Your chickens are more than egg-producing machines. They're family.
And like any family member, they deserve treats that make them thrive - not just survive. But walk into any feed store, and you'll face a bewildering array of options. Dried mealworms. Scratch grains. Mystery pellets with ingredient lists longer than a pharmacy receipt.
Which natural chicken treats are actually good for your girls? Which ones are marketing hype? And more importantly, which ones could harm your flock?
After years of raising chickens on our family farm and countless conversations with fellow crazy chicken ladies, we've learned what works. This guide cuts through the confusion. You'll learn exactly what to feed chickens, what to avoid, and how to choose backyard chicken treats that support health through every season - from molting to laying.
Let's start with the basics.
What Makes a Chicken Treat "Natural" (And Why It Matters)
Not all treats are created equal.
A truly natural chicken treat contains ingredients you can recognize. Whole grains. Real herbs. Dried insects. Seeds. Nothing you need a chemistry degree to pronounce.
Compare that to many commercial treats loaded with artificial colors, preservatives, and fillers. Your chickens don't need Yellow #5. They need nutrition.
Here's what to look for in natural chicken treats:
- Whole, recognizable ingredients
- No artificial additives or preservatives
- Non-GMO when possible
- Made in facilities that care about quality
- Clear sourcing information
The best natural chicken treats support your flock's health naturally. They provide protein during molting. Antioxidants for immune support. Minerals for strong eggshells. Entertainment that prevents boredom and pecking.
Think of treats as supplements, not substitutes. Your chickens still need quality feed as their foundation. But the right treats? They're the difference between a surviving flock and a thriving one.
The Golden Rule: 90/10
Before we dive into specific treats, understand this foundational principle.
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your chickens' daily diet. The other 90% should be complete feed formulated for their life stage.
Why? Chickens are remarkably bad at self-regulating their diet. Given unlimited treats, they'll gorge themselves like kids at Halloween. Then they'll skip the nutritious feed they actually need.
The result? Poor egg production. Nutritional deficiencies. Weight problems.
Follow the 90/10 rule religiously. Your girls will be healthier for it.
Safe and Beneficial: Natural Chicken Treats Your Flock Will Love
Mealworms: The Protein Powerhouse
Dried mealworms are the gold standard of chicken treats for laying hens.
They're packed with protein - roughly 53% by weight. Chickens go absolutely bonkers for them. And unlike many treats, mealworms actually benefit your flock's health.
When mealworms shine:
- During molting season (protein rebuilds feathers)
- Cold weather (protein generates body heat)
- Peak laying season (supports egg production)
- For chickens recovering from stress or illness
Chickens in molt need extra protein to regrow their feathers quickly. Mealworms deliver that protein in a form chickens naturally eat. In the wild, chickens spend their days hunting insects. You're just making their job easier.
One word of caution: mealworms are rich. Too many can lead to protein overload. Limit to one tablespoon per chicken, 2-3 times per week.
Black soldier fly larvae offer similar benefits with even higher calcium content - up to 50 times more than standard mealworms.
Scratch Grains: Energy in a Bowl
Scratch is a mixture of cracked corn, wheat, oats, and other whole grains.
Think of it as comfort food for chickens. It's fun to eat (satisfies their scratching instinct). It's warming in winter. And it provides quick energy.
But here's the catch: scratch is mostly carbohydrates. It's the chicken equivalent of potato chips - tasty but not particularly nutritious.
Best uses for scratch:
- Winter treat before bedtime (generates overnight warmth)
- Training reward (chickens learn fast)
- Entertainment scattered in run or coop
Limit scratch to a small handful per chicken, once daily at most. Too much displaces the complete nutrition in their layer feed.
Some backyard chicken keepers make their own scratch blends with sunflower seeds, oats, barley, and flax. This provides more variety and nutrition than commercial scratch.
Fresh Vegetables and Fruits: Nature's Vitamin Pills
Your kitchen scraps are treasure to your chickens.
