List Of Foods Chickens Can Eat

FoodYes/In Moderation
BananasYes
ApplesYes
TomatoesYes
CeleryYes
GrassYes
CucumberYes
Potato PeelingsIn moderation
BlackberriesYes
OrangesYes
PeasYes
CauliflowerYes
RaspberriesYes
AsparagusYes
StrawberriesIn moderation
MangoYes
BeetrootYes
MushroomsIn moderation
MealwormsIn moderation
KaleYes
PeppersIn moderation
CherriesYes
ParsnipsYes
LettuceIn moderation
CheeseIn moderation
GrapesIn moderation
RaisinsIn moderation
PlumsIn moderation
MelonIn moderation
Rice In moderation
KiwiIn moderation
BlueberriesYes
CornYes
Cooked BeansIn moderation
CilantroYes
EchinaceaYes
EggshellsYes
CarrotsYes
BasilYes
BroccoliYes
Brussels SproutsYes
CabbageYes
ChamomileYes

Chickens are curious creatures with an appetite for a wide variety of foods. If you’re a backyard chicken owner, it’s important to know what you can feed your feathered friends to ensure their health and happiness. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive list of safe and chicken-friendly foods, so you can give your flock the best diet possible.

When it comes to feeding chickens, it’s essential to offer a balanced and nutritious diet. While chickens are omnivores and can eat a variety of meats, insects, fruits, nuts, and vegetables, there are certain foods that should be avoided. By knowing what foods are safe and healthy for your chickens, you can make informed decisions about what to feed them.

So, what can chickens eat? The answer is quite extensive! Chickens can enjoy a range of delicious treats such as mealworms, fruits, vegetables, and herbs. These options provide them with essential nutrients and enrichment. However, it’s crucial to be aware of what foods to avoid feeding your chickens to prevent any potential harm.

Stay tuned as we delve into the best treats for chickens, explore their natural diet, and discuss what foods should never be given to our beloved feathered friends. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to keep your chickens well-fed and thriving.

The Best Treats For Chickens

When it comes to treating your chickens, it’s important to provide them with healthy and nutritious options. Offering treats not only keeps them entertained but also ensures they receive a well-rounded diet. Here are some wonderful options for healthy treats that your chickens will love:

Mealworms

Mealworms are a fantastic treat for chickens as they are packed with protein, which is crucial for their growth and development, especially during molt. These wriggly creatures are also a great source of vitamins and minerals.

One option for acquiring mealworms is to raise your own. This cost-effective approach guarantees a consistent supply of these nutritious treats for your flock. Alternatively, Rainbow Mealworms is a reputable company that offers live mealworms at affordable prices.

Fruits

Chickens adore various fruits, which provide them with essential vitamins and antioxidants. You can offer your feathered friends treats such as sliced apples, grapes, berries, watermelon, and oranges. Remember to remove any seeds or pits to prevent choking.

Vegetables

Including vegetables in your chickens’ treats is a fantastic way to introduce a diverse range of nutrients into their diet. Popular options include cucumbers, lettuce, carrots, broccoli, and peas. These crunchy and refreshing treats contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of your flock.

Herbs

Adding herbs to your chickens’ treats not only provides flavor but also brings numerous health benefits. Some herbs that are safe and beneficial for chickens include parsley, basil, mint, oregano, and thyme. You can offer them fresh or dried.

Incorporating a variety of treats into your chickens’ diet not only keeps them happy but also ensures they receive a balanced and nutritious meal. Remember to offer treats in moderation to maintain their overall health and prevent any negative impacts on their diet. With these healthy treat options, your feathered companions will be delighted!

