Can Chickens Eat Milk?

No, do not feed

No. Chickens should not be fed milk. Chickens can't digest lactose well, so milk causes runny droppings. A rare splash on mash is the most they should get. See cheese and yoghurt for the small dairy exceptions.

The quick rule

Chickens can't digest lactose well, so milk causes runny droppings. A rare splash on mash is the most they should get. See cheese and yoghurt for the small dairy exceptions.

See the full Chickens food list & A-Z checker →

More foods chickens can and can't eat

Butter Ice cream Peanut butter Peanuts Popcorn Breakfast cereal Cooked beans Quinoa Peas Beetroot

General guidance for backyard chickens. When introducing any new food, start small and watch how your birds respond. Fresh water and a complete feed should always make up the bulk of the diet.