Treats for Chickens in Summer
Inside: There are many options for treats for chickens this summer! From watermelon to protein-packed mealworms, spoil your feathered friends this summer.
Do you give your chickens treats in the summer? This is the time of year when my chickens get a lot of extra treats. Mainly because we grow a lot but also because it's nice to give them treats as a thank-you for all the eggs they lay. Treats for chickens can be as simple as you'd like. They are pooping your food after all…
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Treats for Chickens in Summer
Chickens enjoy many fruits and vegetables and can be added to a list of cool treats chickens love. In my flock, watermelon and frozen peas are favorites.
Frozen corn is a big favorite treat for chickens around here. You can open a can or a bag of frozen corn for them to enjoy it the way it is, or you can make them a frozen corn treat easily enough. by mixing water and corn in a pan or form and freezing it. Your chickens will love this treat on a hot day.
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Watermelon cools off people, animals, and chickens! We enjoy some ourselves while throwing large chunks into the chicken run. And we also throw our watermelon rinds in for them.
A lot of chickens also enjoy cooling herbs like mint. My chickens haven't gotten that memo apparently. A snack of fresh chopped mint floating in a shallow pan of water is a cooling treat most chickens love.
Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc. Use the strawberry tops from your kitchen compost too. I throw the tops in whole, and they are quick to gobble them down.
Fruits like mango, peaches, apples, and other fruits are a great sweet treat for your flock. Just remember to not give them too make. Remove pits before giving them to your chickens.
Grow fodder. I grow fodder for all my birds during the spring and summer. It is simple, cheap, and a treat chickens love. You can grow it in pans and give them the whole thing or break it up making it last a little longer. Both chickens and quail love it!
Leafy Greens are easy to grow and chickens love munching on fresh greens. Offer them a variety such as lettuce, spinach, kale, or Swiss chard. These not only provide nutrition but also help keep them hydrated. I also buy it from the store when it is on clearance for less than a dollar.
Herbs like basil, parsley, mint, and cilantro are not only tasty for chickens but can also have health benefits. Some herbs have natural insect-repelling properties, which can be useful during summer when pests are more prevalent.
Vegetable Scraps: Save your vegetable scraps from cooking and give them to your chickens as treats. Things like carrot tops, cucumber ends, and bell pepper cores are all great options. Just avoid anything that's moldy or spoiled.
Mealworms or Grubs are protein-packed treats that are a favorite among chickens. You can purchase dried mealworms or even raise your mealworms or grubs for a sustainable treatment option.
Fruit Pulp, if you make your fruit juice or smoothies, consider giving the leftover pulp to your chickens. They'll enjoy pecking at the fruity goodness, and it's a great way to minimize waste.
Plain, unsweetened yogurt can be a refreshing and nutritious snack for chickens. It's packed with probiotics, which can help support their digestive health, and the creamy texture is sure to be a hit.
Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories, making them an excellent summer treat for chickens. Plus, they'll enjoy pecking at the crunchy texture.
As summer transitions into fall, squash and pumpkin become abundant. These veggies are not only tasty but also provide essential nutrients like vitamins A and C.
While frozen corn is a great treat, fresh corn on the cob is also a fantastic option. Chickens love pecking away at the kernels, and it provides both entertainment and nutrition. You can also just give them the cobs after your family has enjoyed the corn too!
If you don't free-range, your chickens will love any weeds you pull from your garden too! Just make sure you have anything mixed in that your chickens shouldn't have – tomato and pepper plants for example. If you don't love your yard, you can also dig up some sod from your yard to give them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Treats
What treats do chickens like the most? Lettuce, kale, turnip greens, and chard are great greens options. Watermelon, strawberries, and blueberries make healthy snacks for chickens when fed in moderation.
What household foods do chickens like? Good choices include leafy greens, cooked beans, corn, non-sugary cereals and grains, berries, apples, and most other fruits and vegetables.
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