Winter and summer months both require specific types of chicken treats. These must be high in protein and energy. During the winter months, chickens cannot forage on the ground as they do in warmer weather. In addition, winter treats should be water-laden and cooling to provide a good source of nutrients and energy. Summer treats can be high in fat and salt. Here are a few tips for choosing the best treats for chickens.
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Suet cake recipe
If you’re looking for a recipe for nutritious, delicious chicken treats, consider making a suet cake recipe. These treats are easy to prepare and are similar to the square “cakes” that wild birds eat. Whether you place the suet cakes in hanging cages or feed them directly from a bowl, your chickens will enjoy hours of fun and nutrition. Here’s a basic suet cake recipe to get you started.
Mealworms
If you’re not into raising worms yourself, you can also buy dried mealworms. These 100% natural treats are the ultimate chicken treat and provide the convenience of storing live worms. Your chicken will love eating these delicious treats, so be sure to give them a treat at least once a week. They’ll thank you for it! Read on to learn more about the benefits of dried mealworms for chickens.
Corn
One of the easiest things to prepare for your chickens is corn treats. You can use any form of corn, including raw, cooked, or even frozen. However, it is important to know that chickens do not digest the husks or kernels of corn. Corn contains cellulose, which is not digested by humans and is toxic to them. Chickens, however, will eat it if it is cooled and not boiled.
Fruits
In the past, many people have left chickens to forage on family farms, but that doesn’t mean they have to eat junk food. In fact, chickens can eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, including some of the best sources of protein: bugs, worms, and slugs. Chickens are also known to drink fresh milk, so they aren’t deprived of this essential nutrient. A varied diet is also essential for ensuring healthy chickens and nutritious eggs.
Beans
There are a variety of reasons to feed your chickens a diet rich in beans. Fresh produce is healthy and nutritious, and it is easy to find organic varieties. Avoid feeding them too much, though. Feed your flock no more than a few tablespoons of dried goodies a day. They should gobble them all up within five minutes. Additionally, you should give your chickens fresh produce every day.
Yogurt
One popular way to treat hens is to give them yogurt treats. These can be made with plain yogurt in a muffin tin or silicone mold and frozen overnight. To give them treats later, simply remove them from the molds and store in an airtight container or zip top bag. To give these treats to your chickens, make sure you choose yogurt with a plain, non-dairy formulation.
Cottage cheese
Chickens love cottage cheese, and it can be a nutritious and tasty treat for your hens. While a block of cheese may not be as easy for chickens to digest as shredded cheese, cottage cheese has fewer calories and is easier for your hens to digest. Cottage cheese is also lower in fat than other types of cheese and can be mixed into their regular feed. Cottage cheese is also easy to digest, so your chickens can enjoy the treat without the risk of indigestion.
