THE CAFETERIA

We have learned an enormous amount about dietary requirements of laying hens in the past 100 years of poultry nutrition study, which gives today’s chickens a dietary advantage grandma’s didn’t have. Commercial layer rations are formulated to ensure a precise balance of some 50 different nutrients required by hens to maintain health and equip them with the resources necessary to produce nutritious eggs. When chickens eat treats, kitchen scraps, fruits or veggies, they are denied a percentage of those essential nutrients in their complete feed.

Treats in moderation are fine occasionally, but no more than 5 percent of a chicken’s daily diet should consist of treats — even healthy choices.