What are good treats for my chickens?

[kiyomi]

What are some treats to give to chickens that are healthy for them? Is bread okay? I won't be feeding them this stuff everyday all of the time, but it is nice to know

 

[PD-Riverman]

Some go way out and buy all kind of treats for their chicken(babies)---a lot of things!! That's good if that's what they want. I feed my chickens a good factory feed designed for their age---plus I do throw them some bread, table scraps, vegetable(water mellon this morning, sliced cucumbers yesterday) but I do not Over do it---their main feed is factory feed which keeps them in good shape and good laying for the layers.

 

[Pork Pie]

Here's a search I just did - https://www.backyardchickens.com/search/1040524/?q=Treats+for+chickens&o=date&c[title_only]=1

My flock range the garden, so between that and their proprietary feed i reckon they are fine. I do feed millet as a treat, just to maintain a way of being able to get them into the run, should the need arise.

 

[SpaghettiJo]

Here's a helpful article on the site!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...-the-best-treats-for-backyard-chickens.47738/

I just fed my chickens some Greek yogurt mixed with a little dry oatmeal for the first time and they absolutely LOVED it!!

 

[PD-Riverman]

Everyone should feed/treat/their chickens Like they Want---just do not over do it----to much-----Is just To Much. As far as all these snacks, treats, yogurt, dried worms----picture this----with 67 chicken pens and over 1200 chickens at times----Its just not cost effective to buy ALL those treats!!! LOL

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

I saw some advice on here that I am now following. ONLY give scratch as a way to call your chickens when you need them to come to you. I was giving it to them just for fun, now its in a shaker for when I call them.

Gary

 

[MamaHen1616]

A better question would probably be "what can't they eat?"

If you want to know about that, I have an article here for you:

http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2013/04/7-things-you-shouldnt-feed-your-chickens.html


Good luck!!

 

[jeria]

Mine really like edible weeds and mint. Creeping Charley (mint family) lambs quarters, mint I have it growing everywhere. Also chopped hard boiled egg. Mostly I'm tossing them some weeds every day as they are stuck in the brooder until my coop is done. They like them better than greens that I'm growing in the garden. LOL

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

We have our chickens trained to follow us to the grain bin, and then we sprinkle some cracked corn on the ground for them. They love it!

 

[lazy gardener]

My birds only get kitchen scraps: strawberry hulls, veggie peelings, always egg shells! stale bread, fridge clean out day: still edible but not desireable. Sour milk. It's cheaper for me to buy a gallon of milk and throw some away than it is to buy smaller containers. I'm trying to freeze surplus, but freezer space is limited. Lots of garden weeds get tossed into the cockrel grow out pen. Lawn mower clippings go into the runs for bedding, compost and foraging.

Mostly, they rely on fermented processed feed, and free ranging.