Spoiling your chickens rotten with healthy treats is not only a great way to show appreciation for their contributions, but it’s also essential to ensure their overall well-being. While the occasional indulgence may be harmless, overindulging them with unhealthy snacks can have negative consequences. Therefore, it’s crucial to focus on providing nutritious alternatives that cater to your birds’ needs.
You might be thinking that healthy treats equal a hefty price tag, which is why we’re sharing 19 easy-to-make, budget-friendly options you can prepare at home. Here they are:
Oatmeal Balls
I’m quite fond of making these all-natural, rolled balls for my chickens. The reason I prefer them is that it doesn’t require a large quantity to keep my flock satisfied. The ingredients are simple and can be easily found around the house or in your pantry. Once they’re rolled into bite-sized balls, the hens will take their time pecking at them, staying occupied for a while longer and consuming less overall.
This not only benefits the chickens’ health but also reduces waste and saves me money in the long run – it’s a win-win situation.
Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits
Who knew that my love for fruit and yogurt parfaits would translate to a delight for my feathered friends? Chickens, it turns out, are just as enthusiastic about this tasty combination. With their ability to digest fruits and vegetables without any adverse effects, the similarities between dairy and their dietary preferences become striking. Simply mix your chicken’s favorite fruits and veggies with yogurt or cottage cheese, and you’ll be rewarded with a happy and healthy flock. The added bonus?
A boost of vitamins and calcium that supports egg development – a win-win for both you and your birds.
Left Overs
While not all consumed food is inherently nutritious, incorporating scraps from a healthy meal into your chicken-keeping routine can have numerous benefits. When you finish eating a wholesome meal and have leftovers, don’t hesitate to toss them to your flock. Moreover, any unconsumed portions will be broken down by the chickens themselves, transforming it into a valuable compost.
The same fresh vegetables and fruits that promote health in humans can also provide essential nutrients for your birds, fostering overall well-being.
Meal Worms
When it comes to providing nutritious snacks for your flock, mealworms are an excellent option that offers a protein-packed punch at an affordable price. The best part? You can raise them yourself, making it a budget-friendly choice. If you’re looking for a healthy and cost-effective way to reward your chickens, consider incorporating mealworms into their diet.
Watermelon
It’s no secret that chickens have a soft spot for fruits, and watermelon is often at the top of their list. The high water content in this refreshing treat makes it an ideal snack to help keep them cool and hydrated on hot days. In fact, I’ve observed that my own flock goes wild for watermelon when it’s placed in their enclosure. As a result, I highly recommend incorporating these fruits into your chicken-keeping routine.
Whether you’re looking to provide a tasty treat or simply wanting to give your feathered friends something new to peck at, consider planting watermelon in your garden as a fun and easy way to keep them happy and healthy.
Egg Shells
In a fascinating twist, eggshells are not just a waste product, but a valuable treat for chickens. The calcium content is a major draw for these birds, making it an easy and cost-effective way to reward your flock. When you crack open one of the eggs laid by your own hens, simply grind the shell into a fine powder and serve it up as a nutritious snack. Your chickens will go cluck with joy over this tasty treat that’s packed with the essential nutrients they crave.
Flock Block
This homemade chicken treat is not only delicious for your feathered friends but also budget-friendly to prepare. What’s more, it serves as a stimulating and nutritious addition to your flock’s diet, helping to combat boredom and keep them engaged. By following the simple recipe and crafting your own flock block, you can hang it from the coop, allowing your chickens to freely peck and enjoy until their hearts are satisfied.
Pumpkin Seed Treat
To create this easy-to-make chicken treat, start by cutting a pumpkin into manageable chunks. Next, transfer the chunks to a food processor and blend until smooth. Once you’ve achieved the desired consistency, mix in a small amount of your bird’s regular feed with the pumpkin puree. Then, serve the treat to your feathered friends and await their enthusiastic response – all while keeping an eye on your budget.
Molt Meatloaf
As molting commences, your feathered friends crave a special indulgence. While a warm hug might seem like the perfect remedy, it’s not exactly feasible – or practical, considering the delicate state of those newly-forming feathers. Instead, I recommend treating them to this scrumptious Molto Meatloaf, rich in protein and carefully crafted to provide the nutrients they need during their busy re-growth phase.
