Chickens don't want to be spoiled..

[ChickenCanoe]

Even mature chickens will be wary of anything they've never seen. But have patience and be glad your chicks like the nutritionally complete feed. They're tiny animals at that age and can't eat a lot. As healthy as broccoli and fruit is, at this age, I'd rather they have the right balance of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fats and energy chicks are known to need.

 

[bawkbawkbawk]

You can't blame them for hating broccoli. It shows intelligence

 

[Mary8]

Mine are rather picky on scraps too. They love cucumbers cut in half and will eat down to the skin and fresh corn on the cob. Most greens they ignore! And they love meat scraps

 

[Lazy J Farms Feed & Hay]

Feeding the Flock Raiser is more important than the scraps.

 

[SavKel&RynKel]

So we've tried a few foods now. They always come to see what treats we have, even when our hands are empty. Corn and watermelon are popular. Meat has been fought over but no fish yet. Also haven't tried any starches but found a good list of treats here on the site.

 

[Patinas]

Often, when my flock was young, they were very wary of every treat I tried to feed them so my advice is, just keep at it. As suggested, chop up hard veggies like the Brocc, Cauliflower, carrots, etc. I even chop up the lettuce and spinach that I feed mine. Bite size pieces mean less risk of things getting stuck in the crop longer than it should.

I also make a treat mash for my flock made with oatmeal, groats, a little ground flax, chia seeds, red wheat and a 10 grain cereal. I mix it with canned pumpkin and some molasses. It keeps in the fridge for a good week. They love it and it's cheap to make because I buy everything bulk.

When they get a bit older, offer them meat. I give mine rinsed canned tuna occasionally and they go wild for it. I also feed meal worms.

Know that eventually, they will eat the treats you offer and will most likely, look forward to treat time. They're just slow to try new things when they're very young but eventually, their curiosity wins out and they start tasting stuff and then they're hooked!

Usually, it takes one brave chicken to try it and then they all want it!

 

[TattooedChicks]

Try scrambled eggs, my young chicks loved that when I wanted to spoil them with a little extra protein.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I put my veggie scraps in a suet holder, that seems to entice them more than just throwing it in a dish.
Sometimes if you keep offering the good stuff, they will eventually try it and like it.

 

[Criticalicious]

OK I feel better now. Mine are coming on 8 weeks and they've turned down nearly every people-food "treat" I've offered. But perhaps they'll learn to like them as they get older. I've tried strawberries, grapes, melon, blueberries, kale, and even a scrambled egg mashed up with shell. Zero interest! Mealworms on the other hand? Watch your fingers!

 

[ukype270win]

OK I feel better now. Mine are coming on 8 weeks and they've turned down nearly every people-food "treat" I've offered. But perhaps they'll learn to like them as they get older. I've tried strawberries, grapes, melon, blueberries, kale, and even a scrambled egg mashed up with shell. Zero interest! Mealworms on the other hand? Watch your fingers!

Funny because my girls love broccoli and will play keep away with it. Mealworms - they don't quite know what to do with them. I was just curious and tried a few things. They are 9 - 10 weeks now and still "chicken" when I go to the pen. Usually they fly up to the house, but eventually, one or three will wander out to see me. I guess I am not going to worry about it. As much as I love animals - I should have been a vet - these are for eggs. The most important thing for them is the nutrients they get in the organic grower feed I give them.