Most vegetables and fruits make excellent natural chicken treats. They provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, and hydration. Plus, chickens enjoy the variety.
Safe vegetables and fruits include:
- Leafy greens (kale, spinach, lettuce, cabbage)
- Root vegetables (carrots, beets, turnips, sweet potatoes)
- Squash and pumpkin (including seeds)
- Berries (all types)
- Melon (including rinds)
- Herbs (basil, oregano, parsley, mint)
- Broccoli and cauliflower
- Cucumbers and zucchini
Preparation tips:
- Hang whole cabbages for entertainment
- Chop hard vegetables into manageable pieces
- Serve warm mash in winter for extra appeal
- Remove uneaten fresh foods after a few hours
Some vegetables shouldn't be fed raw. More on that in the "avoid" section below.
Herbs: Small Plants, Big Benefits
Fresh and dried herbs deserve special mention.
Chickens have been foraging on herbs for thousands of years. These plants contain compounds that support various aspects of health - from respiratory function to pest control.
Popular herbs for backyard chicken treats:
Oregano - Contains carvacrol, a compound studied for supporting respiratory health. Many chicken keepers add oregano to coops and nesting boxes.
Garlic - Known for its allicin content. Chickens need healthy circulation, and garlic has been used traditionally for this purpose.
Lavender - Calming properties are well-documented. Sprinkle in nesting boxes to create a peaceful environment. Chickens experiencing stress may benefit from lavender's soothing qualities.
Calendula - The petals are rich in carotenoids. Egg yolks get their color from carotenoids in the diet. Chickens that consume calendula often produce eggs with deep orange yolks.
Basil - Traditionally used to support respiratory health. Contains antioxidants that chickens need for overall wellness.
Rosemary - Acts as a natural coop deodorizer. The strong scent may help deter pests. Plus, it's an antioxidant-rich herb.
You can grow these herbs yourself or add them dried to treats. Our Herb & Hen blend combines several of these herbs specifically for chickens. Each herb serves a purpose based on traditional use and what chickens naturally seek.
Seeds and Nuts: Fat and Flavor
Seeds provide healthy fats, protein, and entertainment.
Good options:
- Sunflower seeds (chickens love these)
- Pumpkin seeds (traditional used to support digestive health)
- Flax seeds (omega-3 fatty acids)
- Chia seeds (nutrients and fiber)
Chickens need some fat in their diet - it's essential for vitamin absorption and feather health. Seeds deliver fat in a whole-food form.
Nuts are fine in small amounts but go easy. They're very calorie-dense. A few chopped walnuts or almonds as an occasional treat won't hurt, but don't make them a regular offering.
Fermented Grains: Probiotic Power
Here's a treat that takes effort but pays dividends.
Fermenting grains (like oats or wheat) creates natural probiotics. The process increases vitamin content and makes nutrients more available. Many chicken keepers swear by fermented feed for flock health.
Simple fermentation method:
- Place grains in a glass jar
- Cover with dechlorinated water (let tap water sit 24 hours)
- Cover loosely and let sit 2-4 days
- Grains should smell tangy, not rotten
- Feed small amounts mixed with regular feed
Chickens need healthy digestive systems to absorb nutrients. Fermented grains support gut health naturally through beneficial bacteria.
The Danger Zone: What NOT to Feed Chickens
Some foods are toxic to chickens. Others just make poor choices.
Let's be clear about both.
Never Feed These (Toxic to Chickens):
Avocado - Contains persin, which is toxic to chickens. Even small amounts can cause heart damage or death. Avoid entirely.
Chocolate - Theobromine is poisonous to chickens. Keep all chocolate products away from your flock.
Raw or dried beans - Contain phytohaemagglutinin, a toxin that can kill chickens. Cooked beans are fine. Raw or undercooked? Absolutely not.
Green potatoes or tomatoes - The green parts contain solanine, a toxic compound. Ripe red tomatoes are safe. Green parts of any nightshade plant? Dangerous.
