Garden Treats

Garden greens can be great treats for chickens and goats. Keep yours happy by feeding them greens from the following vegetable families.

CUCURBITACEAE FAMILY (pumpkins, squash, zucchini, cucumbers, melons): These vegetables are all great sources of nutrition and are also considered to be natural dewormers.

LEGUMINOSAE FAMILY (beans, peas): Fresh beans (avoid uncooked dried beans) and peas as well as the plants make nutritious, high-protein treats.

GRAMINEAE FAMILY (corn): The original food used for chicken scratch, corn is best fed in moderation because it’s low in protein and nutritional value as well as high in carbohydrates. The entire plant is edible, but care should be taken when feeding the stalks and leaves, as too much can cause problems in both chicken crops (stringy leaves can cause impacted crops) and goat rumens.

COMPOSITAE FAMILY (lettuce, Jerusalem artichokes, sunflowers): All of these plants make great additions to their diets, and sunflowers can be dried to feed during the winter.

UMBELLIFERAE FAMILY (carrots, celery, fennel,

parsnips): Chickens and goats tend to love the plants from this family. The tops and roots can be fed and are nutritious for them.