What veggies do chickens like?

It took me years to figure why I didn’t like Indian food. I’m now starting to cautiously cook it at home, because without that rank cilantro taste coating everything, I can start tasting the amazing spice flavors.
Dont mean to hijack, but in my time in India, they use both- but for you to avoid it, here are some tips: Avoid green chnutney- green chutney (hari chutney), where it’s blended with mint, chili, lime, and salt. And often blended with yogurt, garlic, and spices for paneer marinades (not usually meat). You can tell by the green coloration- likely with spinach.

However since you can tolerate the corriander (everyone I think can) once it is ground into powder- it a staple spice, added to almost everything from vegetable curries to lentils.

But next time- try taking the whole seeds and separately (before adding strait to the dish) -- lightly toasting in oil (called tadka) to release aroma; adds a nutty, citrus undertone. No more cilantro or coriander undertones, but still maintains a nice flavorful dish as you created a different flavor all-together :)
 
Dont mean to hijack, but in my time in India, they use both- but for you to avoid it, here are some tips: Avoid green chnutney- green chutney (hari chutney), where it’s blended with mint, chili, lime, and salt. And often blended with yogurt, garlic, and spices for paneer marinades (not usually meat). You can tell by the green coloration- likely with spinach.

However since you can tolerate the corriander (everyone I think can) once it is ground into powder- it a staple spice, added to almost everything from vegetable curries to lentils.

But next time- try taking the whole seeds and separately (before adding strait to the dish) -- lightly toasting in oil (called tadka) to release aroma; adds a nutty, citrus undertone. No more cilantro or coriander undertones, but still maintains a nice flavorful dish as you created a different flavor all-together :)
I pretty compulsively read labels! My hatred of cilantro is nothing compared to one of my grandsons' life-threatening allergies to dairy and eggs.

We're really fortunate to have a James Beard-award-winning chef living in my city who, along with his restaurants, founded and runs a freshly-ground spice and herb factory in town called Spicewallah. Check out the ingredients list in his piri piri blend:
1760453620974.png
 
Did you start your chicks on food other than their crumbles when they were babies? I had a flock that I failed to do so, and they never seemed to recognize kitchen scraps as food. I think it was spaghetty that was the aha! moment for them finally lol.
 
I pretty compulsively read labels! My hatred of cilantro is nothing compared to one of my grandsons' life-threatening allergies to dairy and eggs.

We're really fortunate to have a James Beard-award-winning chef living in my city who, along with his restaurants, founded and runs a freshly-ground spice and herb factory in town called Spicewallah. Check out the ingredients list in his piri piri blend:
View attachment 4232429
Looks more Portuguese than indian. And more porterhouse has more citrus notes- I would expect a bit different. But if it tastes good!

Edit: oops. I didnt read the top portion. I just read the ingredients.
 
Looks more Portuguese than indian. And more porterhouse has more citrus notes- I would expect a bit different. But if it tastes good!

Edit: oops. I didnt read the top portion. I just read the ingredients.
He has everything, including Middle Eastern spices and US barbecue rubs. He's a spice and herb junkie.

I once made a pickup during Covid lock-down, and they met me at the back door of the factory, and that's when I first smelled those amazing aromas. I add garam masala to the nest boxes now! lol
 
Did you start your chicks on food other than their crumbles when they were babies? I had a flock that I failed to do so, and they never seemed to recognize kitchen scraps as food. I think it was spaghetty that was the aha! moment for them finally lol.
Did one pick it up and run around like a insane monkey and they all ran after? I am imagining chickens playing tug of war and 'tag' with a spaghetti noodle and laughing out loud.
 
He has everything, including Middle Eastern spices and US barbecue rubs. He's a spice and herb junkie.

I once made a pickup during Covid lock-down, and they met me at the back door of the factory, and that's when I first smelled those amazing aromas. I add garam masala to the nest boxes now! lol
Yeah, mehr is a nice guy. Im glad you enjoy his products!
 
Have you met him??
I think we’re hijacking the thread a bit—but when I burned out from science years ago, summary: I switched gears completely and became an executive chef and restaurateur. I even won a few awards along the way. Eventually, after being diagnosed with an autoimmune condition and my body finally giving out, I decided to return to my scientific roots (DSc, Aves)—this time on my own terms. I founded a nonprofit focused on research, education, and veterinary support for the specialized avian community, allowing me to work remotely while helping birds around the world. But I specialize in hookbills but still work with passerines as I did a majority of my physical studies with finches in the middle east and asia. Now I have my own chickens but see them in clinic all the time. Blah blah.

Anyways, back to the OP: I also find it helpful when they are young- to put a grater to veggies- not too wet, and keep them separate so they can explore. Like this I am now making for my itty bitty chicks just now- I did zucchini, bok choy, cranberry, herbs and carrot:

Screenshot 2025-10-14 at 11.17.50 AM.png

Screenshot 2025-10-14 at 11.18.12 AM.png

I made sure they still have full access to crumbles all day- especially morning and night. Grit (dust bath material basically from outside) and fresh water in ceramic (plastic seems to get cooties faster). .
 
I pretty compulsively read labels! My hatred of cilantro is nothing compared to one of my grandsons' life-threatening allergies to dairy and eggs.

We're really fortunate to have a James Beard-award-winning chef living in my city who, along with his restaurants, founded and runs a freshly-ground spice and herb factory in town called Spicewallah. Check out the ingredients list in his piri piri blend:
View attachment 4232429
Who is this JBA-winning chef?
 

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