9 Best Treats for Chickens – Reviews & Analysis

 

Top Treats for Chickens – Guide & Comparison

 

Finding the best treats for chickens might require more time than you’ve thought, given the multitude of products available for sale. Luckily, our team has decided to give you a hand by bringing you all the answers in the next few lines. After gathering detailed information and input from previous customers and experienced farmers, we concluded that the chicken treats you should take into account as a first option is FLYGRUBS’ Superior supplement. This product is delivered in a sturdy box that preserves freshness but that also protects the ingredients from being damaged upon delivery, while the organic full-sized grubs it contains offer high levels of calcium. Moreover, they are much easier to handle compared to other mixes, and chickens love eating them. In case this treat is, unfortunately, unavailable, the most suitable alternative that you can keep in mind since it offers similar value for the money, is MBTP’s Bulk Dried Mealworms product.

 

 

Comparison Table

 

 

 

9 Best Treats for Chickens (Reviews) in 2024

 

 

If you are simply looking for more information on this topic, or you want to find something more specific, such as chicken treats for baby chicks, the next selection will surely help you determine which alternative suits your needs, since it was created based on detailed information from experienced farmers.

 

 

1. Flygrubs Superior to Dried Mealworms for Chickens

 

If what you are looking for is one of those good treats for chickens that can support the immune system, then take a look at what Flygrubs’ product can offer. This Superior supplement contains up to 85 times more calcium than dried mealworms. Moreover, your birds will also benefit from a high level of proteins that goes between 36% and 42%, as well as from healthy fats.

Fiber, phosphorus, and lysine are also included in this treat that promotes their natural feeding behavior if they are simply scattered on the ground. Plus, since this is a versatile product your ducks and other birds can have a great time eating it, so you don’t need to worry about that.

This is an organic feed that contains no grains and that is a sustainable alternative to keep your chickens healthy and happy. In case you’ve noticed a lower egg production level, then this supplement might be just what your flock needs.

 

Pros

This food is delivered in a sturdy box that contains a resealable bag which preserves its freshness.

The full-size grubs included are much easier to handle than broken worms or live mealworms while being superior to freeze-dried alternatives.

Flygrubs’ product is filled with nutrients and also contains lauric acid, which means that strong antimicrobial properties work to fight bacteria around your chickens.

Thanks to the high calcium level included, stronger eggshells are promoted and sustained, while your flock will regain normal energy levels.

 

Cons

As it happens when any new treat is included in an animal’s diet, chickens might need a bit of time to get used to it and start eating it with obvious enjoyment.

Although this product does contain protein, some additional sources might be necessary, depending on your chickens’ needs, and a vet can guide you in this case.

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2. MBTP Bulk Dried Mealworms Treats for Chickens & Wild Birds

 

When it comes to high protein treats for chickens, it’s hard to find a product that can beat this Bulk Dried Mealworms package. The dried mealworms are known to be an excellent source of proteins for chickens, as well as for many wild birds, such as robins, woodpeckers, or bluebirds. Of course, since this is a versatile treat, turkeys and ducks can also enjoy it.

The only ingredient you are going to find in this package is all-natural dried mealworms. According to many reviews, chickens simply love them and egg production tends to increase in most cases as well. The analysis and data offered by the manufacturer show that the protein level in this treat is over 51%, while the crude fat is over 23%.

Plus, for those of you who want to make sure that anything chickens eat is healthy, you’ll be happy to hear that this product is FDA and USDA approved, so there’s nothing you should worry about when it comes to this aspect.

 

Pros

The dried mealworms are delivered in a resealable heavy-duty bag that makes storage easy while preserving freshness for longer.

Most of the birds you have will enjoy eating these tasty treats, while the fact that they are dried makes everything much easier to handle.

Only high-quality mealworms are used for making this product, and only those raised on a 100% vegetarian diet.

This is an FDA and USDA-approved product, and no GMOs, preservatives, fillers or additives are included.

 

Cons

Squirrels may also be tempted to go check out the dried mealworms, according to some reviews, so make sure that you properly store the bag to block any access they might have.

While birds love these, some of them can be picky and take some time to give the dried mealworms a try.

