Foods You Can Feed Chickens as Snacks: Healthy Treats They’ll Love
Chickens are natural foragers and love to snack—but not every treat is safe or beneficial. Whether you’re raising backyard hens or running a homestead flock, it’s essential to know what foods make healthy snacks for chickens. Done right, snacks can enrich their environment, boost nutrition, and even increase egg production.
Quick Answer: What Snacks Can You Feed Chickens?
Safe snacks for chickens include fruits like berries and apples (seedless), vegetables such as leafy greens and cucumbers, protein-rich treats like mealworms and scrambled eggs, and grains like oats and corn. Offer treats in moderation alongside a balanced poultry feed to keep your flock healthy and productive.
Let’s explore the best options, what to avoid, and how to safely add variety to your chickens’ diet.
Best Treats to Feed Chickens (All Ages)
| Snack | Benefits | Feeding Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Scrambled Eggs | Excellent protein source for molting or growing birds | Serve fully cooked and cooled; no seasoning |
| Mealworms | High in protein and fat | Offer dried or live in small portions |
| Leafy Greens (kale, chard, lettuce) | Rich in vitamins A, K, and fiber | Hang whole leaves or chop and scatter |
| Oats (rolled or steel-cut) | Easy to digest, supports feather health | Mix dry into feed or serve soaked |
| Berries (blueberries, strawberries) | Antioxidants and natural sweetness | Chop into manageable bits |
| Corn (cracked or whole) | Energy-boosting carbs | Best in winter; limit in hot climates |
| Cucumber and Zucchini | Hydration and digestion | Slice lengthwise or into coins |
| Herbs (oregano, parsley, basil) | Immune support and parasite prevention | Chop fresh or mix dried herbs in feed |
How Often Should Chickens Get Snacks?
Limit treats to no more than 10% of your chickens’ daily diet. Their main nutrition should come from a complete layer or grower feed, depending on age.
Too many snacks—especially low-nutrient ones—can disrupt egg production, cause weight gain, or reduce calcium intake. A small handful of treats per bird per day is a safe guideline.
Feeding Tips for Safe Snacking
- Offer treats in the afternoon: This ensures they eat their primary feed first
- Scatter snacks to encourage foraging: Keeps chickens active and engaged
- Keep treats clean: Remove leftovers to avoid mold or pest attraction
- Chop or shred large items: Makes food easier to eat and reduces choking risk
Snacks to Avoid Feeding Chickens
Some foods are unsafe and should never be offered to your flock. Here’s what to avoid:
- Raw potato peels and green potatoes: Contain solanine, a toxin
- Avocado (especially skin and pit): Contains persin, which is toxic
- Chocolate and caffeine: Can cause serious health issues or death
- Salty or sugary foods: Overloads their systems and leads to health problems
- Moldy or spoiled foods: Can introduce harmful bacteria and toxins
- Onions and garlic (in excess): Can alter egg flavor and cause anemia
Best Seasonal Snacks for Chickens
In Summer
- Frozen berries or peas
- Cold watermelon slices (seedless)
- Ice block treats with veggies or fruit inside
In Winter
- Cracked corn for warmth and energy
- Warm oatmeal mixed with herbs
- Cooked root veggies like carrots and sweet potato
Homemade Snack Ideas
Protein-Packed Flock Mix
- 1 part dried mealworms
- 1 part oats
- 1 part sunflower seeds
- Pinch of dried herbs (like oregano or parsley)
Mix and serve dry in a scratch tray or scattered for foraging.
Frozen Veggie Block
- Chopped carrots, corn, and peas
- Place in muffin tray, cover with water, and freeze
A fun and cooling summer treat that keeps them pecking for hours.
Natural Remedies That Support Chicken Health
Want to go beyond snacks and support your flock with powerful, natural care? The Doctor’s Book of Survival Home Remedies is a must-have for chicken owners. Inside, you’ll find over 200+ herbal, food-based, and natural solutions for common poultry problems like parasites, respiratory distress, egg-binding, and more.
Whether you’re treating your hens or building up their immunity, this guide equips you to raise healthier chickens—without expensive vet bills or synthetic meds.
Click here to get your copy and be prepared for any chicken care challenge.
Want to Build the Perfect Chicken Snack Station?
Treat delivery can get messy fast if your coop setup isn’t dialed in. That’s why we recommend building your own chicken snack feeder, run shelter, and scratch tray area with easy, low-cost DIY plans.
Download these pro-level poultry and homestead blueprints to build smarter, cleaner systems that keep your birds happy and your yard under control.
Click here to get started building your ultimate chicken snack zone.
Conclusion
Chickens love snacks—and when you offer the right ones, you’re not just giving a treat, you’re enhancing their health and lifestyle. From protein-packed eggs to refreshing summer veggies and immune-boosting herbs, there’s no shortage of nutritious treats to keep your flock happy.
- The Doctor’s Book of Survival Home Remedies – Natural solutions for your chicken-keeping toolkit
- DIY Coop and Snack Station Plans – Build your flock’s favorite feeding setup
Snack smart, raise strong, and give your chickens the care they deserve—one bite at a time.