When it comes to Halloween, it's not just humans who can get in on the fun. Your backyard chickens can partake in the festivities too! Treats are a delightful way to spoil your chickens a bit, and they can be beneficial for their health when offered in moderation. However, just like with children, it's vital to ensure that the treats you offer are safe. In this blog, we will explore some Halloween-inspired treats that are perfect for your feathered flock, and which ones you should definitely avoid.
Spooky Squash and Pumpkins
Safe Treat: Raw pumpkin is not only safe for chickens, but they absolutely love it. The seeds can act as natural wormers, and the fleshy part is packed with nutrients. It's like a chicken buffet and playground rolled into one. If you've just finished carving a Jack-o-lantern, consider placing the carved-out pieces in their coop.
Ghoulish Greens
Safe Treat: Dark leafy greens like kale, spinach, and Swiss chard can be hung in the coop or run for a "peck and play." Chickens will jump and stretch to peck at these greens, making it both a treat and a fun activity.
Wormy Delights
Safe Treat: What's creepier than a bowl of worms for Halloween? Fortunately, chickens are natural worm gobblers. Offering them a handful of mealworms, earthworms, or even black soldier fly larvae will surely make their day.
Hauntingly Fresh Fruits
Safe Treat: Most fruits are safe and healthy for chickens. Pieces of apple (minus the seeds), blueberries, and bananas (without the peel) are all good options. These can be given raw or hung up to encourage foraging behaviors.
Creepy Corn and Grains
Safe Treat: A little bit of corn or scratch grains can be a wonderful treat on a cool Halloween evening. Corn helps raise their internal body temperature, which can be especially beneficial as the nights begin to chill.
Bewitching Berries
Safe Treat: Berries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins. Consider giving them raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. Just ensure they're free from mold or fermentation.
Now, for the No-No Treats:
Candy and Chocolates: As much as we humans enjoy Halloween candies, they're a big NO for chickens. Most candies are high in sugar, which is not good for their digestive system. Moreover, chocolates, especially dark chocolate, contain theobromine, which can be deadly to birds.
Raw Potatoes: Green potatoes and their peels contain solanine, a chemical that can be toxic to chickens.
Avocado: The pit and skin of avocados contain persin, a toxin harmful to many birds, including chickens.
Seeds from Fruits: Some fruit seeds, like apple seeds, contain trace amounts of cyanide. While a few might not harm, it's best to avoid them altogether.
Salty Snacks: Any snacks or foods high in salt should be avoided. Chickens have a delicate sodium balance, and excessive salt can be harmful.
Processed Foods: Any processed foods, pastries, or sugary snacks meant for human consumption should not be given to chickens.
Halloween is a festive time, filled with spooky decorations, costumes, and, of course, treats. As you celebrate, remember that your feathered friends can join in on the fun in their own healthy way. By offering them safe and nutritious treats, you ensure they enjoy the season as much as you do.
Remember always to provide treats in moderation. While they are fun and can be beneficial, they shouldn't replace a balanced diet for your chickens. Their primary diet should still be quality poultry feed that ensures they get all the essential nutrients.
So this Halloween, as you prepare treats for the neighborhood kids, set aside some goodies for your chickens. They might not say "trick or treat," but their happy clucks will be thanks enough!
