Like children and adults, chickens also need treats that will motivate them to live healthy and happy. But! Unlike children and adults, the treats for chickens are different and are more nutritious. Compared to human treats that mostly comprises of chocolates, candies, and other sweets, chicken treats are more on veggies and fruits.
Yogurt is a classic favorite of them birds. They are tasty and are very good to the intestines. This is also a good source of calcium that can contribute greatly to the structure and health of the eggshell. But the most favorite and is very popular among every living chicken is the worm! They will eat it so fast and not a single evidence of it will linger.
Chickens, even with puny brains, have in it the command to like or dislike a certain treat. Below are some of the things that in general, chickens will come running for. If the first one didn’t work, scratch it off then proceed to the next. Bon appetite!
Apple
May come in raw type or in applesauce. The seeds contain a small amount of cyanide but it’s so small that it can’t affect the chicken’s health.
Banana
One of the good treats. This is also high in potassium thus; it is good for muscle activities.
Broccoli and Cauliflower
A fun way of giving them this treat is to tuck it on the side of their cage and let them pick on it till the very last piece comes off.
Cabbage
Given as a whole, you can hang this from the ceiling coop especially during winter days so they have something to put their mind and energy to.
Carrots
Either given in a raw or cooked state, they will, at any cost eat it wholeheartedly. You can even give them the leaves without even worrying that it will just be another rotten veggie inside the coop because they will eat it all up.
Chicken
You, yourself know that it is a sin eating your own kind. They might just like it but then the feeling would be wrong.
Live Crickets
You can choose to hunt it or otherwise buy it in a pet or bait store. This is also a nice treat to give them. You can watch them run around chasing the critters plus it is a good source of protein.
Mature Cucumbers
Give the mature ones because they love it when the seeds and flesh is soft enough to peck on.
Cooked Eggs
Still a good source of protein. Do not give anything that is uncooked because if you do, then you’re teaching them to eat their own eggs in a raw state.
Fish or Seafood
Give moderately so as not to give your eggs a different kind of flavor.
Flowers
Nasturtiums, marigolds, pansies are good treats. But make sure that these flowers are all natural. Meaning no kind of chemical or pesticide has touched it.
Fruits
There are exceptions. But the best fruit treats are peaches, pears, cherries, etc. Some say that it is not wise to give fruits to egg laying hens but some would beg to differ.
Grapes
If you are giving grapes to baby chickens, don’t forget to cut it in pieces to make it easier for them to swallow.
Leftovers
When you say “leftovers”, it must be something that came from a human’s plate minutes after mealtime is over. It must be edible. Anything that came out of your fridge that is considered as moldy or spoiled is not advisable. Don’t give anything salty.