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3. Treats For Chickens Certified Organic Nesting Box Blend

 

Not necessarily one of those cheap treats for chickens but certainly one that you should try out, this Nesting Box Blend keeps the flock’s coop clean thanks to the various types of plants and flowers it includes. This also means that your chickens are more comfortable, while parasites are kept at bay.

The list of ingredients is a long one, but it only contains organic elements. You can find lavender, peppermint, chamomile, tansy, calendula, wormwood, eucalyptus, catnip, and spearmint in this blend. As you can only imagine, it smells great for us and for the chickens, but the really good part is that it provides antibacterial and antifungal benefits.

Even though it’s not a mandatory addition to a coop, as food and water are, it is certainly one that can make your life easier. It keeps parasites under control in a natural way and your chickens are more comfortable given the fresh and clean environment.

 

Pros

You can add the Nesting Box Blend to the coop floor, inside hen yards, as well as around holes that might allow bugs and crawlies to get to your chickens.

This is a non-toxic and natural solution to keep your flock comfortable and free of various parasites such as lice, mites, and other such pests.

All of the ingredients included are organic, which means that you don’t need to worry about any potentially harmful chemicals that your chickens could ingest.

The blend can also be composted along with manure, bedding, and other similar materials.

 

Cons

Even though this is an effective product praised by most of those who have tried it, it tends to be rather expensive, especially for a larger flock.

Make sure that the resealable bag is correctly and securely stored, to prevent the freshness and fragrance from fading away.

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4. Grubblies 1 lb. 50x More Calcium Than Mealworms USA-Grown Non-GMO Grubs

 

This Grubbly Farms product falls into the great food treats for chickens category, given that it comes with multiple benefits for your flock. Packed with proteins and many other nutrients, the Grubblies treat ensures a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 3:1 which, according to some studies, seems to be the optimal one.

Plus, more birds in your yard or farm can enjoy it as well, since it’s suitable for turkeys, ducks, and other fowl. The list of nutrients it provides is a rather complete one that includes proteins, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, healthy dietary fat, as well as lysine. Scattering the product on the ground encourages your chickens’ natural feeding behavior since they will forage for food.

This also means that they will eat more elements such as leaves, grass, or other insects, this way promoting a balanced daily diet. Some say that this product is a more complete alternative than mealworms, so you might want to try it out and see how it works for your flock.

 

Pros

Given the high level of proteins it contains, Grubblies supports a healthy feather production, being one of those effective treats for molting chickens.  

You will see that normal energy levels and increased egg production are among the benefits brought by this treat.

Given that the product contains 50 times more calcium than other alternatives on the market, it can prevent the production of deformed eggs, and also sustains stronger shells.

The 100% natural and oven-dried Black Soldier Fly grubs it contains are farm-grown in the United States and they are also FDA-approved, for the safety of your flock.

 

Cons

Some users find this chicken treat to be a bit overpriced, especially for a large flock.

Chickens might not be interested in eating them at first since they can sometimes be picky.

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5. Treats For Chickens Certified Organic Crack Treat

 

This product can easily become one of the favorite treats for chickens living in your yard since it’s a great combination of grains, dried mealworms, organic seeds, and dried river shrimp. The wide range of flavors and textures will make your feathered friends excited about this treat, while you can also be sure that it offers a wide range of nutritional benefits.

Moreover, since the manufacturer knows that responsible farmers and chicken owners want to provide the healthiest food to their flocks, all of the ingredients included in this blend are certified organic. According to some reviews, the only problem that might arise is if you forget to seal the treat once you are done and your chickens find the source.

They won’t hesitate to enjoy their time with this mix. The list of ingredients includes many interesting elements, as you can find cracked corn, barley, rye, buckwheat, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, mealworms, and dried river shrimp.

 

Pros

The natural and healthy ingredients are safe, so don’t hesitate to reach in, scoop out a generous quantity and sprinkle it on the ground, as this will also encourage the natural foraging behavior.

There are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives included in this mix, so you don’t need to worry that any toxic elements might become part of your chickens’ diet.

The blend is specially formulated to promote a healthy digestion as well, as this is where the flax seeds definitely help.

Since you can find Omega-3 and Omega-6 as well in this mix, your chickens will be healthier, and so will be the eggs they are going to lay.

