8 Best Chicken Treats Your Flock Will Love
8 Best Chicken Treats Your Flock Will Love
When it comes to keeping your chickens happy and healthy, a few well-chosen treats can make a big difference.
High-protein options like dried mealworms are ideal, especially during moulting, but fresh vegetables, fruits, and even herbs can also provide a balanced boost.
In this list, we’ll cover the best treats you can offer your chickens, from high-protein options to DIY snack ideas.
Remember, treats should only make up about 10% of their diet. This is about 2 tablespoons per day for a laying hen, so moderation is key. The rest should be layer feed.
Looking for the best protein-rich snack? Order Dine-A-Chook Dried Mealworms here and give your flock the fuel they need!
1. Dried Mealworms
One of the top treats for chickens is dried mealworms. These high-protein snacks are perfect for moulting season or whenever your flock needs an extra protein boost.
Chickens go wild for mealworms, and they’re a fantastic way to encourage foraging behaviour. Toss some into their coop or run and watch the excitement!
Order Dried Mealworms from Dine-A-Chook here
2. Black Soldier Fly Larvae
If you're looking for a nutrient-packed alternative to mealworms, dried black soldier fly larvae are a great option.
These larvae are rich in protein and calcium, which makes them especially beneficial for laying hens. Just like mealworms, they’re an exciting treat that encourages chickens to scratch and forage.
Order Black Soldier Fly Larvae from Dine-A-Chook here
3. Fresh Vegetables
Vegetables are a healthy and safe treat for chickens.
Some of the best choices include:
- Broccoli
- Leafy greens like kale, spinach and swiss chard
- Peas
- Beets
- Pumpkins and squash are also great options, with the added benefit of acting as natural dewormers.
For a fun twist, hang a whole vegetable like a snack piñata and let your chickens peck away for both nutrition and entertainment.
4. Fruits
Fruits can be given as an occasional treat, with watermelon, apples (without seeds), strawberries, and blueberries being popular choices.
Be careful not to overdo it, though, as too much fruit can lead to excess sugar in their diet.
Hanging apple slices in the coop can provide a fun snack that promotes pecking and keeps your chickens entertained.
5. Herbs
Herbs like oregano, mint, and parsley are more than just tasty snacks for chickens—they also offer health benefits.
Oregano, for example, is known for its immune-boosting properties, while mint can help with digestion.
You can even create a herb garland by hanging bunches of fresh herbs in the coop for your chickens to nibble on throughout the day.
Our foraging greens seed mix contains many herbs, greens, and flowers your birds will love to peck on!
6. DIY Chicken Treats
Special homemade treats can be a great way to bond with your flock and provide extra nutrition. DIY chicken treats can also be a great way to celebrate their birthday if you’re into that!
Some DIY treat ideas:
- Try making a simple snack like a “chicken cake” using ingredients like peanut butter, oats, and mealworms.
- Roll peanut butter and oats into snack bombs and freeze them for a refreshing summer treat.
- Hang fruit and veggies from the coop’s ceiling with some string to make a “chicken piñata”. This will keep your hens entertained as well!
You can also add dried mealworms or black soldier fly larvae to your homemade creations for an extra protein boost.
7. Grains and Other Snacks
Oatmeal is a favourite winter treat for chickens, providing warmth and nutrition during the colder months. You can mix in black soldier fly larvae or mealworms to up the protein content.
Other grains like wheat and cracked corn can be offered in moderation to give your chickens a satisfying snack, especially in the colder months when they need more energy.
You can find many grain mixes in your pet store. However, these kinds of scratch grain feed mixes should only be kept as a treat, not as their main source of nutrition.
8. Yogurt
You can give your chickens small amounts of plain, unsweetened yogurt as a probiotic-rich treat. A probiotic powder is another good way to boost your flock’s digestive health.
The probiotics in yogurt are great for the chicken’s digestion and overall health, but too much yogurt can make them have problems like diarrhoea.
If you want to get fancy, you can mix some berries into the yogurt to make a parfait!
Treats to Avoid for Chickens
Not all foods are safe for chickens, and some can be downright harmful. Here are a few treats to steer clear of:
- Avocado pits and skins – They contain persin, which is toxic to chickens.
- Undercooked or dried beans – These contain hemagglutinin, which affects digestion.
- Rhubarb – Contains anthraquinones and oxalic acid, both toxic to chickens.
- White, red, and yellow potatoes – These are part of the nightshade family and should be avoided.
- Garlic and onions – While not toxic, these can affect the flavour of eggs.
- Moldy, rotten, or very salty foods – These can cause digestive issues and should be avoided entirely.
We have written a more complete list of foods chickens can’t eat. Read that one next!
Final Thoughts: Balance, Variety, and Nutrition
Providing treats for your chickens can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s important to strike the right balance.
Stick to the 90/10 rule. 90% of your chickens' diet should be complete feed, with treats making up no more than 10%. Overfeeding treats can dilute essential nutrients and potentially cause health issues, so moderation is key.
Be mindful of seasonal needs as well. Frozen treats like cool-down blocks are perfect for hot summers, while hearty, warm snacks like oatmeal or moulting fuel can help keep your chickens warm and energized during winter. Offering treats that encourage natural foraging behaviour, such as hanging vegetables or fruit, not only provides entertainment but also mental stimulation.
Whether you’re treating your flock to high-protein Dine-A-Chook Dried Mealworms or getting creative with DIY snacks, the goal is to keep your chickens healthy, happy, and entertained. Just remember, variety and moderation are the keys to a balanced and nutritious treat routine.
For more information, read our complete guide for feeding backyard chickens.
