The A – Z Of Chicken Treats (Summer, Winter, Baby Chicks)

Chicken Treats | What Can Chickens Eat?

Enjoy this awesome list of homemade treats for chickens.

• Apples

Yes. Apple seeds have small traces of cyanide, so take out the seeds if you can. Chop apples to quicken digestion although they will peck at windfall. Apple sauce taste great to chickens too.

• Asparagus

Yes. Powered with dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, Asparagus is great for chickens in small quantity.

Not all chickens will like it but if yours do, make sure they don’t eat too much as it can taint the taste of the eggs!

• Avocado

No. The stone, skin, and leaves all contain persin which is highly toxic to chickens. Technically, the flesh is ok to eat, but I wouldn’t risk it, you know… Just in case…..

• Almonds

Yes. You should roughly chop before feeding to the hens. Make sure that the buts aren’t in any way moldy.

Almond flour can also be consumed.

• Broccoli

You heard right. Broccoli is safe to toss to your chickens. It has high vitamins and low in fat; mine prefers it raw (yours might love the cooked). You ca give them in a suet cage to make the peck at it all day long.

• Bananas

Yes. They are high in vitamins B6, C & A and also contain magnesium, niacin, iron and other trace elements. You see that this fruit is very nutritious.

We hope at the end of this ultimate treats for chickens list, you will have more ideas on what to do with those brown, spotty bananas!

• Bread

Yes. Bread soaked in milk is a treat given to chickens when fattening hens for the pot. They do love bread, but it is nutritionally poor for them.

My advice? Feed in moderation!

• Blueberries

Yes. Chickens can consume all sorts of berries and blueberries are one of their favorites. Packed full of minerals and vitamins, blueberries also contains antioxidants.

Note: Their poops will turn blue too!

• Banana Peels

Yes. The peel is safe for them but most of them won’t eat it.

If you use a food processor to grind them small enough they will eat them.

• Bell Peppers

Yes. This is another family of the nightshade group therefore containing solanie. So do not feed them the leaves, plant and flowers.

On the other hand, the fruit is ok to feed them, but not a favorite chicken treat.

• Beans

Yes. Cooked only. Raw or undercooked beans will devastate your flock.

• Brussels Sprouts

Yes. An excellent source of nutrition. They can have excess leafy follage and sprouts. To ease their feeding, you can rough chop.

• Corn Husks

Yes. You must bear in mind that corn husks have no nutritional value however.

• Coffee Grounds

No.Coffee grounds contain small amounts of caffeine which is bad for your birds. No nutritional value is noted.

• Cauliflower

Yes. The leaves and stem of the cauliflower are very healthy. In general birds (hen included) prefer to eat the black oil sunflower seeds over the striped or the grey seeds.

Their fat and oil content makes them great treats.

• Cheese

Yes. One protein treats for chickens I like. It is also rich in calcium.

However, you must feed in moderation as it’s a dairy product and chickens cannot process dairy well.

• Chocolate

No. Chocolate contain theobromine which is toxic to chickens but safe for human’s consumption.

I love my chocolate and wouldn’t even share with them if it’s safe for them – haha.

• Cabbage

Yes. Very healthy and is full of trace vitamins and minerals. You can hang it as a teatherball or stuff the leave into a suet container where they can PECK, peck and Pluck at them whenever they want.

• Crickets

Yes. 100 grams of crickets contains 12.9 protein, 5.1 grams carbohydrates, and 5.5 grams fat, plus lots f trace elements and minerals.

• Celery

Yes. A great source of vitamins C, K, B2 & B6. It is also high in trace minerals such as molybdenum, and also contains calcium, potassium, and fiber.

Not so much loved by birds. So, chop in tiny bits before feeding.

• Cucumbers

Yes. Cucumbers are better appreciated as treats on warm days/winter. They contain a lot of water so it’s a good way to stay hydrated.

Full of minerals and vitamins, it is healthy and contains anti-inflammatory properties.

• Cooked Rice

Yes. Rice is around 85-90% carbohydrate with a very small amount of minerals present.

You can feed to them as a snack but it bears little nutritional value to them.

• Cherries

Yes. Cherries are packed with vitamins – A, C, E and K, minerals too. They also contain choline which is necessary for a chicken’s health. Cherries cooked or fresh (no added sugar) – they will eat all.

• Carrots

Yes. Cooked or raw, are full of richness, they can eat the green too but rough chop them in case.

Avoid offering them canned carrot as they are likely to be high in salt.

• Cantaloupe

Yes. This fruit scores high in Vitamin A, B, and C. They will pick the rind clean, seeds are great too.

Like most fruits, feed in moderation otherwise they may contact diarrhea.

• Cereal

Yes and no. Because several brand cereals are high in sugar.

A lot of cereals contain minerals and vitamins. So apply common sense when feeding your pets.

• Cat Food

Yes. Cat food, dry or wet is a rare treat that not too many people can feed their chickens. You can feed to poorly birds in little amounts and not on a daily basis.