Onions (in large quantities) - Can cause hemolytic anemia. A small amount won't hurt, but don't feed onions regularly or in quantity.
Salty or sugary processed foods - Chips, candy, junk food. You wouldn't feed these to your kids regularly (hopefully). Don't feed them to your chickens at all.
Moldy or rotten food - Mold produces toxins. What you wouldn't eat, they shouldn't eat.
Raw egg - Creates a bad habit. Chickens that develop a taste for raw eggs become egg eaters. Hard-boiled eggs? Totally fine.
Citrus (controversial) - Some evidence suggests excessive citrus may affect calcium absorption and egg production. A bit of orange probably won't hurt, but don't overdo it.
Poor Choices (Not Toxic, But Problematic):
White bread and pasta - Empty calories with zero nutrition. Treats should add value, not just fill bellies.
Excessive table scraps - That casserole has butter, salt, and who knows what else. Occasional scraps are fine. Making it a daily habit? Not ideal.
Sugary fruits in excess - Grapes, watermelon, and sweet fruits are fine in moderation. Too much sugar disrupts digestion and promotes obesity.
Raw potato peels - Not toxic like green potatoes, but hard to digest and low in nutrition. Skip them.
Seasonal Considerations: What to Feed Chickens When
Your chickens' nutritional needs change with the seasons.
Smart treat selection supports these changing needs.
Winter: Focus on Warmth and Energy
Cold weather demands extra calories. Chickens burn energy generating body heat.
Best winter treats:
- Scratch grains before bedtime (digestion creates heat overnight)
- Warm oatmeal or cooked rice
- Cracked corn (high calorie, warming)
- Mealworms (protein supports feather quality)
- Suet cakes (fat for energy)
Our Worm & Cozy blend combines warming ingredients with protein. It's designed for cold-weather comfort.
Winter also means limited foraging. Chickens spend less time outside finding greens. Supplement with dried herbs, cabbage, or sprouted grains.
Spring: Support Egg Production
Spring means peak laying season. Your hens are egg-making machines.
Best spring treats:
- Leafy greens (vitamins and minerals)
- Calcium-rich foods (crushed oyster shells, not a treat but essential)
- Herbs that support overall wellness
- Fresh grass clippings
Chickens need calcium for strong eggshells. Laying hens use tremendous calcium - sometimes more than 10% of their body weight annually. Free-choice calcium supplements alongside quality treats support this demand.
Summer: Hydration and Heat Relief
Hot weather stresses chickens. They can't sweat.
Best summer treats:
- Frozen watermelon
- Cucumbers (high water content)
- Frozen berries
- Ice blocks with herbs or berries frozen inside
- Cold, fresh greens
Chickens need to stay cool. Frozen treats provide entertainment and relief. Our Prairie Medley includes ingredients traditionally used during warm weather.
Avoid heavy, warming treats in summer. Skip the scratch. Focus on light, hydrating options.
Fall (Molting Season): Protein, Protein, Protein
Molt hits between late summer and fall. Your chickens lose feathers and grow new ones.
This is the most nutritionally demanding time of year outside laying season. Feathers are 80-85% protein. Growing an entire new coat requires serious nutritional support.
Chicken molting care through treats:
- Double their normal mealworm allowance
- Black soldier fly larvae (high protein, high calcium)
- Cooked eggs (yes, eggs for chickens - excellent protein)
- Meat scraps in moderation
- Sunflower seeds (protein and fat for feather quality)
Many chickens stop laying during molt. That's normal. Their bodies redirect all resources to feather growth. Don't push extra egg production. Support the molt instead.
Our seasonal fall blend emphasizes protein sources. Molting chickens need more protein than treats normally provide, but every bit helps.
How to Choose Quality Natural Chicken Treats
Not all "natural" treats are created equal.
Here's what separates exceptional products from mediocre ones.
Read the Ingredient List
The first ingredient matters most. It's present in the highest quantity.
If the first ingredient is "grain products" or "by-products," that's filler. You want whole ingredients you can identify.
