What Foods Can Chickens Eat?

what foods can chickens eat

Chickens are omnivorous creatures that require a diverse diet in order to thrive. Supplementing their diet with fresh fruits, vegetables and non-sugary grains such as oats can be particularly helpful during winter when foraging is hard; but be wary not to give them anything that might be unhealthy or poisonous!

Cottage cheese is a low-lactose dairy product suitable for chickens to consume, providing them with protein and calcium sources they may not otherwise receive from other food sources. But be mindful of their sugar intake; too much dairy products may upset their stomachs. As another option for a dairy treat, plain yogurt contains even less lactose while still being rich in protein content. In order to aid digestion of their food sources, ensure your flock have access to clean water and grit sources.

Fruit can add variety and nutrition to your chickens’ diet without overdoing it, providing variety while at the same time providing much-needed hydration on hot days. Berries, apples, bananas and cantaloupe all offer excellent sources of sustenance for chickens as well.

Cucumbers can help your flock hydrate while providing it with essential vitamins and minerals, making them a safe and nutritious treat. Both raw or cooked, cucumbers should be eaten without seeds as these can be toxic. Asparagus is another safe vegetable to offer your flock; its high iron and antioxidant content make it a tasty source. However, take care in cutting away its stems as these contain solanine which could be dangerously toxic to their health.

Meat is an excellent source of protein for chickens and can be fed in small amounts as long as it’s been properly cooked. Be wary, though; overfeeding will likely result in sickness for your flock! Additionally, consider only giving treats occasionally and avoid giving anything rancid or moldy to them.

Kale is an edible green vegetable that’s safe for chickens to consume as long as it’s cooked properly, providing ample vitamin C, K and calcium content. When first introduced to your poultry it’s best to introduce small amounts at once so their digestive systems have time to adapt.

Other foods safe for chickens to consume include leafy greens, broccoli, potatoes, berries, tomatoes and pears. Rhubarb leaves, scallion stems and raw potatoes contain toxic glycoalkaloids which may cause anemia and digestive upset in poultry.

Certain foods should be avoided altogether, including citrus fruits, garlic cloves and rhubarb leaves. Chocolate or caffeine shouldn’t be fed to chickens either – while neither are harmful, their nutritional density doesn’t make up for other sources that you could provide them with.


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