Giving your chickens some winter snacks can help alleviate boredom and hunger, which can cause behavioral problems. You’ll also reduce pecking, cannibalism, and stress. Here are some ideas. If you’re having a hard time deciding what to give your chickens, here are some options you can try.
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Cooked eggs
During the winter, chickens need more food than usual. This is especially true for those that lay eggs. The extra food should be in proportion to the amount they eat on a regular basis.
Mealworms
If you are raising chickens and want to give them nutritious winter snacks, mealworms are a great alternative to soy and fishmeal. However, you need to make sure that the mealworms you feed to your chickens are not contaminated. To avoid this, make sure you buy them from a company that is non-GMO and does not use microwaves to dry them out. In addition, make sure you buy freeze-dried mealworms and not those that are canned or fried.
Cracked corn
You can offer cracked corn to chickens as a snack throughout the winter. It is a good source of carbohydrates and can keep the birds warm during the night. Since cracked corn doesn’t raise their body temperature, it is the perfect food to keep them warm during the cold months. However, you must be careful not to feed too much of it. Rather, use cracked corn as a treat and make sure it is a small part of the chickens’ diet.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a great option for winter chicken treats. It is not only a great source of energy, but also provides important nutrients. It also contains high levels of protein and antioxidants, which are important for chickens’ health. This nutritious snack also helps reduce pecking and cannibalism.
Oatmeal tetherballs
Oatmeal is an excellent source of protein and other nutrients for chickens, and it makes a great winter snack for your flock. These treats can be purchased at a farm supply store, or you can make them yourself using an empty cookie tin and string of Christmas lights. You can place the cookie tin in a heated oven to keep the water from freezing. Providing your chickens with adequate water and moisture-containing food is also vital. Make sure to keep their coop clean as well.
Scratch
Scratch is a healthy, high-energy treat for chickens that helps them get through the winter. It contains healthy fats, grains, and seeds and is a great source of energy for cold-weather chickens. You can make your own scratch by blending cracked corn and whole grains. Just toss some into your chickens’ run before dark.
Oatmeal flakes
Oatmeal is an excellent winter snack for chickens. It is best given in the morning. When you serve it, remember to add a small amount of water. This will allow the oatmeal to absorb the water and cool down before you serve it to your chickens. Chickens often eat in a frenzy and can burn themselves if they accidentally eat something that is too hot.
Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a great way to supplement chicken feed in winter. They are easily digested by chickens and contain a great amount of zinc and vitamin E. These two vitamins are essential to chickens’ overall health. Pumpkin seeds are also rich in potassium.
Spices
If you are looking for a delicious winter treat for your chickens, consider giving them a spice mix. These delicious treats will increase their circulation and fight frostbite. They will also improve their respiratory health and get them laying again.
Edible flowers
Some flowers are nutritious and can be fed to chickens. Depending on the species, some flowers are better for chickens than others. The petals of many flowers contain beneficial nutrients, including Vitamins A and C. They are also high in antioxidants and can help strengthen the immune system. Some edible flowers are also attractive to chickens and can attract bees and bugs.
