Chickens are omnivores that enjoy a wide variety of foods. As a chicken owner it’s important to understand what you should and shouldn’t feed your flock. Providing a balanced diet with treats in moderation will keep your chickens happy and healthy.
The Basics: Chicken Feed and Supplements
The staple of a chicken’s diet should be a complete commercial chicken feed that provides all the protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals they need. Look for feeds formulated specifically for each life stage – starters for chicks, growers for pullets, layers for hens and maintenance for adult roosters and non-laying hens.
You can supplement commercial feed with treats up to 10% of their daily diet Some common supplements include oyster shells for calcium, grit for digestion, treats like cracked corn and flock blocks for boredom relief Sprouted grains and seeds also make excellent supplements.
Bugs and Insects
Insects provide natural protein and are a huge treat for chickens. When free-ranging, chickens will hunt for bugs. You can also buy dried insects or catch your own to feed. Crickets, mealworms, grubs and maggots are favorites. Avoid feeding chickens houseflies due to disease risks.
Weeds, Plants and Flowers
Chickens relish fresh greens. They’ll eat most garden weeds and plants, including dandelion, clover, grasses, marigold, plantain and wild violets. Avoid toxic plants like nightshade. You can offer fresh-picked greens daily. Growing some chicken-friendly plants provides free food.
Healthy Kitchen Scraps
Chickens love kitchen scraps. Almost all leftovers and table scraps like cooked grains, bread, cheese, yogurt, meat, bones, fruit and veggies can go into their feed. Avoid moldy, rotten or processed foods. Cook potatoes, dry beans or hard veggies to soften them first.
Limited Animal Products
Chickens will catch mice, small snakes and even baby birds if allowed to free range. While animal protein is healthy, use caution providing it since wild animals can carry diseases. Also avoid feeding chickens prey that’s been poisoned.
Fruits and Vegetables
Garden fruits and veggies make great chicken treats. Offer produce raw, cooked or dried. Favorites include leafy greens, berries, melons, corn, peas, beets, herbs and broccoli. Remove pits, seeds and rinds. Chop large pieces to chick-sized bites. Avoid raw potatoes and green tomatoes.
Grains and Legumes
Cooked rice, pasta, oats, barley, quinoa and wheat in moderation are healthy treats. Limit dry beans and peas until cooked to reduce lectins. Offer scratch grains like corn, wheat or oats sparingly – they’re like candy to chickens!
Healthy Fats and Proteins
In moderation, foods like eggs, seeds, nuts, fish and seafood provide valuable fats and proteins. Crack eggs or soak seeds to make them easier to digest. Avoid unhealthy fats from fried foods, grease or junk food.
Fruits and Berries
Chickens enjoy fruits like apple, berries, melon, stone fruits and citrus. Remove pits, seeds and rinds. Offer frozen or fresh. Fruits are high in sugars, so feed as treats, not daily diet staples.
Dairy Products
Small amounts of cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese and other dairy are usually well-tolerated. Avoid milk since poultry are lactose intolerant. Feed only plain, unsweetened dairy.
Avoid Toxic Foods
Some human foods can be toxic to chickens. Avoid chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, raw green potato skins, dried beans, avocado, onions, moldy foods and salt/sugar. Houseplants and ornamental flowers may also be toxic. When in doubt, don’t feed it!
Provide Free-Choice Foods
Keep oyster shells, grit and clean water available at all times so chickens can self-regulate these needs. Chickens won’t overindulge on grit or oyster shell.
Variety is Key
Rotate various treats to provide a diverse, balanced diet. Chickens love novelty, so they’ll welcome new flavors and textures. Offer treats at different times of day to prevent boredom.
Know Your Chicken
Get to know your flock’s tastes. Try small amounts of new foods and see if they like it before offering it to the whole flock. It’s fine if they dislike something – more for you! Just don’t force them to eat anything.
Feed Flock Appropriately
Serve treats in enough space for all birds to access food. Toss scraps in different areas to engage natural foraging behaviors. Remove uneaten fresh foods within an hour.
Supplement Organic Feed
Buying certified organic feed ensures wholesome ingredients, but tends to be pricey. You can reduce costs by supplementing with organically grown treats from your garden.
Monitor Weight
Treats add calories, so monitor chicken body weight and egg production. Obese chickens are prone to health issues. Restrict treats if needed to keep chickens fit and productive.
Can Chickens Eat Potato Peels/Potato Skins?
Yes, potato skin or potato peels are safe for chickens to eat. Just be sure they aren’t green or growing eyes. Once potato peels turn green, they’re no longer safe for your gals.
Can Chickens Eat Pumpkin?
Sure! Pumpkins are bursting with nutrition! Pumpkin flesh and seeds are a gold mine of fiber, vitamins, and minerals for chickens. If you’re looking to donate a retired jack-o-lantern to your flock, just be sure to scrape out any wax and cut off any soft or discolored areas.
Benefits
- Vitamin E
- Thiamine
- Niacin
- Vitamin B6
- Iron
- Zinc
- Protein
- Healthy Fats
What Kitchen Scraps Your Chickens Can And CANT Eat! Some Are Toxic For Chickens!
FAQ
Is there anything chickens can’t eat?
Yes, there are many foods that chickens should not eat. Some common examples include raw beans (especially dried beans), raw potatoes (particularly green or spoiled ones), avocado pits and skins, chocolate, and anything moldy or spoiled.
What is a chicken’s favorite food?
Chickens enjoy a varied diet, but some of their favorite foods include grains like corn, seeds, and oats. They also love fruits and vegetables, such as berries, lettuce, and tomatoes. Additionally, they enjoy protein sources like insects and mealworms.
What scraps can chickens eat?
Chickens can eat a wide variety of table and kitchen scraps, including fruits, vegetables, and grains. Examples include cooked or raw vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, carrots, and spinach, as well as cooked grains like rice and oatmeal. They also enjoy fruits like apples, berries, and tomatoes.
What all can chickens eat everyday?
… To Feed Chickens. Chickens should eat a balanced diet of primarily layer feed, grass, and bugs from the yard, and chicken treats, like fresh produce scrapsApr 30, 2025