• Cantaloupe Seeds

Yes. Cantaloupe seeds are healthy and edible for chickens.

You can feed them raw with all the stringy bits- your hens will love them.

• Corn

Yes.

Can chickens eat cooked corn?…… Yes

Can chickens eat raw corn on the cob?….. Yes

Chickens love to peck at an ear of corn once you are done with it. They can eat frozen, fresh, canned or on the cob corn and they will finish it all.

This should be served to them at the end of the day because they would fill up on the corn and ignore their ration.

• Chicken

Yes. A weird but great source of protein for chickens. Most folks will throw in the carcass to the chickens that will then pick it clean. Remove the skin first as this has high fat content.

• Cooked Potatoes

Yes. As we have mentioned before, potatoes are fine as long as they aren’t green. However they have a limited nutritional value.

• Citrus

Yes. Chickens can have them as treats but will they? A large number of hens avoid citrus fruits although it is healthy.

• Chia Seeds

Yes. Highly nutritious but small.

To maximize results, mix them with other seeds and spread around the coop floor and watch your girl’s get’em!

• Dog Food

Yes. Dog food fed to chicken should be given as a rare snack. It can be fed to chicken when they are sick.

• Eggs

Yes. Of course they love eggs!

Now, give them scrambled eggs so they do not recognize it as “eggs”, you don’t want them to begin egg eating now, do you?

• Eggplant

No. It’s not safe for them to eat. They cannot eat the flowers, leaves, or the plant as they contain solanine which is toxic to hens.

Although various online forums and blogs have said they fed them to their chickens with no ill effects; I would not.

• Flowers

Yes and maybe no. It is a really tricky one.

Some flowers are healthy for them and others are not, so. Gnerally, they seem to avoid toxic plants but you should check your garden first.

• Fish

Yes. Chickens will eat fish cooked or raw. Fishermen will often toss the guts to the chickens.

This is one of the easiest way to feed protein treats for chickens on a minimal budget. It also has minerals.

The Swedish Orust chicken breed survived on fish in the wild.

• Fruit

Yes.

Generally, chickens love fruit. Fruit is typically high in sugar levels so feed on occasion as sugar may cause gastric upsets.

• Green Beans

Yes. This is one of the edible vegetables for chickens. However you should feed them well cooked beans only.

Uncooked, raw, or undercooked beans contain phytohemagglutinin which can be harmful to your flock. As little as 3 beans can be deadly.

• Grapes

Yes. Rich in Vitamin A, B & C, it contains lots of trace elements such as copper and calcium. Feed in small amounts once per week as the sugar content is pretty high. If feed too much, it will affect your girls and boys.

Ensure to rough chop first to aid digestion.

• Grass

Yes. Long strands of grass can cause crop impaction so feed short grass clippings as long as it does not contain chemicals in any form.

• Garlic

Yes. A wonderful additive for feed and water. Some people say it taints the eggs – others do not agree.

As with all things, feed in moderate quantity.

• Grapefruit

Yes. Because it is a citrus plant, they’d avoid it.

However, this does not mean that it is not safe for them to eat it.

• Ham

Yes. Chickens will eat ham; however it is very high in salt content.

You’d feed them once a week no more.

• Honey

Can chickens eat honey? Yes, although sparingly because of the high sugar content.

• Kale

Yes. Another healthful item. Minerals and vitamins abound. It can be given raw or cooked. I often stuff a suet holder full of leaves and leave it for them to peck at.

• Kiwi

Yes. Kiwis contain antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins but also contain lots of sugar. So, you should feed in moderation.

• Lettuce

Yes. Most lettuce Is good for your hens but avoid iceburg lettuce (it has about the same nutritional content as cardboard and may give them diarrhea).

• Moldy Bread

No. Moldy bread or food must never be given to chickens.

• Meat

Yes. Cut away excess fat from the meat. You can give them whole carcasses of turkey or chicken they will pick them clean. This is a great source of protein.

• Melon

Yes. Exceptionally healthy. They can pick at the rind and eat the seeds and flesh which they adore.

Remember, to feed in moderate quantity or they get diarrhea.

• Mealworms

Yes. Mealworms are very high in protein, so moderation please.  A great healthy tidbit (especially for the time of the molt).

Worms can be offered fresh or dried – and mine would snatch them as soon as they touch the ground.

• Mango

Yes. With great nutrients, carbohydrates and sugars. So, feed sparingly.

It even tastes better (as far as my chickens can tell) when made into frozen slushies for hot summer days.

• Nuts

Yes. They contain saturated fats, so do not feed too many.

They are high in omega fats so that’s good. Ensure you chop nuts before feeding. Never feed moldy nuts to chickens as the mold causes problems of respiration.

• Oranges

Yes. Aside being beneficial to humans, oranges do have some health benefits. Chickens do not commonly enjoy oranges though; you might try adding it to a fruit salad.

So, yeah this is one of the many protein treats for chickens. It is an healthy snack, but feed in moderation due to the high protein levels.

• Orange Peels

Yes. Most hens will avoid this though.

