Raising backyard chickens is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Not only do they provide fresh eggs, but they also make great companions. As a chicken owner, you want to provide the best care for your flock.
One way to do this is by offering them treats. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of chicken treats, types of treats to offer, and tips for safely incorporating treats into your chicken’s diet.
You may also want to read about the best chicken feed.
Benefits of Providing Chicken Treats
Offering treats to your chickens has many benefits, including:
- Improved Nutrition:
Chicken treats can offer additional nutrition that may not be found in their regular commercial feed. Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and minerals that are essential for a healthy diet. They also provide much-needed fiber.
- Enrichment:
Treats provide mental and physical stimulation for your chickens. This can help prevent boredom and reduce stress. Foraging for chicken treats also mimics their natural behavior, keeping them happy and active.
- Bonding:
Offering treats to your chickens can help build a bond between you and your flock. Chickens are social animals and enjoy spending time with their owners. Providing chicken treats can create a positive association and strengthen your relationship with your chickens.
Types of Treats to Offer
When choosing treats for your chickens, it’s important to offer items that are safe and nutritious. Here are some ideas for treats to offer your flock:
- Fruits and Vegetables:
Fruits and vegetables are a great source of nutrition for your chickens. Some good options include watermelon, blueberries, carrots, and leafy greens. Avoid feeding them anything that is toxic to chickens, such as avocado or onions.
- Grains:
Grains such as oats, barley, and wheat can be offered to your chickens in small amounts. You can also offer whole-grain bread or pasta as a treat.
- Protein:
Chickens need protein to build and maintain muscle. Good sources of protein include mealworms, scrambled eggs, cooked chicken, and cottage cheese.
- Dairy:
Dairy products are an excellent source of calcium and protein. You can offer your chickens plain yogurt, cheese, or even small amounts of milk.
- Insects:
Chickens love insects, and they’re a great source of protein. You can offer mealworms, crickets, or even earthworms.
Tips for Safely Incorporating Treats into Your Chicken’s Diet
While treats are beneficial for your flock, it’s important to incorporate them into their diet safely. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Offer Treats in Moderation:
Treats should not make up more than 10% of your chicken’s diet. Too many treats can cause your chickens to become overweight and can also lead to health issues.
- Don’t Overdo the Sugar:
Fruits can be high in sugar, so it’s important to offer them in moderation. Too much sugar can lead to health problems like obesity and diabetes.
- Provide Treats in a Separate Container:
Offer treats in a separate container to avoid overfeeding and to keep their regular feed clean. This also allows for easier monitoring of how much your chickens are eating.
- Avoid Spoiled or Moldy Treats:
Spoiled or moldy treats can make your chickens sick. Make sure to remove any uneaten treats from their coop to prevent spoilage.
- Offer Treats as a Reward:
Offering treats as a reward can help with training your chickens. For example, if you’re trying to teach them to come when called, offer them a treat as a reward for responding.
In conclusion, offering treats to your chickens can provide numerous benefits, including improved nutrition, enrichment, and bonding. When selecting treats, it’s important to choose items that are safe and good for your chickens. Keep them healthy at all time.
