Can chickens eat apricots? Yes, apricots are very healthy for chickens, in moderation. These fruits are packed full of nutrients that will benefit a chickens health, immune system and even their well-being. It is safe for chickens to eat the flesh part of the apricot, but it is important to know that parts of the tree and fruit can be toxic to them.

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1. Are Apricots Healthy for Chickens to Eat?

NUTRIENT	NUTRITIONAL CONTENT IN 1 TBS APRICOT	HOW CHICKENS BENEFIT FROM IT
VITAMIN E	0.09 mg	NERVE, MUSCLE, CIRCULATORY HEALTH, IMMUNE RESPONSE, FERTILITY, EGG PRODUCTION
VITAMIN C	0.97 mg	DECREASES SIDE EFFECTS OF STRESS
VITAMIN A	9.3 mcg	SUPPORTS IMMUNITY, VISION, SKIN
VITAMIN K	0.32 mcg	BONE HEALTH
CHOLINE	0.27 mg	LIVER AND NERVOUS SYSTEM HEALTH
BETA-CAROTENE	105.98 mcg	ENDOCRINE SYSTEM HEALTH, IMMUNITY, PIGMENTATION OF SKIN AND EGG YOLKS OF HENS
LUTEIN + ZEAXANTHIN	8.62 mcg	EYE HEALTH, YELLOW COLOR OF SKIN AND EGG YOLK
FOLATE	0.87 mcg	PRODUCTION OF DNA AND RNA
PANTOTHENIC ACID (B5)	0.023 mg	AIDS IN ENERGY UTILIZATION, IMPROVES GROWTH RATE
CARBOHYDRATES	1.08 g	ENERGY
SUGARS	0.90 g	ENERGY
FIBER	0.19 g	DIGESTIVE HEALTH, DEVELOPMENT OF ORGANS
POTASSIUM	25.06 mg	HEART FUNCTION, MUSCLE CONTRACTION

2. Can Chickens Eat Apricots: Leaves, Stems or Seeds?

Apricot stems, leaves and the seeds all contain a naturally occurring compound called amygdalin. When it is crushed or chewed, it is released and the body converts it into cyanide.

Studies have shown that apricots from the Rosaceae species contained from 0.1-17.5 mg/g of amygdalin! This compound turns into cyanide when it is crushed or chewed.

Apricot Leaves: Chickens should not be fed apricot leaves because they contain amygdalin which when ingested will convert into cyanide.

Apricot Stems: Remove the apricot stems before serving them to your chickens. Most chickens tend to avoid the stems of the apricot, but if you can it is best to just remove them.

Apricot Seeds or Pits: Apricot pits and seeds contain amygdalin. Most apricot pits are too large for a chicken to eat and chickens do not have teeth, so they cannot crush these hard stones.

A chickens digestive system will not break down the pit. Instead, it will pass through its digestive system until it is pooped out.

3. Can Chickens Eat Unripe Apricots?

Unripe apricots are more bitter, but perfectly fine for your chickens to eat. Its nutritional content is pretty much the same, minus the naturally occurring sugars in a ripe one.

An unripe apricot has a lower level of the toxic compound amygdalin in the pit. The level increases as it ripens.

4. What Happens if My Chicken Eats Apricot Leaves, Stems, Pits?

Depending upon the size and age of your chicken and how much it consumed will determine how harmful it will be to them. Both very young and old chickens may suffer more if they eat apricot leaves, stems or pits. It can range from a mild stomach upset, diarrhea to shock and in severe cases death.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHICKEN EATS APRICOT LEAVES, STEMS OR PITS(SEEDS)
MILD STOMACH UPSET
DIARRHEA
VOMITTING
RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS
PANTING
HEADACHE
MUSCLE PAIN
JOINT PAIN
SEIZURES
SHOCK
LOW BLOOD PRESSURE
TIREDNESS
NERVOUSNESS
INABILITY TO SLEEP
RED MUCOUS MEMBRANES
DEATH

5. Can Chickens Eat Dried Apricots?

Chickens can eat dried apricots as long as there isn’t any added sugars to them. Dried apricots already have a naturally higher sugar content so any more sugar isn’t healthy for your chickens.