Although it is safe for them, they’d generally avoid consuming this.

• Onions

No. T’is true that onions contain minerals and vitamins, you really should not eat them. Large numbers of onions consumed can cause hemolytic anemia.

• Oats

Yes. They can eat cooked or raw oats. Some research shows that oats fed to pullets helps to minimize feather picking. Oats contain minerals and vitamins also some protein.

• Oatmeal

Yes. Warm oatmeal mixed with birdseed and plain yoghurt is one of the best treats for chickens in winter.

It is a great treat for cold days. Not to be fed everyday though.

• Peaches

Yes. Mine loved it so much I had to name her “PEACHES”

This is yet another fruit that is high in nutritious goodies. The pits contain cyanide so remove them before feeding to cocks and hens.

• Potato Skins

Yes. Potatoes are great as long as they aren’t green.

• Pears

Yes. Pears are healthy and relatively low in sugar content so they are one of our most recommended chicken treats for your flock.

I have never seen my cocks particularly interested in pears however….

• Pumpkin

Yes. Pumpkin seeds are believed to aid in the prevention of worms. But, I do know that pecking at a pumpkin will keep them busy for hours.

• Potatoes

 Yes. Potatoes (raw or cooked) can be given to chickens, except for the green areas which contain solanine (it is poisonous).

Flowers, plant, and Leaves should not be eaten – the potato is a member of the nightshade family and as such is toxic.

• Pineapple

Yes. Although high in minerals and vitamins, pineapple is not a favorite with most chickens. Too much consumption can lead to (fiber balls) to occur in the crop.

So, feed sparingly as high in sugar.

• Potato Peels

Yes. Potato peels are high in carbohydrates. Chickens can consume them but not green skins which contain solanine as this is toxic to hens.

• Peanuts

No. We are talking about the bad side of caution here. Peanuts can be bad for small mammals and birds, there’s no reliable information on chickens.

If you doubt; trust your guts and don’t feed them!

• Popcorn

Yes. It shouldn’t sound odd to you as they are made out of corn.

POPCORN has high number of vitamins, including A, E and K. It also has varieties of minerals too plus fiber. It is safe for them to eat AS LONG AS YOU DON’T ADD SALT OT SUGAR to your corn.

• Pumpkin Seeds

Yes. Pumpkin seeds are said to help prevent the rise and spread of worms.

• Pickles

No. This is a processed food and as such will contain high amounts of sugar and salt.

• Pasta

Yes. High in carbohydrates so feed sparingly. It is fun to watch them cutely pick up the spaghetti down their throat.

• Pecans

Yes. Like any nut, chop roughly first to aid digestion.

• Plums

Yes. Plum seeds contain minute amounts of cyanide so take them away first. High in sugars, so feed sparingly.

• Peanut Shells

Yes. They can have them but they bare no nutritional value.

• Pomegranate

Yes. Pomegranate are really healthy. Chickens will consume the seeds happily and peck at the remaining husk

• Peanut Butter

Yes. Yes, peanut butter is safe for them to eat. However, you must feed in moderation as it is very high in carbs, fats, and protein.

I tend to give them this chicken treat during the molting period because of the high protein content.

• Peas

Yes. Peas are a healthy snack and you can get the hens to run after them too! Peas are not a big favorite but they do enjoy them on occasions. Pea pods are ok too if roughly chopped.

• Peppers

Yes. Flowers, leaves, stems, and pepper plants are harmful – containing solanine. Chickens can eat the fruits which are healthy, but not a favorite amongst chicken treats.

• Quinoa

Yes. This is more nutritious than the same amount of rice.

The Quinoa is an old biblical grain that is a powerhouse of goodness.

• Rhubarb

No. All parts of the rhubarb plant contain high amounts of oxalic acid which is very dangerous to your flock.

• Raw Potatoes

Yes. As long as the potatoes aren’t green, small amounts will be ok. You should feed it to them infrequently though.

• Radishes

Yes. The leaves and flavour bombs are packed with minerals and vitamins too. So, chickens can eat them – aid easy digestion by chopping them roughly.

• Raisins

Yes. BUT feed in really small amount as feeding in large amounts can make your birds real sick with renal failure. They will also add on weight quickly due to the sugar content.

• Rice

Yes. We recommend you feed wild or brown rice as white rice has little nutritional value. Never feed them uncooked rice as it will absorb water in their gut and expand causing perforation or blockages of the intestine.

• Spaghetti Squash

Yes. Like all squashes, a firm favorite chicken treats. It can be given to them raw or cooked.

• Squash

Yes. Squashes are a yummy treat here for hens. They love to eat the seeds and peck the flesh. They are high in nutrition and will keep the girls busy for a good long time.

• Strawberries

Yes. SB are a loved treats.

They are rich in vitamin A, C and B9 plus are high in trace elements. It also contains anti-inflammatory component called quercetin; rich in antioxidants.

• Sweet Potatoes

Yes. Very rich in vitamins and extremely healthy, your birds are most likely to go after them only when cooked, so minimal addition of butter or salt please.

