Let’s be honest—we all love spoiling our pets. Whether it’s a dog with a new chew toy or a cat with a sneaky bit of tuna, it feels good to treat them. And for us chicken lovers? Oh yes, our feathery ladies deserve a little pampering too!
Ex-commercial hens especially know how to appreciate the good life, and nothing makes them cluck with joy like fresh fruit, veg, and a few tasty treats. But here’s the catch—when it comes to chickens, too much of a good thing can actually cause some not-so-good problems.
Just like us, moderation is key.
🥦 Why Moderation Matters
Your hens’ regular feed is designed with their exact nutritional needs in mind—it’s basically the chicken version of a perfectly balanced meal plan. Every time you add snacks or treats, you’re swapping out a bit of that balanced diet. Too many extras (even “healthy” ones!) can lead to:
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Obesity (yep, chickens can get chunky)
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Lower egg production
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Vent prolapse
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Feather-picking
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Higher risk of heart problems
So, the golden rule: treats should make up no more than 5% of their daily diet. Think of it as dessert—not dinner!
🌿 Healthy (and Fun!) Chicken Treat Ideas
The good news? There are plenty of ways to spoil your hens while keeping them healthy.
Poultry Pecking Block – The Ultimate Boredom Buster
This isn’t just a treat—it’s chicken entertainment! Pecking blocks help reduce squabbles in the flock (because even hens can get a little cranky when bored).
Packed with natural goodies like chia, garlic, herbs, oats, maize, peas, broccoli, and parsley, they’re healthy and purposeful.
Kibbled Maize – Energy Boost in a Bite
Maize is like a quick energy snack for chickens thanks to its high starch content. Great for keeping them active and happy.
Scratch n’ Lay – The Chicken Lolly Scramble
Scatter a handful of scratch grains in the coop, under shrubs, or across the lawn, and watch your girls go wild. Not only is it delicious, but it encourages natural foraging behavior, keeps them entertained, and helps prevent boredom pecking.
👉 Think of it as a fun “treasure hunt” for your flock.
🚫 Foods to Avoid
Not everything from your kitchen or garden is safe for your hens. Some things can make them sick—or worse.
Skip these:
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Avocado skins & pits → toxic (they contain persin)
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Undercooked or dried beans → contain hemagglutinin, which blocks digestion
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Rhubarb → contains laxatives and, after frost, dangerous levels of oxalic acid
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Mouldy, rotten, or salty foods → can cause digestive upset or poisoning
When in doubt, leave it out.
🐔 Final Cluck
Treats are a wonderful way to bond with your hens, keep them active, and add variety to their lives—but the best treat of all is a happy, healthy bird. Keep it fun, keep it moderate, and your flock will reward you with clucks, cuddles, and plenty of eggs.
✨ Ready to spoil your hens (the healthy way)?
