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Chickens love treats, but not all treats are created equal. While scraps and leftovers might make for an easy snack, the healthiest treats for your flock are those that support egg production, digestive health, and overall vitality. Fortunately, many of the best options are things you may already have on hand: extra garden produce, kitchen trimmings, and pantry staples.
When prepared properly and given in moderation, the right snacks can boost your hens' calcium intake, enrich the nutrients in their eggs, and even reduce waste around the homestead. Tossing these treats into a compost pile inside the run not only provides a varied diet, it gives your flock a natural foraging experience that encourages exercise and reduces boredom.
Below are 25 nutrient-rich, chicken-approved snacks you can feel good about sharing with your birds.
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1. Apples
Chickens love apples, but always remove the seeds first. Apple seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide and can be toxic. Chopped fresh apple is ideal, but applesauce (unsweetened) is also a big hit. Great for hydration and a source of fiber and Vitamin C.
2. Asparagus
Asparagus can be fed raw or cooked. It’s full of fiber, vitamins A, C, E, and K, and can support immune and circulatory health in your birds. Offer it in small amounts. Some say it can alter the taste of eggs if overfed.
3. Bananas
Bananas are a soft, potassium-rich treat packed with energy and fiber. Always peel them first as the skins are tough for chickens to digest and not particularly nutritious. Mashed banana is a favorite with most flocks.
4. Beet Root
Beets (especially the root) are rich in antioxidants and support liver function and detox. Slice or shred raw beets to avoid choking, and keep an eye on droppings. They may turn red!
5. Brewer’s Yeast
A high-quality supplement loaded with niacin and B-vitamins, brewer’s yeast helps support feather health, egg production, and cold resistance (it may help prevent frostbite). Sprinkle over feed a few times a week.
6. Broccoli
Raw or lightly steamed broccoli is a superfood for chickens, providing fiber, calcium, and vitamins. Chop it into small florets to make it easier to peck and digest.
7. Cabbage
Hang a cabbage head in the run and let your chickens peck at it throughout the day. It’s like a boredom buster and treat in one. Cabbage is rich in vitamin C and fiber, and can help keep your flock active.
8. Carrots
Packed with beta carotene and crunch, carrots are a great choice, but they must be chopped or shredded to avoid choking. Offer raw, cooked, or even grated into feed.
9. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is another nutrient-rich cruciferous veggie. Serve raw or cooked and cut into bite-sized chunks. It’s high in fiber and great for digestive health.
10. Cherries
Chickens can enjoy cherries as a sweet summer snack—but only if the pits are removed. Cherry pits contain toxins similar to apple seeds. Fresh, pitted cherries are a safe, antioxidant-rich treat.
11. Chia Seeds or Flaxseed
These seeds are full of omega-3 fatty acids, which enrich the eggs your hens lay. Mix a small pinch into their feed. Don’t overdo it—too much fat can throw off nutritional balance.
12. Cooked Beans
Beans are a protein-packed treat, but only if thoroughly cooked. Raw or undercooked beans are toxic due to a compound called phytohaemagglutinin. Boil them well and serve cooled and in moderation.
13. Corn
Chickens can eat corn raw, cooked, or right off the cob. It’s a favorite energy-rich treat, especially in winter. Just avoid letting ducks have access to whole cobs, which they can choke on.
14. Cucumbers
Cool and hydrating, cucumbers are great for hot days. Slice them open to help chickens get to the soft interior, and leave the seeds in. They’re completely safe.
15. Eggshells
Recycled calcium at its best. Rinse, dry, and crush eggshells before offering them back to your hens to support strong new shells. Crushing them prevents confusion with whole eggs.
16. Kale
This leafy green is one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can give your flock. High in calcium, vitamins, and antioxidants, kale can be fed raw, chopped, or mixed into other treats.
17. Lettuce (Except Iceberg)
Romaine, butter, red leaf, whatever. Most lettuces are safe and hydrating. Skip iceberg, though, which is low in nutrients and can cause diarrhea. Greens can be fed freely in most cases.
18. Oyster Shells
Not a “treat” in the traditional sense, but free-choice oyster shell is vital for strong eggshell production. Chickens will eat it as needed, especially during peak laying season.
19. Peaches
Soft and juicy, peaches are a sweet snack, but like cherries, the pits must be removed. Chop into bite-sized pieces and feed in moderation to avoid sugar overload.
20. Peas
Fresh or thawed frozen peas are fun and nutritious. Toss them out for the flock to peck or mix them into feed. Peas are full of protein, fiber, and vitamins.
21. Probiotics
Fermented feed, apple cider vinegar (in water), or plain unsweetened yogurt (in small amounts) can support gut health and nutrient absorption. A balanced gut improves overall health and egg quality.
22. Pumpkin
Pumpkin flesh is full of nutrients, and the seeds are believed by some to act as a natural dewormer (though this is debated). Scoop the insides into the run. Chickens love to peck through it.
23. Strawberries
Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, strawberries are a great warm-weather treat. Expect a little red in the droppings afterward. It’s harmless.
24. Squash
Zucchini, acorn, and butternut are all are safe and healthy for chickens. Cooked or raw, they offer fiber, moisture, and a touch of natural sugar.
25. Turnips
Turnips are dense and need to be shredded or chopped small. Both the root and greens are safe to eat. Full of vitamin C, calcium, and antioxidants.
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