Poultry Chat: What CAN Chickens Eat?

Comprehensive Guide to What Chickens Can Eat

Raising chickens is a rewarding endeavor, whether for eggs, meat, or simply as pets. Understanding what chickens can and cannot eat is crucial to their health and productivity. Chickens are omnivorous creatures with a diverse diet, but it's important to feed them a balanced and nutritious mix of foods. This guide covers a wide array of what chickens can eat:

1. Commercial Chicken Feed

• Starter Feed: For chicks, usually containing around 20-24% protein.
• Grower Feed: For adolescent chickens, with around 16-18% protein.
• Layer Feed: For egg-laying hens, rich in calcium to support eggshell production, typically with 16-18% protein.

Commercial feeds are formulated to provide balanced nutrition, yet you don't truly ever know what product you are getting from a big box store. We choose to go to our local mill to get fresh grains and supplements freshly milled.

2. Grains and Seeds

• Corn: A popular feed ingredient, provides energy.
• Wheat: Can be fed whole or cracked, another energy source.
• Oats: Good for winter feeding due to high fiber.
• Barley: Similar to oats, also high in fiber.
• Millet and Sorghum: Small grains that are easily digested.
• Sunflower Seeds: Particularly black oil sunflower seeds, provide fats and protein.

I plant sunflowers all along the run of our chicken coop. This provides not only shade from the sun but also seeds for the chickens to eat.

3. Vegetables

• Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, and chard.
• Root Vegetables: Carrots, beets, radishes.
• Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage.
• Squash and Pumpkins: Including seeds and flesh.
• Peas and Beans: Fresh or cooked (not raw).

Vegetables should be fresh and free of mold. Avoid feeding raw potato peels and green potatoes as they contain solanine, which is toxic to chickens.

4. Fruits

• Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries.
• Melons: Watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew.
• Citrus: In moderation, oranges and lemons.
• Apples: Remove seeds as they contain cyanide.
• Bananas: High in potassium and easy to digest.
• Grapes: Seedless varieties are best to avoid choking.

Fruits should be given as treats and not as a primary food source due to high sugar content.

5. Protein Sources

• Meat Scraps: Cooked meats, avoiding too much fat or seasoning.
• Fish: Cooked or raw, provides omega-3 fatty acids.
• Eggs: Cooked to avoid any risk of transmitting diseases.
• Insects and Worms: Mealworms, earthworms, and grubs are natural sources of protein.
• Dairy Products: Yogurt and cheese in moderation, though chickens are lactose intolerant, so small amounts only.

Protein is essential, especially during molting when feather growth increases demand.

6. Kitchen Scraps

Chickens can eat many kitchen scraps, including:

• Cooked Rice and Pasta: Plain and unseasoned.
• Bread: In moderation, and preferably whole grain.
• Cooked Vegetables: Avoiding too much salt or seasoning.
• Fruit Scraps: Peels, cores, and leftovers.

Avoid feeding chickens moldy or spoiled food.

7. Forage and Free-Range Foods

• Grass and Weeds: Clover, dandelions, and plantains.
• Wild Insects: Bugs and beetles found while foraging.
• Seeds and Nuts: Acorns and small nuts in moderation.

Free-ranging allows chickens to supplement their diet naturally.

8. Herbs and Spices

• Parsley: High in vitamins.
• Basil, Oregano, and Thyme: Antimicrobial properties.
• Mint: Helps with digestion.
• Garlic: In small amounts, boosts the immune system.
• Cilantro: Provides vitamins and minerals.

Herbs can be added to feed or water for health benefits.

9. Supplements

• Grit: Helps with digestion by grinding food in the gizzard.
• Oyster Shell: Provides calcium for strong eggshells.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Added to water to improve gut health and boost the immune system.

Supplements ensure chickens get necessary nutrients they might miss in their regular diet.

Foods to Avoid

• Avocado: Contains persin, which is toxic to chickens.
• Chocolate and Caffeine: Highly toxic.
• Onions: Can cause anemia.
• Raw Potato Peels and Green Potatoes: Contain solanine.
• Moldy or Spoiled Foods: Can cause health issues.

So, what can chickens eat? A varied diet that includes a balance of grains, vegetables, fruits, proteins, and supplements, chickens can thrive and remain healthy. Always ensure fresh water is available and monitor their diet to avoid overfeeding treats or unsuitable foods.