 

Cons

While many reviews praise the mix for its quality and say that chickens love it, it tends to become expensive for a large flock.

In rare cases, some chickens will eat selectively, which means that certain components get thrown away.

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6. Happy Hen Treats Party Mix Seed And Mealworm

 

In case you’ve been wondering “What is a treat for chickens that will keep them happy?” then we believe that the Party Mix product says it all in the name. Of course, the term party here refers to a healthy life and normal energy levels, but you get the point.

This Happy Hen mix is part of a line of treats specially created and developed for chickens. This doesn’t mean that other birds cannot grab a bite here and there, but it does mean that the product meets the particular needs of chickens. Each 2-pound bag contains sunflower seeds and kernels, oats, peanuts, as well as raisins for an amazingly-tasting treat.

Moreover, you can also find dried mealworms and flaxseed in the Party Mix and, as you can imagine, chickens enjoy foraging for each ingredient. This means that their natural instincts are also sustained, which in turn keeps them comfortable and calm.

 

Pros

The mix is delivered in a resealable bag that works great for easy storage and for preserving freshness and flavors.

This product contains high-quality ingredients since this is very important when it comes to ensuring the healthy development of a flock of chickens.

You can feed the treat right from your hand, by simply scattering on the ground, but make sure you don’t overfeed your birds, as this is only a treat.

According to reviews, your chickens might follow you around if they see you carrying the bag, that is how much they enjoy it.

 

Cons

Some of those who have bought this product stated that it can be quite expensive for a larger flock, but this also depends on the budget you want to spend.

In rare cases, the bag was delivered broken, but this is a matter that can be fixed by contacting the seller’s customer support.

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7. Happy Hen Treats Party Mix Mealworm and Oats

 

This Happy Hen Treats mix belongs to the manufacturer’s line of products specifically made for chickens. This means that, while other birds might eat some of it as well, it answers to the particular needs of chickens for their healthy development. There are multiple benefits that it offers and that make it a very good addition to any chicken flock.

If you decide to give it a try, you’ll see that your birds will definitely enjoy the mix and the different textures. Moreover, as you can easily scatter it on the ground, the natural foraging instinct is also supported, which means that the mental comfort of your birds is ensured.

As they look for small pieces of the mix, chickens also eat other elements such as grass or insects. Of course, this also helps maintain a balanced diet, proving to be an extra benefit. Since the blend contains both seeds and mealworms, every chicken will enjoy a variety of ingredients.

 

Pros

The mix contains mealworms known for the high level of proteins they contain, as well as groats, raisins, and sunflower seeds.

The product is delivered in a resealable bag that helps preserve its freshness and makes storage easier.

Given that the mix was made for chickens, you can rest assured that even as a treat it provides nutritional benefits that sustain the production of eggs, as well as their health.

Since chickens love to peck for tasty treats, they will definitely enjoy their little hunt for the various elements of this mix, as they get scattered on the ground.  

 

Cons

According to some reviews, there is also a rather high level of corn included in the mix, so you shouldn’t be surprised about that.

For larger flocks, the treat can get somewhat expensive, but this also depends on the budget you’ve allocated for buying treats for your chickens.

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8. Kaytee Chicken Supplements

 

You might be going through chicken treats reviews looking for something that contains nutrients not commonly found in traditional scratch. If that’s the case, then you are in luck since this Kaytee blend might be just what you need. Thanks to its formula, this is more than just a treat, it is a supplement as well.

If you choose to give it a try, your backyard chickens are going to enjoy a balanced diet, as well as have fun as they peck around to find the various ingredients. Their natural foraging instinct is promoted, which also means that they are happier.

And since we’ve mentioned the ingredients, the list is a pretty long one that includes oat groats, raisins, ground corn, shelled peanuts, dried mealworms, wheat, sunflower seeds, and flaxseeds, among many others. The important part is that this mix was specially formulated to support the digestive system as well.

 

Pros

This blend contains important levels of calcium which sustains strong bones, as well as strong eggshells.

The nutritional benefits offered by this product are not usually found in traditional scratch, which means that it is a very good supplement as well, besides being a tasty treat.

Since it’s important to ensure the right level of healthy fats within the diet, the Party Mix also contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which means that the eggs as well are going to be of an improved quality.

