Tasty Treats

There’s more than one reason to treat your hens to leftover kitchen scraps! Not only will it help you waste less by not just throwing it in the trash; it can also reduce feeding costs and give your hens something different to enjoy. Here are a few more ideas to help entertain your flock.

• When it comes to kitchen scraps, stick to fruits and veggies and avoid feeding things such as meat, bread or sugary foods. Leftover pieces of apples, oranges or bananas are great, but skip trying to feed them the peels of oranges or bananas.

• For a snack that entertains, hang a cabbage with a hook and some twine from the top of your pen or run.

• If you’re looking for something a little more involved, sprout grains such as wheat or oats for them.

• Make your hens a “salad” with greens such as lettuce or kale.

• If your hens need a little exercise during the winter, buy live crickets at a pet-supply store.

• If your chickens have access to a bare patch of dirt, grab a shovel and dig up some worms. You’ll get a kick out of watching them peck and scratch for their snacks.

• In late fall, ask around for leftover pumpkins as they make a nutritious and delicious treat for hens.