• Sunflower Seeds

Yes. Sunflower seeds are very healthy. In general birds (including hens) prefer the black oil sunflower seeds over the grey or striped seeds. Great treat for the oil and fat content.

• Spinach

Yes. Although packed full of goodness (minerals and vitamins), it also contains oxalic acid which can cause some serious health challenges for your chickens.

So feed them sparingly – not too often and little.

• Tomatoes

Yes. This is one all-time favorite my chickens never get tired of.

Chickens love tomatoes! It is a known fact amongst chicken folks! Tomatoes are high in vitamin C, B9 & K9, fiber, potassium and antioxidants. Chickens cannot eat the flowers, leaves or the plant as they contain solanine (which is poisonous).

• Uncooked Oatmeal

Yes. Chickens can eat uncooked oatmeal, however they prefer warm oatmeal.

Do not feed them thus on a daily basis.

• Watermelon

Yes. Powered with water and vitamins, watermelon is a refreshing treat treat for hot summer days. If you puree then freeze it our girls will enjoy watermelon slushies – a frozen treats for chickens.

• Watermelon Rind

Yes. A real favorite! My chickens love to pick the rinds clean of any flesh.

Full of heavenly tastes for them but high in sugar content.

• Walnuts

Yes. Like all nuts, chop roughly before giving to the chickens. Nuts are full of nutrition and as an occasional thing are often welcome.

• Yogurt

Yes. Chickens do not process dairy products too well. However, yoghurt contains live cultures which are of great value to the chicken’s intestinal health.

So, a little now and then won’t do them any harm.

• Zucchini

Yes. Zucchini is a great source of minerals and vitamins, the seeds are said to be helpful in worming chickens.

To feed them, slice them length ways and peck away at the seeds and flesh.

Pecking at a pumpkin will keep them busy for hours, they can also eat the flesh too as it has minerals and vitamins.

Chicken Nutrition 101: Basic Feed Requirements

Like human, chickens need the building blocks of life: protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins – and don’t forget good, assessable and clean water.

Without the right combination of class of food any living thing can suffer from things like malnutrition and on the other end of the scale obesity and in severe cases, death.

We will be writing an in-depth guide on poultry feed soon so for more information, please check back in the future. But here’s an overview on the essential nutrients for chickens.

• Protein: Plant based protein is needed for growth and for energy.
• Minerals and Vitamins: Really important for a total functioning creature.
• Enzymes: Helps with digestion and absorption of the needed nutrients from food.
• Fats: Essential for other cell functions and  for absorption of certain vitamins.
• Carbohydrates: Serves as an energy source.

You will find all of these in the commercial chicken feed, ready mixed in the appropriate quantities. Chickens should get at minimum of 90% of their nutritional needs from their feed.

Various feeds are mixed for different stages of their life, so be smart enough to read the labels.

Free ranged birds will gather much of the nutrients they require from their environment (on their own) and will “top up” from the feed supply a needed.

Hens that are not allowed to, or that cannot free range will rely on the feed to provide all of their bodily needs, so a good quality feed is  needed.

How Much and How Often Should You Feed Your Chickens?

The correct answer to the “how often” piece of the question really depends on you and your daily routine. I will be sharing a simple feeding routine soon so bookmark this page.

In terms of how much to feed them, a large number of animal nutritionist will authoritatively tell you that a hen will consume around 1.5lb of feed each week.

This is an average; they will eat more in winter, less in summer. If they  free range, they will eat less than that. Bigger birds will eat more, bantams less, Hens more, roosters less,,,, You get it?

A lot of backyard chickens keepers feed their hens and coo “free choice”. What this means is that they hang the feeders all day and allow the birds to eat whenever they feel like.

Very few hens will actually stuff themselves all day. In general, hens do not have a reputation for overeating.

Free choice is an excellent choice for the keeper since you do not need to fuss with filling up feed buckets at set times of the day. This also helps to eradicate buying at the feeder.

If the chicken food is available at the feeder all day long, the hens that get bullied can get something to eat while the bigger girls are busy doing something else.

Make sure that you have more than one feeder if you have more than six hens and that the feeders are far apart so a bully hen can’t ‘guard’ both.

On the other hand, some folks like to set out rations for their hens and if you choose to do this that’s fine. Just make sure they are getting enough food.

If you ration food and feeding time looks like the fight to jump into the chopper when the world is about ending, you need to feed more.

Limiting their food is not best either for you or for them. Neither is it economical. It will affect the condition of the birds and her egg laying ability.

The biggest problem with set time feedings is that the more timid flock members often get bullied out of food. More assertive hens will keep them away from feeders so keep an eye on this.

How Many Treats Should You Feed Them?

To be on a safe side, it is recommended you should not give hens more than 10% of their daily nutritional requirements in treats.

The best time to give chicken treats is in the evening when they are soon going to roost and they have ate the bulk of their daily nutrition needs. They will go to bed content and happy.

Tossing down a handful of scratch or corn into the coop will keep them busy for a good while – Their murmuring to one another on the whereabouts of the seeds is quite cute.