Compare these two:
Product A: "Corn by-product meal, grain products, artificial flavor, yellow #5, preservatives"
Product B: "Cracked corn, whole oats, dried mealworms, sunflower seeds, oregano, basil"
Which would you choose?
Check for Artificial Additives
Chickens don't need artificial colors. They can't even see the bright red or yellow the manufacturer added.
Those colors are for you, not your flock. And they serve zero nutritional purpose.
Avoid treats with:
- Artificial colors (red #40, yellow #5, etc.)
- Artificial flavors
- Chemical preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin)
- Unnecessary fillers
Know the Source
Where do the ingredients come from? Who makes the product?
Small, family-run operations often care more about quality than massive corporations. They're feeding these treats to their own flocks.
Look for:
- USA-sourced ingredients when possible
- Small-batch production
- Transparent sourcing information
- Companies run by actual chicken keepers
We hand-blend every bag of Hen & Chick treats on our family farm. The same treats we sell to you go to our own chickens first. That's how we know they're good.
Consider the Purpose
Why are you buying this treat?
Entertainment? Choose treats that encourage natural foraging behavior.
Seasonal support? Select treats appropriate for the time of year.
Training? Pick something chickens go crazy for (mealworms never fail).
Nutritional boost? Focus on protein and herb-rich options.
Different treats serve different purposes. The best backyard chicken treats align with your flock's current needs.
Making Your Own Natural Chicken Treats: Pros and Cons
Many chicken keepers make their own treats. It's cheaper and you control every ingredient (this is exactly how we started).
DIY Treat Advantages:
- Cost savings - Buying ingredients in bulk is economical
- Complete control - You choose everything that goes in
- Customization - Adjust ratios for your flock's preferences
- Freshness - Make small batches as needed
DIY Treat Disadvantages:
- Time investment - Mixing, packaging, storing takes effort
- Sourcing challenges - Finding quality ingredients in small quantities is hard
- Storage issues - Natural ingredients spoil without preservatives
- Inconsistency - Batches may vary in quality
- Knowledge required - You need to understand chicken nutrition
Simple DIY Recipe: Basic Scratch Mix
If you want to try DIY, start simple:
Ingredients:
- 3 parts cracked corn
- 2 parts oats
- 1 part sunflower seeds
- 1 part wheat
- ½ part dried herbs (oregano, basil)
Mix thoroughly. Store in airtight container in cool, dry place. Use within 4-6 weeks.
This basic mix provides entertainment and some nutritional value. It's not a complete diet - remember the 90/10 rule.
When to Buy Instead
Some treats are worth buying:
Dried mealworms - Raising your own is messy and time-consuming. Buying dried mealworms is simpler. But - be aware, it's very, very hard to find domestically-raised mealworms in a store.
Specialty blends - Balanced herb mixes require knowledge and sourcing. Pre-made blends from knowledgeable sources save time.
Seasonal treats - Making small batches of seasonal offerings isn't cost-effective for most keepers.
We created every blend of our treats because we were making these blends for our own chickens anyway. Other families wanted them. It made sense to share.
Special Circumstances: Treats for Specific Situations
Sometimes your chickens need targeted support.
Recovering from Stress or Illness
Chickens recovering from predator attacks, illness, or injury need extra nutritional support.
Helpful treats:
- Scrambled eggs (protein and easy to eat)
- Plain yogurt (probiotics, though controversial - some experts claim chickens lack enzymes to digest dairy properly - so use your own best judgement)
- Soft foods (cooked sweet potato, oatmeal)
- Mealworms (protein without much effort)
Focus on easy-to-digest options packed with nutrition.
Broody Hens
Broody hens often lose weight. They're sitting on eggs 23+ hours per day.
Tempt them off the nest once daily with high-value treats:
- Mealworms
- Scrambled eggs
- Fresh greens
- Berries
They need to eat, drink, and eliminate waste. Treats help lure them off the nest temporarily.
Integrating New Birds
New chickens face stress. The pecking order isn't gentle.