Apple Garland
Imagine a delightful combination of crunchy apples and fluffy popcorn that will drive your chickens wild! To create this unique treat, simply slice and core some fresh apples, then thread them with kernels of popcorn. The result is a whimsical garland that’s sure to become an instant hit with your feathered friends. As they peck away at the tasty treats, you’ll be delighted by their antics and the joy they bring. Make this delightful chicken treat today!
Scrambled Eggs
When temperatures soar, scrambled egg pops offer a refreshing way to help keep your flock cool. But what about on a typical day? No worries – they’re not a daily necessity. What’s more, these protein-rich goodies become a valuable asset during the fall molt when many hens require an extra boost of nutrients. As you explore healthy chicken treat options, consider adding scrambled eggs to your list.
Homemade Suet Cakes
When it comes to creating homemade suet cakes for your feathered friends, you’ll be pleased to know that the ingredients are not only natural but also easily accessible. Chances are, you already have most of them on hand. This tasty treat is a must-have for any chicken enthusiast, as it features beef fat – a surefire way to make your birds go cluckin’ crazy!
Poultry Protein Platter
Crafting a nutritious poultry protein platter is a simple yet effective way to reward your molting chickens. This treat requires minimal effort and yields impressive results for their overall health. To prepare it, start by combining two fundamental ingredients: frozen peas and oats. Next, grind them into a fine powder that’s easy for your chickens to digest. With just these basic steps, you’ll be providing your feathered friends with a healthy snack that they’re sure to love.
Prepared Oatmeal
If the cold winter days have got you searching for a novel way to keep your feathered friends cozy and happy, look no further than a warm bowl of oatmeal. While we’ve explored various chicken treats that utilize rolled oats in previous discussions, there’s something special about serving up a hearty, comforting bowl of oatmeal on a chilly morning. Imagine the amusement you’ll derive from watching your flock devour their breakfast with gusto!
Cottage Cheese
When considering healthy treats for your flock, cottage cheese is an excellent option. Not only is it simple for chickens to consume, but it’s also packed with protein and calcium. While adding fruits and veggies can create a tasty mix, you can also serve cottage cheese on its own as a nutritious treat. Its simplicity makes it an easy addition to your chickens’ diet, so be sure to keep it in mind for future healthy snacking.
Pasta
I supplement my flock’s diet by providing small servings of leftover whole wheat pasta, which they devour enthusiastically. The sight of chickens chasing each other around the yard, their feathers ruffled as they compete for scraps of pasta, is a delightful spectacle. By offering this nutritious treat, I’m able to promote their overall well-being and encourage healthy pecking order dynamics.
Corn on the Cob
While it’s true that chickens adore corn, it’s essential to dole it out in moderation to avoid weight gain. But if you’re looking to treat your flock every now and then, offering it on the cob or mixing in some sweet corn with their regular feed can be a delightful experience for both you and your birds. The sight of hens pecking at kernels is not only amusing but also entertaining, as is the rooster’s enthusiastic crowing as he announces the treat to his ladies.
Ginger
Ginger is renowned for its impressive nutritional profile, earning it a reputation as a ‘super-food’. For chicken enthusiasts, feeding their flock ginger can be a clever way to indirectly enjoy its benefits. By adding ginger to their diet, you’re essentially providing your chickens with an opportunity to absorb and process the nutrients, which can then be passed on through their eggs.
If you’re not a fan of consuming ginger yourself, or simply want to reap some of its rewards without directly incorporating it into your own meals, feeding it to your chickens is a great alternative. As they’ll undoubtedly enjoy the treat, you might just find that you’re still benefiting from ginger’s properties through your feathered friends.
Pumpkins
As the seasons change and winter approaches, I find myself with an abundance of pumpkins leftover from my autumnal decorating endeavors. It’s become an annual tradition to share these gourds with my feathered friends, who eagerly await their seasonal treat. If you’re in a similar situation or simply looking for creative ways to repurpose your pumpkins, consider passing them along to your flock.
Not only will they appreciate the tasty reward, but you’ll also be providing essential nutrients and benefits for their overall health and well-being.