Sugar has no health benefits for your chickens and too much of it can cause obesity, high blood pressure, difficulty with egg laying and many other negative health problems.

Heavy chickens also have difficulties cooling off during extreme heat and are more likely to suffer from heat exhaustion.

6. When Can I Feed My Chickens Apricots?

Young chicks can eat the apricot pulp as early as its second week of life. It is important to let newly hatched chicks get used to their regular feed before introducing treats.

For all ages of chickens, first give them its regular chick crumbles or layers pellets during the day. Later in the afternoon is a great time to check on your chickens and give them a little apricot treat.

Make sure that you remove any leaves and stems that may be attached. Even a small amount of apricot leaf can cause a bad stomach upset with a young chick.

7. Tips on Feeding Chickens Apricots

The serving size of treats for an adult chicken is about 1 TBS per day. Treats shouldn’t be more than 10% of a chickens daily diet. This is for a “healthy” chicken. Any more than this and it can lead to obesity and other health issues.

If you purchased your apricots from the grocery store and they are not organic, there may be some pesticides or herbicides on the fruit. Because this can be toxic to chickens, it is important to wash the fruit before serving it to your chickens.

Most chickens disregard the pits and eat the flesh surrounding it. The first time you feed them to your flock, monitor them to make sure they don’t try to eat the small pits. Mine just disregard them and I pick the pits up when they are finished.

The first time you feed your chickens apricots, monitor their poop. If you notice any of your flock has diarrhea, remove any remaining apricots. Next time you serve apricots, cut back on how many you serve to them.

🌿 Pairing Apricots with Herbal Support for a Healthier Flock

While apricots make a fun and nutritious treat for your chickens in moderation, pairing them with herbal support can take your flock’s wellness to the next level—especially during hot weather or while laying.

Here’s how my herbal blends support your hens:

🪺 Nesting Box Herbs for Chickens

Sprinkling this fragrant blend of 9 calming herbs into your nesting boxes creates a soothing environment that encourages hens to lay—and lay where they’re supposed to!

• Encourages nesting behavior
• Reduces coop stress & odors
• Naturally repels mites & insects
• Promotes calm and comfort

Especially helpful when your hens are enjoying sugar-rich fruits like apricots—which can sometimes spike activity—these herbs help them settle and refocus on laying.

❄️ Cooling Herbs for Chickens

Apricots are often a summertime treat, which means your chickens may also be battling heat stress. That’s where this 5-herb cooling blend comes in.

• Supports hydration & heat regulation
• Helps reduce panting & stress
• Boosts immune and digestive health

Herbs like peppermint, hibiscus, and chamomile help keep your flock cool and calm—making summer snacking safer and more enjoyable.

Want to skip the work of growing and mixing herbs yourself?
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CONCLUSION: Can Chickens Eat Apricots? 7 Things You Need to Know

Apricots are healthy for chickens to eat in moderation. They are filled with nutrients that will help to boost their immune system, well-being and health.

Apricot tree leaves, stems and the pit (seed) can be toxic to chickens. The pit is like a hard stone. Most chickens avoid this part of the fruit all together.

🐔 Final Thoughts: Apricots + Herbs = A Healthier, Happier Flock

Apricots can be a delicious and nutritious treat for your chickens! Just remember to:

• remove the pits
• avoid apricot leaves
• avoid apricot wood
• eat in moderation
• pair it with natural herbs

Pairing apricots with my herbal blends creates an even better experience for your flock:

• Nesting Box Herbs support calm, stress-free laying and create a cozy, aromatic nesting environment after a sweet treat like apricots.
• Cooling Herbs for Chickens help keep your birds comfortable during warm months—when fruits like apricots are most often given—by supporting hydration, reducing heat stress, and boosting digestion and immunity.

By combining fresh treats with time-tested herbal support, you’re not just giving your chickens something tasty—you’re investing in their well-being, comfort, and overall health.

Ready to take the next step?
Shop Nesting Box Herbs
Shop Cooling Herbs

Your flock will thank you—with happy clucks and steady egg-laying!

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