Winter can be a time for your chickens to become depressed and it is essential that you give them something enjoyable to do. Additionally, providing them with nutritious treats helps keep them active throughout the month of December.
One of the ideal winter snacks for chickens is scratch. It contains plenty of protein, which is especially helpful during this time of year.
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Scratch
Scratch grains, such as corn and other whole grain treats, offer chickens an energy-packed snack to help them stay warm during the winter. Plus, their high-protein food provides essential fats and calories to keep them active and healthy.
Chickens have an instinctual urge to scratch around in search of seeds, greens, grit or insects. To encourage this behavior, chicken owners can offer scratch grains as rewards.
At the end of each day before dark, you can offer your chickens scratch grain as a reward to encourage them back to their coop nightly. While they will enjoy this treat, be mindful not to overfeed.
Maintaining your chickens’ wellbeing during winter requires providing them with a variety of foods and snacks. Leafy greens, berries and dried bugs can be an excellent addition to their natural diet and provide extra nutrition.
Eggs
Eggs make an ideal winter snack for chickens, providing protein and calories. Furthermore, they contain essential nutrients like vitamin A and choline which support heart health.
Eggs are an especially beneficial dietary addition for older individuals due to their high content of antioxidants, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin. These essential compounds support healthy eyesight by decreasing the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
It is essential to remember that eggs contain dietary cholesterol, which some may believe increases the risk of heart disease. However, current dietary guidelines recommend consuming up to one whole egg daily provided it is eaten in moderation as part of a heart-healthy eating pattern.
Eggs not only provide a nutritious treat, but they’re also easy to prepare and an economical way to add more protein into your family’s diet. Their nutritional profile also fits well into many dietary patterns – particularly vegetarians!
Lentils
Lentils are an incredibly nutritious food that can be used in salads, soups and as a meat alternative. Packed full of protein and fiber, lentils make an ideal addition to any diet.
Lentils are low in fat and sodium, as well as an excellent source of dietary iron – half a cup of cooked lentils provides 15% of your daily requirement for this vital mineral.
Lentils can be found in most grocery stores and bulk bins. For a wider selection, visit your local Middle Eastern or Asian markets for the freshest selection.
Lentils come in a variety of colors: brown, red, green and black. Each variety has a slightly different flavor and texture.
To cook lentils, rinse them under cold water and then add them to a pot with water and simmer until tender. Pan-frying works too if you want them crispier; they don’t need to be cooked for long and can easily be stored in the refrigerator if cooked correctly. Be sure to season your lentils with some salt before cooking!
Pasta
Pasta is an easy, economical snack for chickens that provides them with essential nutrition during winter days. Not only is it low in calories and provides calcium, but its vibrant colors help keep them from getting bored and pecking at each other during long, dark winter days.
Chicken makes for an excellent meal when mixed with other foods to boost its nutritional value. In wintertime, chickens need more calories than usual because they must burn extra energy to stay warm.
Pasta soups are an easy and cost-effective way to feed your chickens a variety of vegetables and meats.
