I have a couple of hens that free-range in my backyard. They are for egg-laying only, not for meat. I'm curious if there are any vegetables that they should not eat. I am a vegetarian, so I'm thinking I could probably give them just about anything that I eat... but I know certain things like onions, coffee, etc. are bad for cats & dogs... just not sure if the same applies to chickens. Does anyone know, or know of websites with great info on things chickens can eat (other than the obvious layer feed, etc)? Obviously their main source of food is layer feed, I just wanted to supplement their free-range options with the lousy weather we've had lately. Thanks!
2007-01-17 06:23:53 · 2 answers · asked by kittikatti69 4 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
I have had many free range chickens and can tell you that if you just throw it out to them they will choose what they want to eat. Never knew anything that was specifically bad for them. Now mine did prefer greens such as mustard leaves, turnips, etc. Oh but they especially love corn! Just put it out and what they don't like they will leave. Good for you for having your own hens. Mine were killed during hurricane Katrina and i miss them. I miss those fresh eggs too.
2007-01-17 06:35:02 · answer #1 · answered by Shar 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Chickens will eat just about anything, and they'll kick aside those food items they don't want. We would give our chickens the regular scratch along with greens of all kinds, carrot shavings, and shaved fruit (like apples).
If they're truly free-range chickies, they're also supplementing their diets with worms and insects.
((We had chickens that would jump up into our laps when were outside eating, and would eat such things as Cheerios right out of the bowl.))
2007-01-17 06:35:51 · answer #2 · answered by Fetch 11 Humane Society 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