What Can Chickens Eat?

Chickens eating
.

Chickens are omnivores and can eat a variety of foods. Here are some common items that are safe and healthy for chickens to eat:

  • Grains such as corn, wheat, barley, and oats
  • Fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and leafy greens
  • Protein sources such as mealworms, crickets, and other insects
  • Leftover food scraps, but avoid giving them anything that is spoiled or moldy
  • Commercial chicken feed, which is specially formulated to provide them with the nutrients they need

It’s important to ensure that chickens have access to clean water at all times, as well as grit (small rocks or sand) to help them digest their food. Additionally, avoid feeding chickens anything that is toxic or harmful to them, such as chocolate, avocado, or alcohol.

What Fruits Can Chickens Eat?

Chickens can safely eat a variety of fruits. Here are some examples:

  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, etc.)
  • Oranges
  • Mangoes
  • Pineapple
  • Watermelon
  • Cantaloupe
  • Grapes

When feeding fruit to chickens, be sure to cut it into small pieces to make it easier for them to eat. Additionally, don’t feed them fruit that is spoiled or moldy, as this can make them sick. Finally, remember that fruit should be given in moderation as a treat and not as a primary food source, as chickens require a balanced diet of grains, protein, and vegetables to stay healthy.

FAQs

What Vegetables Can Chickens Eat?

Chickens can safely eat a variety of vegetables. Here are some examples:

  • Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and lettuce
  • Carrots
  • Peas
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Cabbage
  • Corn on the cob
  • Squash
  • Tomatoes (in moderation)

When feeding vegetables to chickens, be sure to chop them into small pieces or cook them to make them easier to eat and digest. Additionally, avoid feeding them vegetables that are spoiled or moldy, as this can make them sick. Finally, remember that vegetables should be given in moderation as a treat and not as a primary food source, as chickens require a balanced diet of grains, protein, and fruits to stay healthy.

FAQs

What Protein Sources Can Chickens Eat?

Chickens are omnivores and require protein in their diet to stay healthy. Here are some examples of protein sources that are safe and healthy for chickens to eat:

  • Mealworms
  • Crickets
  • Earthworms
  • Grubs
  • Commercial chicken feed, which typically includes a mix of grains and protein sources such as soybean meal

When feeding protein sources to chickens, it’s important to avoid giving them anything that is spoiled or moldy, and to ensure that any meat or eggs are cooked thoroughly to prevent the spread of disease. Additionally, remember that protein sources should be given in moderation as a supplement to their primary diet of grains, fruits, and vegetables.

FAQs

What Scraps Can Chickens Eat?

Chickens can eat a variety of food scraps, but it’s important to avoid giving them anything that is spoiled or moldy, or that is toxic to them. Here are some examples of food scraps that are safe and healthy for chickens to eat:

  • Fruit and vegetable scraps (excluding anything that is toxic to chickens, such as avocado pits and skins)
  • Bread (in moderation)
  • Cooked rice and other grains
  • Leftover cooked meat (in moderation)
  • Yogurt (plain, unsweetened)

Remember to chop or shred any larger scraps into small pieces to make them easier for chickens to eat and digest. Additionally, food scraps should be given in moderation and as a supplement to their primary diet of grains, protein, fruits, and vegetables.

FAQs

Questions About What Chickens Can Eat?

Contact us to let us know your question! We’ll get you an answer as quickly as possible.