Winter time is perhaps the only time you can actually break this rule. Hens get bored and will pick on each other. So, giving them a head of broccoli, lettuce, or cabbage as a tetherball will give them something to do, healthy food and exercise!

On really cold mornings, I make them some oatmeal’s mixed with a little yoghurt, bird seeds, and some dried oregano.

How to Check if a Treat is Good for Your Chicken

How do you know whether or not treats are good for your hen? What can’t chickens eat list? What can chickens not eat list?

We have provided a simple chart for you with the most common things people ask about for snacks, but what if you can’t find it on the list?

Assessing food for your hens is not much of a biggie and can really help you to look at food differently for your own diet. Generally, here are some types of things to avoid:

• Whatever thing that is high in refined sugars, so muffins, cookies etc. These items can lead to obesity in chickens and humans, feed very little if you must.
• Chickens cannot digest large amounts of salt, so crisps and chips should not be included on their diet list. Too much salt will cause electrolyte imbalance or heart failure which can kill a chicken.
• Highly processed foods, so pizza, store bought bread, salami etc. A and all processed foods are high in sugar and/or salt and low in nutritional value.
• Moldy food. If you wouldn’t eat it, don’t give it to your chickens. Some molds are highly toxic and can kill poultry within 24 hours.
• Alcohol: never, I repeat ever!
• Chocolate: Eat your chocolate with humans, it is not for chickens.
• Caffeine: Many people and online forums say you should not feed coffee to hens, but won’t tell you why; caffeine is the answer. Although the amount of caffeine found in grounds would be small, caffeine is toxic to them.
• Tea bags: They are kinda high in tannins and really not good for chickens.
• Pesticide laden produce: Fresh produce is great for them, it’s nutritious and healthy. However, the stuff humans spray with is commonly not good. If you don’t buy organic you would be smart enough to wash the item before giving it to the chickens.

So, what do you look for in treats?

They need to be healthy – veggies, scratch, fresh fruit, mealworms, and cracked corn. The amount should be no more than the hens can finish in 20 minutes of “snacking”

Depending on where you live you might also feed some leftovers to your hens.

Examine the content of what you are feeding them. Defibatekly avoid things like sugars, fats and starches.

If you feel you must give them a nightly treat, buy a bag of scratch gains (it will last a long time and the hens will enjoy it).

FAQs about Chicken Treats

Here are some quick questions folks ask and fast answers as regards chicken treats.

How many snacks should I give them?

Once a day is best, in the evenings – it will put them in the mood for bedtime. Remember, 100% of their intake is one third of a cup maximum and treats should not be more than 10%, so you are looking at 1-2 ‘beakfuls’ at most.

Will feeding snacks affect egg laying?

Yes, it can. Feeding too many treats will make a hen fat which will cause problems for them when laying eggs. Obese hens have a tendency to lay oversized eggs – at first hearing, this may sound good, but un fact is devastating as it can lead to things like egg binding and egg yolk peritonitis, both can be life threatening to your hen.

Can they eat meat?

Yes, so long as you trim the excess fat off. A lot of folks will throw the carcass of a cooked turkey or chicken in for them to pick over.

Should I give them a flock block?

Yes, they are great frozen treats for chickens during winter. However, ensure you read the label before you invest; several flock blocks have “hidden sugars” in them and you must avoid these.

Chicken Treat Chart

Summary

Treats should be just that – treats.

Like dogs, chickens will often plead for more. They may even make you feel bad about your decision to ration their food, but remind yourself that you are looking after their well-being and health.

They do not need treats every night, they will still greet you at the entrance whether or not you have goodies, hens are like that!

We have looked at chicken treats for summer and winter period. Let’s examine simple DIY chicken treats.

Chicken Treats DIY

Giving your chickens treats is a great way to spoil them.

Based on what they provide for us, a little spoiling wouldn’t hurt anyone. But feeding them unhealthy treats can hurt them. It becomes important then to feed your chickens healthy snack alternatives.

Now, I know – Healthy snack costs a fortune! Just relax.

We know they command hefty price tags and this is why we are bringing to you over 20 various healthy hen treats that you can make at home.

I call them: Lazy DIY treats for Chickens:

• Oatmeal Balls

My hens love these little balls. Perhaps, it does not take too many of them to keep your chickens happy. They are made out of ingredients natural and most of nus already have these around the house for baking purposes.

Here, the oats are rolled into little balls that will take the hen a little while to peck at. This means that they stay busy longer and don’t eat as much. But what they do eat is healthy for them. It is a win for the hens and a win for your budget too.

• Frozen Scrambled Egg Pops

Do you think chickens wouldn’t like the taste of their own eggs? If you thought yes, that would be incorrect.

Chickens eat pretty much anything and these treats are no different. They contain sufficient protein that chickens need.

Also, when hot weather comes your way, these pops are an awesome way at keeping your poultry cool. So if you’d like treats that are easy and inexpensive for your chicken, then give these cool pops a quick peak.