Use treats to create positive associations:
- Scatter treats when new birds are present
- Offer treats that require time to eat (whole cabbage, suet log)
- This forces the flock to be near each other peacefully
Chickens eating together establish bonds. Treats help facilitate this process.
Extreme Weather
Extreme heat or cold creates additional stress.
Adjust treats accordingly:
- Hot weather → hydrating, cooling treats
- Cold weather → warming, high-calorie treats
- Storms/stress → comfort foods chickens love
Treat Delivery Methods: Make It Fun
How you give treats matters as much as what you give.
Scattered on Ground
The most natural method. Chickens scratch and forage as they would in the wild.
Benefits: Exercise, entertainment, satisfies natural behavior
Best for: Scratch grains, dried herbs, seeds
Hanging Treats
Whole vegetables hung from string or wire create challenge and entertainment.
Benefits: Reduces boredom, provides exercise, lasts longer
Best for: Cabbage, lettuce heads, squash, suet balls
Treat Balls
Commercial treat balls dispense small amounts as chickens roll them around.
Benefits: Mental stimulation, controlled portions
Best for: Mealworms, pellets, small seeds
Mixed with Feed
Some treats work well mixed into regular feed.
Benefits: Ensures even distribution, good for shy birds
Best for: Dried herbs, seeds, small amounts of supplements
Frozen Blocks
Freeze treats in ice for summer entertainment.
Benefits: Cooling effect, long-lasting fun
Best for: Berries, herbs, small vegetable pieces
Variety in delivery keeps chickens engaged and prevents boredom-related problems like feather picking.
Common Myths About Chicken Treats (Debunked)
Let's clear up some confusion.
Myth #1: "Chickens can eat anything"
False. Chickens are omnivores but not invincible. They can die from avocado, chocolate, or raw beans. Don't assume all food is chicken-safe.
Myth #2: "Treats spoil chickens"
False - but treats given wrongly create problems. Following the 90/10 rule prevents issues. Treats become problematic when they replace proper nutrition.
Myth #3: "Organic chicken treats are always better"
Ehhh - kind of true. Organic means fewer pesticides and chemicals. But certification costs money. Small farms may use organic practices without formal certification. Ask about practices, not just labels.
Myth #4: "More protein is always better"
False. Excessive protein strains kidneys and can cause health problems. Balance matters. Chickens need appropriate protein levels for their life stage.
Myth #5: "Kitchen scraps are free treats"
True but incomplete. Scraps are free, but not all scraps are appropriate. Apply the same safety guidelines to scraps as any other treat.
Myth #6: "Scratch is a complete diet"
Completely false. Scratch is entertainment, not nutrition. Chickens fed primarily scratch develop deficiencies and stop laying.
Building Your Treat Rotation: A Practical Plan
Here's a simple weekly treat rotation for healthy chickens:
Monday: Scratch grains scattered in run (morning)
Tuesday: Fresh vegetable scraps from dinner prep
Wednesday: Mealworms (small handful per chicken)
Thursday: Hanging cabbage or greens
Friday: Herb blend mixed with scratch
Saturday: Fresh fruit pieces
Sunday: Mixed seed blend
This rotation provides variety without overfeeding. Adjust based on season and your flock's needs.
During molting? Add extra mealworm days. During heat? Swap in frozen treats. During laying season? Focus on calcium-supporting options.
Storage and Freshness: Keep Treats Safe
Natural treats lack preservatives. They spoil faster than processed options.
Proper Storage:
Dried treats (mealworms, herbs, grains):
- Airtight containers
- Cool, dry location
- Away from sunlight
- Protected from rodents
Fresh treats:
- Refrigerate if not using immediately
- Use within a few days
- Remove uneaten portions after a few hours
Homemade mixes:
- Small batches (what you'll use in 4-6 weeks)
- Label with date
- Check regularly for signs of mold or pests
Our treats come in resealable bags. We recommend storing them in a cool, dry place. Because we use no preservatives, freshness matters.
