5 Fall Treats for Chickens

As the crisp air of fall settles in and the leaves start to change, it's not just humans who appreciate the seasonal harvest. Your backyard chickens will love some special autumn treats to make their days more interesting. Here are five fall-inspired treats that your chickens will cluck about.

But remember, while treats will give your chickens extra nutrients and energy to help them prepare for the cooler weather, they should only make up about 10% of your chickens' overall diet. The bulk of your chickens' nutrition should still come from a well-balanced layer feed to ensure they get all the essential vitamins and minerals needed for egg production and overall health.

1. Pumpkins

Pumpkins are a fantastic fall treat for your flock. Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, they’re also packed with fiber, which helps promote a healthy digestive system. Chickens will peck at the flesh, seeds, and rind, so there's very little waste. You can even roast the seeds to enhance their nutritional value! 

Serve pumpkin raw or cooked, and let your chickens enjoy a seasonal feast. You could even join the trend and let your chickens carve your jack-o-lantern for you - apparently the trick is scraping the rind where you want your chickens to carve, and stopping them before they eat the whole thing!

2. Apples (Without Seeds)

Apples are another fall favorite that your chickens will enjoy. They’re a good source of fiber and vitamin C. However, it's crucial to remove the seeds before offering them to your chickens because apple seeds contain small amounts of cyanide, which can be harmful in large quantities. 

Core the apples to remove the seeds and hang them on a string for a fall-inspired chicken toy. Or see if your chickens enjoy bobbing for apples!

3. Squash

Like pumpkins, other types of squash are also ideal fall treats. Squash varieties such as butternut or acorn are rich in nutrients and easy for chickens to eat. You can bake the squash or offer it raw—either way, your flock will eagerly devour it. Squash is a great source of beta-carotene, which can help boost your chickens’ immune systems during the colder months.

4. Corn

Corn is a high-energy treat that’s perfect for cooler fall weather. It's packed with carbohydrates, which provide your chickens with the extra energy they need as the temperature starts to drop.

Hang corn stalks upside down in the chicken coop for a pecking bonanza. Your chickens will even eat the stalks if they aren't too dry!

Remember, corn is very high in calories so should only be given to chickens as a treat.

5. Sunflower Seeds

As you clean up your garden, don’t forget to save any sunflower heads. Sunflower seeds are a high-protein treat that your chickens will love. Black oil sunflower seeds, in particular, are rich in healthy fats and essential nutrients. You can either offer the seeds directly or hang an entire sunflower head in the run for some extra foraging fun.

Feeding Tips

While these fall treats are a great way to add variety to your flock's diet and interest to their coop, moderation is key. 

Treats should not be fed every day and should never make up more than 10 % of the diet. A complete layer feed is the best source of nutrients to keep backyard chickens healthy and productive. 

Treats should not be placed directly on the ground to prevent contamination with droppings, and any uneaten treats should be cleaned up daily to prevent mould and rodents.

With these five delicious fall treats, you can celebrate the harvest season with your chickens and keep them happy and healthy as the weather cools down. 

Happy fall, and happy feeding!