Chickens need a balanced diet for maintaining their overall health. In order to ensure that your birds remain in good health, it is necessary that you give them that type of chicken feed which contains essential nutrients. You can enhance the nutrition while introducing chicken feed treats but make sure that they comprise of only 20% of the total feed.
Chicken feed treats will keep your birds happy. It is also an effective way by which you can earn their trust. Let us now discuss about some chicken feed treats which you can give to your birds.
Mealworms
Mealworms are one of the most favorite treats of chickens. These creatures are rich in nutrients like protein and your birds will love to consume them. They are helpful in feather regrowth, especially during the time of molting. There are many ways by which you can feed meal worms to your chickens. You can either disperse these worms on the ground or put them into their feeding dish. Whichever way you choose to feed them, it will benefit the birds.
Pumpkin
You can also give pumpkins to your chickens as chicken feed treats. Both raw and cooked pumpkins can act as great nutritious treats for birds. They will like to peck the fresh and delicious vegetable. Pumpkin seeds are also natural dewormer, so they will keep your birds healthy.
Berries
Chickens also prefer berries. You can give various kinds of berries to your birds, such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. They are a natural source vitamin A and C. They also contain antioxidants which will give a boost to their immune system, thus making them less susceptible to diseases.
Watermelon
Watermelons can act as an excellent rehydrating treat during the summer season. It will keep your birds cool and hydrated throughout the day. It comprises of vitamins and natural sugars which gives energy to the birds, enabling them to endure the hot summers. Both seeds and flesh of this fruit are edible and can be given to the chickens.
Oatmeal
You can keep your chickens happy during the cold winter months simply by giving them a bowl of warm oatmeal. Oats contain various kinds of essential nutrients which will keep the birds warm and healthy. In order to increase the nutritional level, you can add some raisins, mealworms, sunflower seeds or fresh herbs as toppings.
Corn
Corn is a high energy treat which gives chickens the ability to remain warm during the winter season. However, you should give corn in moderate amounts to your chickens since they are low in proteins. If you want to have a variation in their diet, then you can give your birds a combination of corn and other grains.
Yogurt
Plain yogurt can be a great treat for your chickens provided you give them moderately. It can help them to maintain a healthy digestive system. A small amount of yogurt is enough to keep your birds cool during the hot summer days.
These are the type of treats which you can give to your birds without any hesitation. It will keep your feather friends happy and healthy.