Treats for Chickens: A Comparison

TreatsNutritional BenefitsRecommended Frequency
MealwormsHigh in protein, vitamins, and minerals2-3 times per week
FruitsRich in vitamins and antioxidants2-3 times per week
VegetablesProvide essential nutrients and fiberEvery other day
HerbsOffer medicinal benefits and add flavor2-3 times per week

What Chickens Can Eat

Chickens have a diverse and adaptable palate, allowing them to safely enjoy a wide range of foods. From fruits and vegetables to grains and proteins, chickens can thrive on a natural and varied diet. Here are some of the foods that chickens can eat:

  • Acorn squash
  • Alfalfa
  • Almonds
  • Apple
  • Apricot
  • Artichoke
  • Asparagus
  • Banana
  • Basil
  • Beans
  • Beets
  • Bell pepper
  • Bird seed
  • Black soldier fly larvae
  • Blueberries
  • Bread
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Cantaloupe
  • Carrots
  • Cat food
  • Cauliflower
  • Celery
  • Cheese
  • Cherries
  • Chia seed
  • Chicken bones and cooked chicken
  • Chili
  • Chives
  • Coconut
  • Corn
  • Cornbread
  • Cottage cheese
  • Cranberries
  • Crickets
  • Cucumber
  • Dog food
  • Edamame
  • Eggs
  • Eggplant
  • Fish
  • Flax seed
  • French fries (in moderation)
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Goat food
  • Grapes
  • Grapefruit
  • Grass cuttings
  • Green beans
  • Green peppers
  • Grits
  • Ham (in moderation)
  • Honey
  • Honeydew
  • Kale
  • Kidney beans
  • Kiwi
  • Lemon
  • Lettuce
  • Maggots (avoid)
  • Mango
  • Meat scraps
  • Minnows
  • Mushrooms (store-bought only)
  • Nightcrawlers
  • Nuts
  • Oatmeal
  • Oats
  • Okra
  • Olives
  • Orange
  • Oregano
  • Papaya
  • Pasta
  • Peaches
  • Peanuts
  • Pear
  • Peas
  • Pecans
  • Pepper seed and peppers
  • Pickles (in moderation)
  • Pineapple
  • Plum
  • Pomegranate
  • Popcorn (popped and unpopped)
  • Porridge
  • Potato (cooked or mashed)
  • Pumpkin
  • Quinoa
  • Radishes
  • Raisins
  • Raspberries
  • Raw chicken (cooked only)
  • Rhubarb (avoid)
  • Rice (cooked only)
  • Rodent
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Seaweed
  • Shrimp
  • Snails
  • Spinach
  • Squash
  • Strawberries
  • String beans
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Sweet potato
  • Tomato
  • Turkey carcass (cooked only)
  • Walnuts
  • Watermelon
  • Wheat
  • Wheat berries
  • Xylitol (avoid)
  • Yam
  • Yogurt
  • Zucchini

It’s important to note that while chickens can enjoy a wide variety of foods, there are some foods that should be avoided to ensure their health and safety. These include alcohol, raw amaranth, avocado, butter, chocolate, citrus fruits, coffee grounds, dry beans, eggplant leaves, raw eggs, mushrooms (wild), onions, raw chicken, and xylitol. Providing your chickens with a natural and balanced diet will help them thrive and maintain optimal health.

What Not To Feed Chickens

While chickens can eat a variety of kitchen scraps and leftovers, it’s important to be aware of the foods that can be toxic to them. Avoid feeding your chickens alcohol, raw amaranth, and avocado (except for the flesh). Certain foods like butter, chocolate, and citrus fruits can be controversial and may have adverse effects on chickens. Other items to avoid include coffee or tea (due to caffeine), dry beans, eggplant or pepper leaves, and fried food.

Maggots should also be avoided as they pose a risk of botulism, while large amounts of onions can cause anemia in chickens. Raw chicken and raw eggs may encourage egg eating, so it’s best to avoid feeding them to your flock. Rhubarb contains oxalic acid, stone fruit pits and apple seeds contain cyanide, and tomato leaves or green fruit contain solanine, all of which can be toxic to chickens.

Additionally, it’s important to steer clear of feeding your chickens uncooked potato or rice, as they have the potential to cause blockages. Wild mushrooms should be strictly off-limits, as well as xylitol, which is toxic to all pets. By avoiding these foods and providing a safe and healthy diet, you can help ensure the well-being and health of your chickens.

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