Official BYC Poll: What’s your favorite winter treat to give your chickens?

[pecky33]

Turkey……..

CANNIBALISM

Chickens are omnivores. When our coop had some mice problems, we’d catch them in live traps then free them in front of the girls, who would chase after them then eat them!

 

[pecky33]

It's so odd that people cook eggs for chickens

It does sound funny, but they LOVE it!

 

[No Coop No Problem]

It does sound funny, but they LOVE it!

They also love raw eggs, bugs, mice, lizards, dead bodies and dog poop. I just don't see the point of cooking for a scavenger. It's like cooking for a vulture

 

[pecky33]

They also love raw eggs, bugs, mice, lizards, dead bodies and dog poop. I just don't see the point of cooking for a scavenger. It's like cooking for a vulture

True. I usually only give them eggs if someone didn’t finish theirs at breakfast. I don’t often cooked some specifically to feed to them.

I had no idea they ate dog poop!?

Avoid allowing them to eat raw eggs, though, as they may get into the habit of breaking and eating their own.

 

[talkinboutchickens]

I mostly give my babies scratch We also had some black oil sunflower seeds and some other bird feed on hand so I mixed those two with the scratch, then added some dried mealies, grit, and feed pellets. This creates a mix that I can sprinkle out whenever I'd like. Chickens love it but they tend to pick out the "good parts" such as the scratch and the tiny bird seeds, and they save the feed and sunflower seeds for lastThey pretty much refuse to eat the grit.

 

[fuzzi]

I mostly give my babies scratch We also had some black oil sunflower seeds and some other bird feed on hand so I mixed those two with the scratch, then added some dried mealies, grit, and feed pellets. This creates a mix that I can sprinkle out whenever I'd like. Chickens love it but they tend to pick out the "good parts" such as the scratch and the tiny bird seeds, and they save the feed and sunflower seeds for lastThey pretty much refuse to eat the grit.

Are the sunflower seeds with or without shells?

 

[AntiqueB]

Warm oatmeal, with cinnamon and a touch of vanilla. They go nuts for it.

They also probably get a few more mealwroms in winter.

They get mash daily, every season, with some herbs and sunflower seeds sprinkled in.

 

[Fwoof]

Winter is the perfect time to spoil your flock with delicious and nutritious treats that help keep them warm and happy. From warm oatmeal to protein-packed snacks, there’s no shortage of creative options to brighten your chickens’ day during the cold season.

What’s your go-to winter treat for your feathered friends? Share your favorite and see what treats other chicken keepers love to serve!

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Further Reading:

• Chicken Treat Chart: The Best Treats for Backyard Chickens
• Top 8 "Special" Chicken Treats
• Feeding Treats to Chickens in Moderation: What You Need to Know
• 16 Healthy Chicken Treats
• Treats for chicks

(Check out more exciting Official BYC Polls HERE!)

My flock is always happy about mealworms and sunflower seeds, I feed them year round but they always appreciate some extra in wintertime.

 

[Shabby Chic-Hens]

I usually give them little balls of snow with fruit/corn stuck in it. Gives them water and fun

 

[Desertvalleychickens]

I love to sprout seeds and/or grains for my chickens. I also feed them many different kitchen scraps.