Spoiled treats make chickens sick. When in doubt, throw it out.
The Real Question: Are Your Chickens Happy?
At the end of the day, treats are about more than nutrition.
They're about enrichment. Joy. The relationship between you and your flock.
Watch your chickens' behavior. Happy chickens:
- Are active and alert
- Have bright eyes and smooth feathers
- Vocalize contentedly
- Follow you around (hoping for treats)
- Lay consistently
- Display natural behaviors (scratching, dust bathing, foraging)
The best natural chicken treats support this happiness. They make your chickens healthier, yes. But more importantly, they make your chickens thrive.
That's why we created every one of our blends. Our Prairie Medley combines sunflower seeds, oats, and herbs chickens naturally seek. Our Herb & Hen blend brings together oregano, basil, and other beneficial plants. Pasture Pickin' mimics what chickens find when free-ranging.
Each blend serves a purpose. Each is hand-mixed on our family farm. Each goes to our own chickens before we sell a single bag.
Because we're not just business owners. We're crazy chicken ladies (& guys) too.
Your Next Steps
Start simple. Don't overwhelm yourself with complicated treat schedules or exotic ingredients.
This week:
- Evaluate your current treats - Do they meet the quality standards outlined above?
- Remove anything questionable - If you wouldn't eat it, don't feed it to your chickens
- Add one new natural treat - Try mealworms if you haven't, or introduce a fresh herb
- Observe your flock - Notice what they love, what they ignore, and how they respond
This month:
- Establish a treat rotation - Variety matters for nutrition and enrichment
- Adjust for season - Your fall treats should differ from summer options
- Improve storage - Invest in proper containers to keep treats fresh
This year:
- Build knowledge - Learn more about chicken nutrition and seasonal needs
- Connect with other chicken keepers - Share tips and favorite treats
- Refine your approach - What works for your flock may differ from others
The Hen & Chick Promise
We believe chickens deserve better than the generic, processed treats filling most feed stores.
That's why every bag of Hen & Chick treats contains only ingredients we can pronounce. Ingredients we'd feed our own girls. Ingredients selected specifically for what chickens need during different seasons and life stages.
Our Sampler Pack lets you try multiple blends. Our seasonal offerings - like Punkin' Peckin' in fall and Worm & Cozy in winter - address specific seasonal needs.
But here's the truth: we're not the only option for quality natural chicken treats. We're just one small family farm trying to do right by our chickens and yours.
Whatever treats you choose, choose them thoughtfully. Read labels. Ask questions. Demand transparency.
Your chickens trust you to make good decisions. They can't read ingredient lists or research nutrition. That's your job.
Do it well. They'll reward you with eggs, entertainment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're giving them the best life possible.
Join the Hen & Chick Homestead Community
Share your flock's treat favorites with us on Instagram: #HenAndChickHomestead
We feature customer photos regularly and love seeing your chickens enjoy treat time. Plus, you might just inspire another crazy chicken lady to improve her flock's snack game.
Got questions? We're here. We may not have all the answers, but we've made enough mistakes with our own chickens to help you avoid them.
Happy chicken keeping. May your eggs be plentiful and your hens healthy.
— The Sisters at Hen & Chick Family Farm
Related Products:
- Flock Feast Finery Collection - Hand-blended natural treats for every season
- Flock Snack Sampler - Try multiple blends to discover your flock's favorites
- Herb & Hen - Our signature year-round blend with beneficial herbs
- Prairie Medley - Sunflower seeds, oats, and natural goodness
- Seasonal Specials - Punkin' Peckin', Worm & Cozy, and limited-time offerings
Store treats in a cool, dry place away from rodents. Use within 6 months of opening for best freshness.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about chicken nutrition and treats. It is not veterinary advice. For specific health concerns about your flock, consult a licensed veterinarian familiar with poultry. Hen & Chick products are treats designed to supplement a complete layer feed, not replace it. Follow the 90/10 rule: 90% complete feed, 10% treats.
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