The product is packed in a resealable bag which preserves the mix’s freshness and flavor but also protects against insect infestations that might occur.

 

Cons

Given that this is a mix of various ingredients, selective eating can take place, which means that you might throw some of the product away.

For some chicken owners with large flocks, this supplement tends to be a bit expensive.

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9. Manna Pro Scatter Snacks Poultry Treats

 

Many farmers and chicken owners might ask themselves “What are the right treats for my chickens?”, and this is why we’ve added this great product offered by Manna Pro to our selection. First of all, the company was formed in 1985, which means that it gathered all the necessary know-how throughout the years.

Moreover, its goal is to bring innovation as well as consistent quality into its products. With this in mind, the Scatter Snacks product was developed and it is a very good example of the brand’s high-quality standards. These snacks shaped as pellets include premium-quality ingredients, such as flaxseeds, oats, peanuts, pomegranate, and spices.

Since it’s a specially formulated blend, it also includes proteins from crab meat so that your feathered friends get a wholesome and tasty snack. Since we’re talking about a premium product, you shouldn’t be surprised to see that it supports the digestive system, while also promoting enhanced egg production.

 

Pros

Thanks to the various ingredients included in the mix, your chickens are surely going to enjoy eating this product, as many previous buyers have already stated.

Given that it comes as pellets, selective eating is prevented, so your birds are going to get a little bit of every healthy ingredient with each peck.

The high-quality protein included in the mix sustains healthy development but also ensures improved egg production.

The product comes in 1.68 lbs bags, but you can order either one or a pack of three, depending on your needs and on the size of the flock you own.

 

Cons

Some chickens might require a bit more time to get used to the pellets if they are picky.

This is a pelleted product, so there’s no mix that your chickens can choose from, as some previous buyers would have wanted.

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Yearly Guide & Report

 

While you surely think about how to provide the perfect feed for your chickens, you might not think that much about treats. However, these are an important part of your flock’s diet, since they can provide multiple nutritional benefits that might otherwise be harder to ensure.

Before getting into details, it’s important to mention that chickens have a natural foraging habit that can be used to their advantage. As they pick pieces of elements off the ground, they can also ingest other ingredients such as insects or grass. That’s why, when you provide them with treats, you may want to scatter them around, instead of placing them all in one spot.

Companies are giving a lot of thought on how to create the right treats for chickens since this can impact their health, as well as the production of eggs. You might be surprised, but a lot of research stands behind these tailored products that we can find on the market.

Therefore, let’s take a look and see what some of the things you should bear in mind are as you choose the next treat for your flock of chickens.

Mealworms  

Almost all of the treats that you can find somehow include mealworms. That is because these are tasty and appealing for our feathered friends, but also because they contain high protein levels. However, there are other alternatives, such as grubs, that offer more calcium.

Of course, you should aim for a balanced diet, which means having the right amount of each nutritional ingredient, but if you are not sure how to do this, you can always choose an already specialized product.

 

Mix or pellets?

Chicken treats that don’t contain only one ingredient, such as mealworms, are usually found either as a mix or as pellets.

Of course, each alternative has both pros and cons that you might want to consider. Mixes of various ingredients offer more options, tastes, and textures, so they don’t get boring. On the other hand, selective eating might be a problem, if your chickens are into one or two ingredients and won’t touch the rest.

To avoid this, you can purchase smaller quantities at first and see if they like the treat. Pellets, on the other hand, include a little bit of everything in each piece, thus ensuring a balanced intake. However, it’s true that they might not be as exciting as mixes. In the end, you want to try a little bit of everything before you settle on one or two treats that work best for your birds.

Quality

As it’s the case when it comes to food, in general, you should always strive to choose natural and healthy treats for the chickens. Luckily, there are so many options on the market, that there is little chance you will ever run out of options.

You can safely find organic treats specially developed for chickens, so these can definitely go to the top of the list. If you are thinking about the budget as well, remember that everything your chickens eat somehow gets translated into the quality of their eggs as well.

 

 

Bibliography:

1) What treats can you give your chicken?

2) How often can you offer treats?

3) Daily treats – food ratio

4) Boost the nutrition of your chicken