• The Frozen Strawberry Treat

Give them mint leaves, ice cubes and frozen strawberries, for her chickens to eat when dealing with hot weathers.

This helps them stay cool while providing nutrients that they need and love.

• The Chicken Frozen Fruit Smoothie

This is another Chicken treat DIY to make for your chickens on a hot day.

To prepare this, kindly take most of the fruits that they love and mix with mint leaves and water. Blend it up like you’d blend any smoothie.

Then carefully place inside a fruit ring to freeze it. Finally, you’ll give the frozen delicious beverage to your chickens that will sing sweet songs as appreciation during sweltering heat.

• Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits

I love yogurt parfaits and fruit. My chickens love them too! They are able to peck at lots of vegetables and fruits without facing adverse effects of them and diary is quite similar.

Feel free to take vegetables and fruits and mix them with cottage or yoghurt cheese, and your hens will be excited.

Health wise, it is safe for them to eat as it provides their body with the necessary calcium and calcium which is key to egg development.

• Left Overs

Not everything we eat is healthy all the time. But, if you eat a healthy meal around your table and have some left over then go ahead and toss it to your chickens.

Also, whatever they won’t eat they turn it around and make it excellent composts. So almost all fresh fruits and vegetables that you feed your family for great health will be safe to give your chickens too

• Meal Worms

Meal worms are a quick snack that is packed is packed with great chickens. They are also a very budget friendly snack considering that you can farm mealworms In your home or backyard.

So if you love to give your hens healthy treats while not ripping your bank account in half, then you should consider this healthy snack idea.

• Watermelon

Chickens enjoy yummy fruits like watermelon. I believe fruits made up of water are some of the best as it adds juiciness and keep them hydrated all day.

Your birds wills go bananas for it. So ensure you keep this chicken treat at mind when planting your garden.

• Chickens’ Soup

This is a great recipe to give your chickens to warm them on cold winters days. Chicken soup helps keep them warm.

Also, It also gives them the nutrients that they require fir long frozen winter months. So if you are looking for a way to feed your chickens summer treats, consider this one!

• Peep’s Pumpkin Pie

This cool recipe is one that make use of left over pumpkins.

Your chickens will be happy for this and this pie will make them benefit greatly as this adds a new flavour to their feed.

• The Alfalfa Boredom Buster

This is an awesome idea for giving your chicken treats DIY. The alfalfa is bursting with protein.

However, you should not leave it in cake form. You should form it into a wreath. Then it will give your chickens added protein which is great when they undergo the molting process.

This can serve as a chicken toy too that keeps them entertained for hours.

• Egg Shells

Egg shells still remain one of the best chicken treats you can make in easy steps at home.

My hens love the calcium they get from them. Plus, this treat is affordable and simple tp make.

So when you crack an egg that your girls provided for you, just grind it up and feed it to them. They will be glad you did and the nutrients that they get form this they will value so much.

• Flock Block

Flock Block is another recipe that is awesome and not really expensive to make!

Want to know the best part? It is super healthy for your hens and also appears to be one of the best ways to stop them from getting bored.

SO make your own flock block, and then hang it from your coop (preferably at the centre) but low enough for the chickens to peck at it until their hearts are content.

• Pumpkin Seed Treat

The preparation of the pumpkin treat is real simple.

• To begin, kindly cut the pumpkin into chunks.
• Put them into a food processor.
• When that is complete and well pureed, then mix a little of their feed in with it.
• Give the pumpkin seed puree to your birds.
• This pumpkin treat is very simple. You will cut a pumpkin into chunks. Then you’ll need to put the chunks into the food processor.

I bet they’d love it….

• Molt Meatloaf

When going through molting, your chickens will need protein treats.

This is a great source of protein and will aid your chickens recuperate during this period that they are busy replacing their feathers.

• The Cucumber Tetherball

Who else remembers the game tetherball? I loved the game when I was a kid. The fun part, so will your roos and hens.

So ,rather than just throwing cucumber at them, make it even better. You should run a string through the cucumber and hang it up so the chickens can spend hours pecking away at it.

• Apple Garland

This apple garland idea is kind of cute and one that your chickens are sure to love.

• To make, just slice and core the apples.
• The string them with popcorn and runs them as a garland.

Imagine the loads of fun they will have while trying to get the food from the garland.

• Scrambled Eggs

I did state earlier that scrambled egg pops help cool your chickens down during a hot day. But if you don’t feel like going through with it, then you don’t have to.

One of the best protein source your chickens can get is feeding them scrambled eggs. So, you can give them during the fall when lots of chickens are going through molt

So keep this protein packed treat in mind when you are considering healthy chicken treats.

• Homemade Suet Cakes

Homemade suet cakes are crafted outta 100% natural ingredients that are easily accessible. In fact, chances are you already have most of them at hand.

So if you need a tasty treat (part of it is beef fat which your chickens will love) then keep this snack in mind. Your birds will be in poultry heaven.

• Poultry Protein Platter

This poultry protein platter is an awesome treat idea for the chicken in molt. It is not hard and is very healthy for your fowls, pullets, and cocks.

