I care deeply about the well-being of my feathered friends, and I know if you’re here, you feel the same. Chickens aren’t just farm animals; they’re part of the family, and their health is a priority
A well-thought-out diet is the cornerstone of their vitality. While commercial feed provides the basics, treats can enhance their nutritional intake and, yes, even their mood.
I’ve spent time learning what makes chickens thrive. They have specific dietary needs that mimic their natural foraging behavior. Greens, insects, and seeds aren’t just snacks; they’re part of their ideal pantry.
A happy flock is often a sign of a healthy diet. Watch your chickens engage with the treats you provide, and you’ll see their quality of life improve. If you have ever had too many eggs and scrambled some for your chickens, you know what a happy feeding frenzy looks like.
But remember, not all snacks are created equal. Some kitchen scraps can do more harm than good.
You’ll want safe treats that also bolster their health. I’m talking about the treats that tick all the boxes: taste, nutrition, and safety. And I’ve got just the list for you.
In the next section, we’ll explore the top treats that are both safe and supportive of your chickens’ well-being. These aren’t just our favorite picks; poultry nutrition experts back them. Let’s fill their feeders with only the best from the veggie patch to the grain bin.
Top Safe and Wholesome Treats for Chickens
When considering what snacks to offer, focusing on unprocessed, natural foods generally makes the best treats.
For vegetables and fruits, think about the colors of the rainbow to provide a variety of vitamins and minerals; sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, and chopped apples are excellent choices.
Frozen peas in the heat of summer will find your chickens scurrying to find the very last one.
These options are tasty for your chickens and pack a punch regarding health benefits.
Grains and seeds should be unsweetened and unprocessed. Cooked oatmeal, quinoa, and a mix of seeds like sunflower or pumpkin can be offered in moderation. These foods contribute to the overall energy and health of your flock.
Be careful, though. Too much soft food can choke a chicken by plugging its crop. Once, I killed a Sex Link hen with too many peas. Efforts to get the clog to come back up were fruitless. It was super sad, so learn from my mistake and don’t do it yourself.
Chickens also require a lot of protein, and incorporating meat scraps and insects into their diets can be highly beneficial.
Cooked lean meats, mealworms, and crickets can serve as high-protein treats that support feather growth and egg production. They love earthworms, too.
Your coworkers might think you’ve lost your mind as you run around the parking lot picking up half-dead worms after a soaking warm rain, but your chickens will look up to you with great admiration.
You might also want to get creative with DIY snack options. For example, a homemade ‘flock block’ – a solid mixture of grains, seeds, and protein enclosed in a digestible binder—can offer entertainment and nutrition for your chickens.
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$5.99Buy NowThis cake has mealworms and peanuts for that extra protein punch. The combination of the two is great for the molting flock, or any hen that likes her peanut butter. Try all of our varieties to see which one your flock likes best!
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Provide entertainment for the flock and yourself while watching them peck the boredom away! This veggie treat ball is great for chickens, ducks, and geese. You can stuff this hanging toy with cabbage, lettuce, and other veggie treats your flock might enjoy. Or you can remove the chain and let the flock use it as a rolling treat ball.
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Remember, scratch is a TREAT, to be offered like a "dessert" only. There's a reason it's called "chicken crack" -- your flock will go absolutely bonkers for it, in the same way we might go bonkers for ice cream or cinnamon buns. But you wouldn't eat ice cream for every meal, and nor should your hens regularly feast on scratch.
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$11.99Buy Now
Amturf Green Feast Forage Mix Seed is a fast-growing forage mixture. It's an easy way to feed your backyard chickens fresh greens all year. It can be grown indoors in any container by just adding water. In addition, it's ready to serve your backyard flock in just 7-10 days!
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Feeding Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
I understand you want the best for your little egg-layers, so it’s crucial to know what and how to feed them. Moderation is key. Despite how much they might peck and plead, treats should only complement their main diet: high-quality poultry feed.
Think of treats like the occasional dessert after a well-balanced meal – delightful but not a dietary staple. It’s generally advised that treats should make up no more than 10% of a chicken’s overall diet. Stick to this guideline to keep your flock at a healthy weight and well-nourished.
Remember, your chickens don’t have the luxury of a varied menu daily. They rely on you to balance their diet. Too many treats, no matter how nutritious, can lead to obesity and nutritional imbalances. This is where many well-intentioned chicken owners stumble.
Equally important is knowing what NOT to feed your chickens. Foods like chocolate, avocado, and raw beans can harm your chickens. Also, avoid giving them salty, fried, or processed foods that can harm their delicate systems.
Lastly, to build good eating habits, scatter treats in their environment to encourage foraging or create simple food puzzles with treats inside. This emulates natural behaviors and keeps them mentally stimulated. By doing so, you’re treating their taste buds and nurturing their instinctive behaviors.
Bon Appetit!
Dave
Chickenmethod.com