What scraps are alright?

[groleau6]

I have seen several people say they feed their chickens supper scraps. I was wondering what's alright and what isn't? I had some left over lettuce, corn, and some broken tortillas. Am I right in thinking they are alright in feeding these to my chickens?

 

[azelgin]

Those and many more things are fine.
We feed our chickens just about anything, from old freezer items, to leftover thanksgiving dinner. Yesterday they got frozen shrimp, old blueberries, freezer burned squash, old chicken nuggets, bananas, green chilies, jalapenos. . . . Well, you get the picture. They're great recyclers.

 

[Judy]

They can eat most anything you eat, other than chocolate. Avoid more than very small amounts of fatty or salty foods as they can easily get too much of these. Most veggie and fruit scraps are also fine, except it is said not to feed raw potato peels. Citrus is debatable. Also, be sure the pieces are mall enough for them to swallow with ease, especially with young chicks.

Here is a chart:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-treat-chart-the-best-treats-for-backyard-chickens

 

[azelgin]

Citrus is debatable.

It's ended up in their yard. One of the few things they wouldn't eat. Also, the can't seem to chew carrots.

 

[Themehmeh]

Citrus is debatable because some people think it affects egg production which in turn might mean it's unhealthy for birds but I feed my birds multiple mandarin oranges all the time. Not only do they enjoy them, they didn't seem to have any noticeable production issues either. They eat everything, peel and all. Bananas however,gave them runny poops.

 

[kellyh1103]

At what age can you start giving chicks "treats"?

 

[Judy]

There isn't a good single answer for that, either. Some feel they should not get them at all til mature. Some give them almost right away. If you give them when young, be sure they have a source of sand or other fine grit, and be sure the pieces are small enough. A common early treat is a little plain yogurt mixed with chick feed; discard what isn't eaten in half an hour or so.

Treats are used to help train or tame them or just for the fun of it, but it is not necessary to give them at all. Keep in mind you are altering their nutritional intake, so keep the quantity small, if you give them.

 

[kellyh1103]

Thank you! That is very helpful! I am new to this and didn't want to "mess things up" for the cuties!