Please do not count on chickens knowing what is bad for them. We will start off with a list of Things to Never feed your hens:
Earthworms- Chickens may find and eat them themselves, however eating earthworms may cause Gapeworm, so please do not dig them up and feed them to your chickens!
Citrus Fruit- Chickens may not be given any type of citrus.
Candy, Chocolate, Anything Salty or Sugar- These are bad for their digestive systems and can even kill them
Do not feed your chickens anything moldy.
Chickens need a lot of protein and calcium to lay eggs, and the food we supply ensures they get all of that. Given this, it is still fun to watch them eat treats, so please feel free to give them some, but only in moderation! Chickens have different likes and dislikes, so they might not eat everything, however all of the items listed below are worth a try. The chart below indicates that starch may be given to them in moderation, but we recommend not giving them any type of breads or starch.
Treat
Apples
Asparagus
Bananas
Beans
Beets
Berries
Breads
Cabbage & Brussels Sprouts
Broccoli & Cauliflower
Carrots
Peas
Pasta or Macaroni
Oatmeal
Melon
Meat Scraps
Meal Worms
Lettuce or Kale
"Leftovers"
Grits
Grapes
Grains
Fruit
Flowers
Fish/Seafood
Eggplant
Cucumbers
Crickets (alive)
Corn
Cheese
Cereal
Type
General Opinions
Raw and Applesauce
Only feed your chickens that which is still considered edible by humans- no spoiled, moldy, oily, salty etc food!
Cooked
Seedless only! For chicks, cut them in half- it makes it easier for them to swallow.
Bulgar, Flax, Niger, Wheatberries, etc.
Pears, Peaches, Cherries! Anything that is not citrus!
Make sure they have not been treated with pesticides, such as florist flowers might be.
Cooked only
These can be bought at pet supply stores
On the cob, canned, raw or cooked
including Cottage Cheese
Cheerios, Corn Flakes, etc.
Raw or Cooked
Whole Head
Raw or Cooked
All kinds- good use for stale bread rolls
Any and every kind- Blueberries, Strawberries, Blackberries, Boysenberry, etc!
Greens also
Well cooked only- Never Dry
Without the peel
Raw or Cooked
Apple seeds contain cyanide but not in sufficient quantities to harm
A favorite treat but not much nutrition. It's fun to watch them eat it.
Cooked is nutritionally better. Great treat on a cold winter day!
Both seeds and flesh make great treats
In moderation- a good source of protein
One of their favorite treats and a great source of protein
A big treat depending on how much other greens they have access to
Marigolds, Pansies, etc.
Let the cucumbers mature for yummy seeds and flesh
Great treat! Provides protein and its fun to watch the chickens catch them
Feed in moderation- this is fatty, but a good source of protein and calcium
Avoid highly sugared cereals!
They also enjoy the greens
Hang a whole cabbage from their coop ceiling in the winter, so they have greens and entertainment.
You can tuck this into a suet feeder and they will peck at it all day!
This should only be given on rare occasions as food starches need to be kept in moderation.
Chickens love all types of berries- A cause of many entertaining chicken keep-away games!
Also green beans
High in potassium. A great treat
Okay to feed, but not a favorite
Any leafy greens, spinach collards, chickweed included
Plain or flavored
Served Cold- can keep chickens cool and hydrated during hot summer days!
Cooked
Raw and Cooked
With or without shell is fine
Wheat and Oat Sprouts are great
Chicken Scratch is cracked corn with grains such as wheat, oats and rye mixed in.
Cooked Only
Raw or Cooked
Cooked only. Avoid the green parts of peels! Can also eat yams.
Popped Popcorn without butter or salt
Raw
Peas and Pea Tendrils and Flowers
Cooked spaghetti, etc.
Raw or cooked
Not too fatty
Peppers- Bell
Turnips
Tomatoes
Sunflower Seeds
Summer or Winter Squash
Sprouts
Scratch
Rice
Raisins
Pumpkins
Potatoes/ Sweet Potatoes
Popcorn
Pomegranate
Watermelon
Yogurt
Zucchini
Seeds are a big treat!
Starchy- not much nutrition
Both seeds and flesh are a nutritious treat.
Pilaf mixes are okay too. Plain white rice has little nutrition.
Treat during cold weather, not a complete meal! Toss on ground to give them something to do.
Good for greens in mid-winter.
Yellow Squash not a huge favorite but okay to feed.
A good treat that helps hens lay eggs and grow healthy feathers.
Not a huge favorite
Seeds and Flesh are both okay to feed
A big favorite and good for their digestive systems- Plain is much better!
General Opinions
Available at pet supply stores or on the internet
Cantelope, etc.
This list was created using the Backyard Chicken Forum
- Chicken Treats -