Ingredients you’d need include: frozen peas and oats.

• Mine them down into a fine powder for easy digestion.
• Feed your chickens!

YES, it’s that easy!

• Prepared Oatmeal

I have talked about various chicken treats that used regular rolled oats, but I have not talked about your chickens having a warm bowl of oatmeal on a cold winter day (or maybe I already did above).

If you love the idea of giving your flock warm treats for this winter, then you might consider giving them a simple bowl of oatmeal. I’m sure it be fun to watch them dip their beaks into it.

• Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a chicken treat that is simple for chickens to ingest and digest while also full of calcium and protein.

I already stated earlier the steps needed for mixing vegetables and fruits with cottage cheese.

You might not anything to it; cottage cheese is a healthy treat all by itself. So keep this tastu treat for birds in mind for your chicken’s healthy treats.

• Pasta

I give my chickens little leftover pasta. You too can feed yours but it’ be best to make it whole wheat pasta in order to keep things as healthy as possible.

However my cocks love the pasta better. It is fun to watch the hens pursue them to catch a piece!

• Corn on the Cob

Can chickens eat raw corn on the cob? Yes

Chickens love corn. In fact that is what comes to my mind when I hear chicken.

However, you need to give them in small amounts because this can make them become fat quickly.

On the other hand, if you love to give your chickens almost daily, simply give to them on the cob or mix sweet corn in with their feed.

Believe you me, chickens have loved, have love, and will still continue to love corn forever. The roosters make a special sound when corn is available as if to tell them they have a special meal for them.

• Ginger

Ginger (a superfood) is one that is often recommended to feed your chickens so it can pass health benefits to you via their eggs.

So, if you’d like to enjoy the benefits of ginger without consuming them yourself, then give it to your chickens. They’d love it.

• Pumpkins

Each year, chickens get this treat as the period rolls into winter.

If you love to grow pumpkins, then passing them to your flock wouldn’t be so bad after all now, would it?

Well, there you have the easiest and Simple 26 DIY chicken treats that you can easily make for your flock.

Some require less time to make to prepare than others but each has its own amazing benefits for your favorite birds!

Treats For Baby Chickens

Your first focus when getting baby chickens was the basics, I guess: picking a breed, setting up a chick brooder, and what you can feed chickens.

Now that you got chicks, did you consider treats for baby chickens? Treats will add more nutrition to your baby hens or pullets diet. Plus, it can be so fun and cute to watch them grab meals with their tiny beaks and cute eyes.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• You must feed in moderation and most of their diet should be supplied by a good supplied by a good quality chick starter.Treats should make up no more than 10 percent of their total intake. This is a general rule of thumb for all birds in your flock, no matter their age.
• Chicks who only eat feeds do not really need additional grit. If you are feeding chicken treats or scraps, they will require this supplement.

What Is Grit

Grit is made up of small stones which chickens eat and temporarily holds in its gizzard. This muscular organs acts like teeth for the chickens. Food is ground up by the gizzard, with the help of the grit, so the chickens can then digest it.

Grit comes in various sizes. For chicks, you should search for “starter grit,” which would be finer. Adult birds who free range pick up grit naturally in their environment but babies, who will most likely be confined, need you to provide it for them.

This is a much needed addition if you are feeding treats for baby chicks! Grit can be offered separately or mixed in with food..

Treats for Baby Chicks

So at what age cab chickens eat scrap? Find out below.

Treats for baby chickens look sorta similar to treats for adult chickens. They can eat a wide range of foods if prepared properly.

However, apply sense by cutting any food offered into small bits because of their body size.

• Eggs

Hard boiled eggs are one of the favorite treats for baby chicks. Eggs are something chicken keepers often have in abundance and they supply your growing babies with lots of protein.

I advise you mash it up before serving (it’s easier for them to pick apart).

• Cottage Cheese or Yogurt

Like yogurt, eggs, and cottage provide good protein as a treat for baby chickens. Yogurt also aids probiotics and supports good gut health.

Cottage cheese is one favorite treats of our birds, old and young.

Babies and adults alike love cottage cheese!

• Crickets, Worms, and Insects

Your chicks can enjoy worms in many forms.

Meal worms are easily available from the store and can be bred or devoured by your young ones.

Though it takes more work, you can also collect small insects or worms from your yard and feed your babies. This can even be more fun if you include your kids in the care of your flock.

• Veggies and Fruit

Crickets can either be bought or bought and then thrown into your chick brooder. Try this and stay back to watch the show occur.

Chicks will chase it till they catch it and rip it to shreds with their beak.

• Fruit and Veggies

Birds love strawberries, apples, grapes, cucumbers, kale, squash, tomatoes, and bananas. Remember to cut into the size for young birds.

Fruits like ripe stone fruit or watermelon might be okay to throw in whole as chicks might pick off pieces, but tougher ones should be cut into little sizes.

You should de-stem and chop up kale as a treat for baby chicks. For the adults, I you can throw in the whole plant into the run and they tear it apart.

