- Potassium: Supports egg laying and shell thickness
- Riboflavin: Prevents walking difficulties and improves hatchability
- Copper: Promotes growth and immune health
Hydration Help
With their high water content, apples offer excellent hydration for chickens, especially during hot summer days.
Other Foods to Avoid Giving Your Chickens
While we’re on the topic of potentially harmful foods, it’s worth mentioning other items that should never make it into your chicken’s diet:
- Raw potato peels (contain solanine)
- Avocado pits and peels (contain persin)
- Dry or uncooked beans (contain phytohaemagglutinin)
- Moldy or rotten food (contains mycotoxins)
- Fried, salty, or high-fat foods
- Caffeine or alcohol
- Artificial sweeteners
Also, be careful with strong-flavored foods like garlic, onions, and fish – these can make your eggs taste strange!
Common Questions About Chickens and Apple Seeds
Let’s tackle some common questions that might still be on your mind:
Can chickens eat raw apples with the skin?
Absolutely! Chickens can eat the whole apple – skin, flesh, and all. Nothing goes to waste with these birds.
Does cooking apples reduce the cyanide risk?
Cooking does degrade some of the amygdalin, but it’s not a completely reliable method for making apple seeds safe. It’s better to just remove the seeds if you’re concerned.
Is apple cider vinegar safe for chickens?
Yes! Apple cider vinegar is actually beneficial for chickens when diluted in their water. The fermentation process reduces any potential cyanide precursors.
Can I compost apple cores in my chicken run?
This isn’t recommended, as chickens will likely scratch through the compost and potentially consume concentrated amounts of seeds.
Can free-ranging chickens safely eat fallen apples?
Generally yes, in small quantities. Just monitor the amount and remove large accumulations, especially if the apples are starting to rot.
The Bottom Line on Apple Seeds and Chickens
So, to summarize what we’ve learned: while apple seeds do contain compounds that can release cyanide, the actual risk to your chickens is minimal under normal circumstances. A chicken would need to consume dozens of apples in a short period to reach toxic levels.
That said, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. If you’re concerned, simply remove the apple cores before feeding them to your flock. And always ensure that apples and other treats make up no more than 10% of your chickens’ diet, with the bulk coming from quality chicken feed.
Have you ever fed apples to your chickens? What other fruits do your birds enjoy? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Apple seeds do contain cyanide, but not enough to kill
Apple seeds contain a cyanide- and sugar-based compound called amygdalin. The seeds have a strong outer layer that is resistant to digestive juices. But if you chew the seeds, human (or animal) enzymes come in contact with the amygdalin, cutting off the sugar part of the molecule, The Guardian reported. What’s left of the compound can then decompose, producing hydrogen cyanide.
Cyanide itself is a rapidly acting, potentially deadly chemical that kills by preventing cells in the body from using oxygen, according to the CDC. The chemical is a favorite silent killer of mystery novelists like Agatha Christie, but has also been used egregiously in real life, perhaps most infamously as the gas in Holocaust gas chambers.
Exposure to a large amount can lead to symptoms including convulsions, slow heart rate and respiratory failure leading to death, and exposure to a small amount might cause dizziness, nausea and weakness, among other things, the CDC says.
In humans, cyanide toxicity is experienced at doses of around 0.5-3.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, The Guardian reported.
The average apple usually contains between five to eight seeds. Apple seeds contain approximately 1-4 milligrams of amygdalin, a 2014 study found, but not all of that translates into cyanide.
Plus, the human body can process hydrogen cyanide in small doses, so eating a few seeds is not dangerous. In fact, it would take “anywhere from 150 to several thousand crushed seeds” to cause cyanide poisoning, according to Britannica.
Fact check: Drinking water while eating does not lead to digestive issues
The claim: Apple seeds contain cyanide, and eating 20 apple cores will kill an adult
An apple a day may keep the doctor away. But one viral claim suggests that eating too many apples might send you to the doctor – or worse, the morgue.
“Apple seeds contain cyanide,” a post by Facebook page “Facts that will blow your mind” reads. “Eating 20 apple cores will kill an adult, while eating less can result in paralysis, coma and brain damage.”
The post was shared more than 5,000 times, though commenters were quick to question the post’s veracity.
“I always eat my apples with the seeds, nothing has ever happened to me. I used to eat close to 5 apples a day…” one commenter wrote.
“I had a cousin, an old country doctor, who recommended eating an apple day, including the core and the seeds. He died just prior to turning 100,” another wrote.
The Facebook page “Facts that will blow your mind” did not respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment.