Nothing beats the thrill of watching your hens cluck excitedly as you toss them a handful of fresh kitchen scraps! Not only does this reduce food waste, but it also enriches their diet with vitamins, minerals, and fun foraging opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or new to the flock, knowing which scraps are both nutritious and safe is key to happy, healthy birds. Let’s explore ten of my favorite kitchen handouts—each one a delightful treat that your hens will gobble up in no time!
I know how frustrating it can be to figure out safe scraps—especially when your garden’s brimming with greens that you’d love to share. From the tomato-loving earthworms bursting up for discarded cores to ladybugs nesting in fallen herb trimmings, these scraps can even help foster a mini–ecosystem in your coop run. Plus, understanding each item’s origins and habit of spreading (or not!) helps you manage both your compost pile and your flock’s health with confidence.
Eggshells
Eggshells are a superb calcium boost—essential for strong eggshell production. After thoroughly rinsing and baking at 250°F for 10 minutes to eliminate any lingering membrane, lightly crush them before offering. Your hens will swiftly peck and swallow the pieces, strengthening their own shells from the inside out!
Eggshell bits scattered in the run also attract earthworms—nature’s own composters—who tunnel up to munch on the crunchy fragments. These wriggly visitors delight your chickens and aerate the soil simultaneously, creating a win-win for your garden beds.
Watermelon Rinds
Chickens adore watermelon rind almost as much as the juicy flesh. Native to Africa and non-invasive when offered as scraps, the rinds provide hydration on hot days and gentle fiber for digestion. Simply cut into manageable chunks and watch your flock scramble to break them down!
As your hens peck through the rind, they’ll uncover tiny insects and slugs hiding beneath the green surface—nature’s protein popsicles! These foraging moments satisfy their natural scratching instincts and keep pest populations in check around the coop.
Apple Cores and Peels
Apples, originally from Central Asia, are non-invasive orchard darlings that chickens relish. Offer cores and peels in moderation—no more than a few per bird daily—to avoid excessive sugar. Chickens love pecking out seeds and peels, which deliver vitamins A and C for vibrant plumage!
Leftover cores tossed into leafy borders draw curious ground beetles and ladybugs that nest among fallen leaves. As these beneficial insects patrol for aphids, your garden gains extra protection, all while your hens enjoy a tasty treasure hunt.
Carrot Tops and Peelings
Carrot tops, native to Europe and southwestern Asia, along with peelings, are nutrient-rich treats. The feathery green fronds provide beta-carotene and antioxidants, while root peelings add fiber. Chop them finely so your hens can easily gobble every bit!
Tossed carrot scraps also invite earthworms and springtails into the coop, where chickens will happily scratch them up. These mini–ecosystem engineers break down organic matter, improving the soil’s structure and fertility over time.
Leafy Greens (Lettuce, Kale, Spinach)
Leafy greens like lettuce (Mediterranean origin), kale (Mediterranean), and spinach (Persia) aren’t invasive when grown responsibly—and your flock will devour them eagerly. Tear into bite-sized strips to prevent choking hazards, and serve in a shallow tray to minimize waste.
Spilled greens in the run encourage snails and slugs to emerge—just in time for your hens to forage. As they patrol the leaves, they’ll help maintain a balance, keeping your garden’s pest populations in check without chemical interventions!
Oats and Whole Grains
Whole oats, rice, or barley provide complex carbohydrates and lasting energy. Chickens peck at each grain, working to crack the hulls—a natural behavior that keeps their beaks strong and minds engaged. Offer cooked or soaked grains to improve digestibility, especially for younger birds.
Scattered grains also attract small ground-foraging insects like ants and beetles, which in turn become tasty protein snacks for your flock. This gentle chain reaction supports a self-regulating coop ecosystem!
Berries (Blueberries, Strawberries)
Berries, whether wild strawberries (native to Europe and North America) or cultivated blueberries (North America), offer antioxidants and a sweet treat. Chop larger berries to prevent gulping and avoid feeding more than a couple per bird each day to keep sugar in check.
Berry scraps tossed onto mulch invite bees and butterflies to come sip any lingering juices—and bees nesting in the soil below will be busy pollinating your nearby flower beds. Meanwhile, chickens get a nutritional boost and a fun foraging challenge!
Herb Trimmings (Parsley, Mint, Basil)
Fresh herb trimmings from parsley (Mediterranean), mint (Europe), or basil (India) deliver aromatic vitamins and minerals. Chickens love pecking at the flavorful leaves, which can also freshen the flock’s airways. Offer small handfuls to avoid overwhelming their diet!
Dropping herb bits into run edges attracts predatory wasps and hoverflies that nest in protected spots—these beneficials control aphid outbreaks in your garden. Your plants stay healthier, and your chickens enjoy continued pest-free foraging!
Cooked Rice and Pasta
Leftover cooked rice or pasta is a filling carbohydrate option—provided it’s plain and unsalted. I once tossed a tray of plain fusilli to my hens, and they lined up to peck every spiral clean! Serve in moderation so it doesn’t disrupt their balanced feed intake.
Any stray bits that fall into garden borders draw snails and slugs, which your chickens promptly hunt down. This interplay satisfies their natural behavior and keeps those slimy pests out of your prized flower beds!
Pumpkin and Squash Scraps
Pumpkin and squash—native to North America—offer versatile scraps: flesh, seeds, and rind. Chickens relish the sweet, moist flesh and crunchy seeds, which provide healthy fats. Chop rind into chunks so hens can peck through the tough skin!
Leftover pumpkin shells placed near borders lure earthworms into the run’s perimeter, enriching the soil. As worms crawl into the coop area, your chickens have a field day scratching up these protein-rich treats, creating a dynamic, self-sustaining mini–ecosystem!