Greens like grass clippings, clover, and dandelion greens have been enjoyed by our hens. Be sure you do not use chemicals to treat your lawn before feeding these to your flock.

• Spaghetti

Small pieces of spaghetti are an entertaining treat for your baby chicks!

They seem to think of them as baby worms, rushing in to grab a piece and running off with it dangling out of their mouths to snack on it alone.

We hope this list has given you lots of ideas of treats for baby chicks in your flock. The choice to make are very plenty. Just make sure to feed in moderation.

• Grated Carrot

Chicks go bananas when they see tis. You can even make them snack on it faster by mixing It with crumbled hard-boiled eggs yolk and garlic to make it more nutritious.

• Perches

As they get older, you can give them places to fly up unto and perch,

Slid your hands under them from behind, they should hop onto, and you can lift them into the air if you want to tame them.

• Dust Bath

Young chicks enjoy dirt baths when the dirt is soft.

Sun-bathing them an hour or two under the sun  will go a long way in keeping them energized and happy.

They will also be able to practice leave pecking and scratching outside.

Treats For Chickens In Winter

Winter treats can be nutritious and healthy plus kill boredom for you and your chickens. Herr are some ideas on how to turn food to a weapon to combat cold during the cold and unforgiving season.

Here are 6 simple winter treats to consider—always in moderation, of course.

• Scratch

Scratch, a blended mix of xracked corn and other whole grains, is the most essential winter chicken treat.

The energy needed to digest the scratch grains increases the bird’s body heat, helping them to feel warmer just when needed most.

Toss some on the ground too to help your flock exercise their slumverin foraging skills.

Want to know the best part?

You can make your own scratch with grains like millet, barley, oats and seeds, like sunflower, and pumpkin, and dried currants or raisings – all mixed together.

• Greens

It is no news that fresh vegetables and greens are in rather short supply in most locale during the winter months.

The absence of weeds, grass and other greens to forage can cause egg yolks to become pale and chicken lose their egg laying speed.

Growing cold-tolerant greens and healthy ones like Kale, spinach and chard will make sure there are sufficient greens for your birds all through.

• Worms like mealworms and Other Protein

The process of molting—losing and growing new feathers—often comes alongside fall and winter weather.

It’s one of the many perks of being a chicken, and both keepers and their chickens experience the bad side of molting.

The bad side is that those feathers take a lot of energy from the hen, often making your girls fend for extra protein sources. If the shorter days of winter haven’t caused a shorter production rate, the molting certainly will.

Supplementing your flock’s diet with protein, offered in mindful and cautious moderation, can be a wonderful way to supply your molting bird’s needs during this period.

Mealworms (live or dried) are and will always be an absolute favorite of nearly every backyard flock that’s ever been offered the luxury. Other sources of protein include canned (cooked) fish and scrambled eggs.

• Toasty, Tasty Treats

Warm oatmeal, jazzed up with some raisins or other small dried fruits, is a winter-only homemade treats for any flock.

Other warm options include split pea soup and cooked lentils. Dried oats, beans, and peas and legumes can often be found in the bulk section of your grocery store, making this an economical treat even if slightly time-consuming.

Some of these vegies require soaking before the cooking process begin, so be ready for a bit of preparation. For added mineral, protein, and nutrient boost, cook beans, lentils or peas in bone stock or beef broth.

• Cultured Yogurt

Gut health during winter especially when forage is slim, molting stress and cold temperatures can take its toll, boosting their gut flora will increase their overall immune system.

This also reduces the likelihood of getting attacked by parasites, lice and mites. Aside powdered probiotics, offering cultured yogurt is an easy and fun way to provide beneficial bacteria.

A mixture of yogurt, sunflower seeds, bits of scratch and raisins will keep them busy for hours. However, feed in moderation.

• Boredom Busters

Making boredom busters that fill their bellies and satisfies boredom is always great.

With fewer bugs to feast on, snowy days and less in the way of greenery that leave the hens restless, winter boredom isn’t just a frustration: It can cause behavioral problems ranging from mild pecking to fatal cannibalism.

Yes, treats alone won’t keep or stop them from pecking one another.

To reduce the chances of this happening, make sure there are sufficient space requirements inside the coop and other things aren’t causing undue stress.

Distractions are fun when the weather is too harsh to play outside. You can run for an edible chicken-piñata or hang heads of cabbage from the ceiling of the coop.

Cut open winter squash (pumpkins and butternut are my favorite because of their rich-nutrients) and let the girls do down on the flesh and seeds.

Plain spaghetti and cooked spaghetti, lack nutritional value but are very entertaining chicken treats for my girls as they chase one another as they try to steal the spaghetti.

Winter is one period that included rejuvenation and rest; It’s also a time that tests your resourcefulness. So get creative and have loads of fun with feeding your treats.

But now let us hear from you. What healthy chicken treats do you feed your flock? What are the pros of the treats you feed? Can you give us an estimate of how much it will cost to make? And please, if you are willing, we’d love you to share the recipes for your treats via the comments section below!