What Food Scraps Can Chickens Eat?

Did you know that chickens can happily devour leftover spaghetti? Yes, that’s right! Chickens, who are ever curious, can enjoy table scraps that would otherwise go to waste. 

But hold on—before you clean out the fridge and place leftovers in their coop, you should know a few things. What food scraps can chickens eat safely? And when is it best to start introducing them to your flock? 

Let’s dive into this clucking good topic and discover how your chickens can turn kitchen scraps into a feast while staying healthy. Surprising answers await!

What Scraps Can Chickens Eat?

Your chickens are more versatile eaters than you think! From vegetable peels to stale bread, they can enjoy a variety of household leftovers. Feeding table scraps to chickens is a great way to reduce food waste. 

But there’s some science to it—while many scraps are safe and nutritious, some should be avoided. Here’s a quick list of scraps you can safely feed your chickens:

• Vegetables: Chickens love carrot tops, tomatoes and cucumber ends.
• Fruits: Apple cores, watermelon rinds, and berries are favorites.
• Grains and Bread: Whole grains, oatmeal, and stale bread can make tasty treats.
• Cooked Pasta and Rice: A small amount of leftover spaghetti or rice will disappear in minutes!
• Cooked Meat: Tiny amounts of cooked, unseasoned meat are a good source of protein.

While chickens love variety, it’s important to avoid feeding them anything moldy. Also, they don’t like strong flavors such as citrus and onions.

When Can Chickens Eat Scraps?

If you’ve just welcomed some fluffy chicks to your flock, you might wonder when it’s safe to start giving them scraps. For baby chicks, it’s best to wait until they’re about 10 weeks old before introducing table scraps into their diet. Their digestive systems are more developed at this stage, and they can handle the textures and nutrients that come with scraps.

For older birds, start slow. When introducing new foods, monitor their reactions and adjust accordingly. Chickens can have sensitive systems, and while they may love a good snack, they still need a balanced diet. Poultry feed is developed to provide all the necessary nutrients and should remain a part of your chickens’ food.

What Do You Feed Chickens for Optimal Health?

Chickens are monograstic omnivores. They can’t live healthily on table scraps alone. Chickens require a balanced diet that includes grasses, grains, seeds, and insects. They can digest grass, but they can't do it efficiently enough to survive solely on grass. Chickens also need more concentrated sources of calories than grass can provide. . Melissahof, where heritage poultry are raised on pasture within holistic farm management , focuses on optimal poultry health to ensure strong, healthy birds.  Melissahof grinds locally grown grain into a balanced feed ration developed by a poultry nutrition consultant for standardbred breeder layer flocks.

Chickens love to forage, so allowing them to scratch around for insects and plants in addition to their feed will make for happy, hardy birds. By feeding them properly, you’re ensuring their health and supporting their natural instincts.

The Benefits of Table Scraps for Chickens

Feeding table scraps to chickens isn’t just fun—it’s also beneficial for you and the environment. Scraps help reduce food waste, turning what would end up in the landfill into nutritious treats for your flock. 

Plus, as chickens love variety, watching your chickens peck at leftover watermelon on a hot day or tussle over a piece of toast is entertaining and a great way to supplement their diet with fresh produce.

At Melissahof, we believe that raising chickens ethically includes caring for their diet. Heritage breeds are known for their hardiness but still need good food to stay strong and healthy. By providing them with fresh, balanced meals (including the occasional treat), you’re helping preserve these valuable genetic traits that make heritage chickens unique.

Additional Safe Scraps for Chickens

While you’ve covered a great range of scraps, expanding the list can provide more options for chicken owners. Here are some additional safe foods:

• Leafy Greens: Chickens enjoy a variety of greens, including kale, spinach, and chard. You can offer these fresh or as scraps from your garden.
• Pumpkin and Squash: The flesh and seeds of pumpkins are nutritious treats for chickens.
• Nuts and Seeds: Unsalted nuts (in moderation) can provide healthy fats and protein.

Foods to Avoid

Clarifying which foods are harmful is crucial for chicken health. Here’s a more comprehensive list:

• Certain Types of Vegetables: Avoid feeding  raw potatoes and tomato leaves.
• Egg Shells:  While laying hens need calcium in their diet, it’s best to avoid feeding egg shells to them because it may encourage them to eat their own eggs. Egg shells can be fed as a free choice supplement,  if they are ground or powdered. 
•  Bones: Do not feed meat scraps that include bones to chickens. This is because, after the chickens remove meat remnants, the remaining bones will attract carnivore predators to the coop that may want to kill your chickens.

Feeding Guidelines

Introduce scraps gradually to avoid digestive issues. Here’s a structured approach:

Start Slow: Introduce a few scraps at a time of a new food type.

Observe Reactions: Monitor your chickens for any adverse reactions after introducing new foods.

The Importance of Fresh Water 

Providing fresh water is also crucial, especially when offering table scraps to poultry. Hydration aids digestion, helping break down food more efficiently. Without enough water, poultry can face issues like dehydration or digestive discomfort. Always ensure water is available to support their overall health and well-being.

Give Your Flock the Best!

A balanced diet is key! While table scraps can be beneficial, they should complement a balanced diet of high-quality poultry feed. This ensures chickens receive all necessary nutrients for optimal health.

So, you were curious about what scraps your chickens can eat? Now that you know the safe and healthy options, it’s time to take action! Start feeding your flock with care; they’ll reward you with delicious eggs and their cheerful company. 

If you’re looking for top-quality hatching eggs, baby chicks, or started pullets to add to your flock, look no further than Melissahof. Our heritage poultry are raised ethically, focusing on heartiness, wholisticness, and sustainability. 

Visit our website today to see our selection and start building your dream flock with us! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to raise healthy, vibrant birds that thrive in your environment!