**What Do Chickens Go Crazy For? Discover Their Favorite Treats**
Chickens are not just farm animals; they are curious and food-loving creatures that enjoy a wide variety of treats. Whether you are raising chickens for fresh eggs, meat, or simply as backyard pets, knowing their favorite foods can help keep them happy, healthy, and productive. While commercial feed provides essential nutrients, offering occasional treats can boost their diet and overall well-being. So, what foods do chickens love the most? Let’s explore the top treats that make chickens go wild
### 1. Cracked Corn – A Sweet and Energy-Packed Treat
Cracked corn is one of the most beloved treats for chickens. It is high in carbohydrates, making it an excellent energy source, especially during colder months when they need extra warmth. The natural sweetness of corn makes it irresistible to chickens, and they eagerly peck at the golden kernels. However, corn should be given in moderation, as too much can lead to obesity and nutritional imbalances.
### 2. Grains and Seeds – Nutritious and Satisfying
Chickens enjoy a variety of grains and seeds, which provide essential nutrients and keep them entertained as they scratch around for food. Some of the best options include:
– **Wheat** – A good source of fiber and protein.
– **Barley** – Rich in vitamins and minerals.
– **Oats** – Helps with digestion and overall health.
– **Millet** – A favorite snack, packed with vitamins and minerals. These grains can be mixed with their regular feed or scattered in their run to encourage natural foraging behavior.
### 3. Fresh Vegetables – A Healthy and Hydrating Choice
Vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals that support a chicken’s immune system, feather growth, and egg production. Some of the best vegetables for chickens include:
– **Leafy greens** (spinach, kale, chard, collard greens) – High in nutrients and antioxidants.
– **Cabbage and lettuce** – Hydrating and fun to peck at.
– **Carrots and beets** – Offer natural sweetness and beneficial nutrients.
– **Pumpkin and squash** – Rich in fiber and help with digestion.
– **Zucchini and cucumbers** – Excellent for hydration, especially in hot weather. Vegetables should be washed thoroughly and cut into small, manageable pieces to prevent choking.
### 4. Fruits – Sweet and Nutritious Treats
Chickens have a natural preference for sweet flavors, making fruit one of their favorite treats. Here are some of the best fruit options:
– **Watermelon** – A summer favorite that keeps chickens hydrated.
– **Bananas** – Soft, easy to eat, and packed with potassium.
– **Apples** – A crunchy snack, but seeds should be removed as they contain cyanide.
– **Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)** – Rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
– **Melons and grapes** – High in water content, making them refreshing treats. Fruits should be given in moderation to avoid excessive sugar intake.
### 5. Insects and Worms – The Ultimate Chicken Delicacy
Insects and worms are natural food sources that chickens love. These protein-rich treats help with egg production and muscle development. Some favorites include:
– **Mealworms** – A top-tier protein snack.
– **Earthworms** – Naturally found in soil and a great source of protein.
– **Crickets and grasshoppers** – Provide extra nutrients and stimulate natural hunting instincts.
– **Black soldier fly larvae** – Rich in calcium, perfect for laying hens. Allowing chickens to free-range gives them access to these insects naturally, but they can also be bought as dried or live treats.
### 6. Kitchen Scraps – A Cost-Effective and Enjoyable Treat
Chickens love kitchen scraps, but not all human foods are safe for them. Some of the best options include:
– **Cooked rice and pasta** – Soft and easy to digest.
– **Soaked bread** – A tasty but occasional treat.
– **Cooked beans and lentils** – Packed with protein and fiber.
– **Vegetable peelings** – Avoid toxic ones like potato skins. Avoid giving chickens processed, salty, or sugary foods, as well as anything moldy or spoiled.
### 7. Fresh Herbs – Natural Health Boosters
Herbs not only add flavor to a chicken’s diet but also provide health benefits. Some of the best herbs for chickens include:
– **Parsley** – Rich in vitamins A, B, C, and K.
– **Cilantro** – Supports digestion and overall health.
– **Basil** – Contains antibacterial properties.
– **Oregano** – Boosts immunity and fights infections.
– **Mint** – A natural insect repellent that keeps pests away. Adding fresh herbs to their feed or nesting boxes can improve their health and well-being.
### 8. Purslane – A Surprisingly Tasty Weed
Purslane is often considered a weed, but chickens love its succulent, fresh leaves. It is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health and egg production. Growing purslane in your garden can be an easy and natural way to provide chickens with a nutritious snack.
### Important Feeding Tips
While treats are a great addition to a chicken’s diet, they should not replace a balanced feed. Here are some essential feeding tips:
– **Limit treats to 10% of their daily diet** to ensure they get all necessary nutrients.
– **Avoid toxic foods** such as chocolate, avocado, raw beans, green potatoes, and citrus fruits.
– **Provide clean, fresh water** at all times to prevent dehydration.
– **Scatter treats on the ground** to encourage natural foraging behavior.
– **Rotate different treats** to provide a varied diet and prevent boredom.
### Conclusion
Chickens have a diverse palate and enjoy a wide range of treats, from cracked corn and grains to fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich insects. Feeding them a mix of these foods not only keeps them happy but also enhances their health and egg production. Whether you’re tossing them a juicy watermelon slice on a hot day or watching them excitedly peck at a handful of mealworms, the joy of feeding chickens is unmatched. Try introducing these treats to your flock and watch them go crazy for their favorite snacks