Top 5 High-Protein Chicken Treats Your Hens Will Love

When it comes to keeping your flock healthy and productive, offering high-protein treats is essential, especially during demanding times like molting or cold months. Protein helps with feather regrowth, egg production, and overall vitality. While your chicken feed generally contains the recommended protein levels, supplementing with these high-protein treats can give your hens an extra boost. Remember, however, to offer treats in moderation; about a teaspoon of additional protein per chicken per day is usually enough.

Why Do Chickens Need High-Protein Treats?

Protein plays a vital role in chickens' health. It supports growth, muscle maintenance, immune function, and more. During periods like molting or colder seasons, chickens naturally require more protein to maintain body warmth and regrow feathers. Offering them high-protein treats not only ensures that they meet their dietary needs but also encourages foraging, a natural behavior that promotes activity and mental stimulation. 

Protein plays a critical role in chickens’ growth, maintenance, and egg production. Here’s why high-protein treats are beneficial:

• Feather Growth and Molting: Molting, a natural process where chickens shed and regrow feathers, demands high protein. Protein treats aid in feather regeneration, as feathers consist largely of keratin, a protein structure.
• Egg Production: Protein is crucial for egg formation, affecting the size, quality, and consistency of egg-laying. Hens with adequate protein levels tend to lay larger and more robust eggs.
• Overall Health: Protein strengthens muscle tissues, supports a healthy immune system, and enhances chickens’ overall vitality, enabling them to thrive through seasonal and environmental changes.

What are the Best High-Protein Chicken Treats for My Hens?

1. Dried Mealworms
• Why They’re Great: Dried mealworms are a fantastic, easy-to-store source of protein, boasting about 50% protein content. They’re a favorite among chickens and can be easily scattered to encourage foraging.
• Serving Tip: Offer mealworms as a treat, but be mindful not to overdo it. A handful for the flock each day is sufficient.
2. FlyGrubs (Black Soldier Fly Larvae)
• Why They’re Great: Black Soldier Fly Larvae, particularly from brands like FlyGrubs, are a top-notch protein treat that also provide healthy fats and essential nutrients. With a protein content of around 35% and high calcium levels, they support egg production and feather health.
• Serving Tip: Sprinkle them around the coop to engage your flock in natural foraging behavior.
3. Cooked Eggs
• Why They’re Great: Eggs are a complete protein source with about 12% protein, easy to digest, and readily available. Chickens love scrambled eggs, but remember to cook them to prevent any association with their own eggs in the coop.
• Serving Tip: Offer scrambled or boiled eggs as an occasional treat, and watch your hens enjoy every bite.
4. Pumpkin and Pumpkin Seeds
• Why They’re Great: Fresh pumpkin and pumpkin seeds are packed with protein and antioxidants, supporting overall health. After Halloween, save the leftover pumpkin and seeds as an autumn treat.
• Serving Tip: Give fresh chunks of pumpkin or scatter seeds for them to peck at throughout the day.
5. Japanese Millet
• Why They’re Great: Japanese millet is a protein-rich grain that also contains essential vitamins and minerals. It’s an ideal treat if you have access to natural areas like lakes or wetlands where millet grows.
• Serving Tip: Grow it in your garden or buy it dried to add to their feed.

High-Protein Treats You May Have Overlooked

Here are some other high-protein treats to diversify your hens’ diet:

• Sardines and Tuna: Chickens love canned sardines and tuna, which are rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Just ensure they’re unsalted and free from added oils.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley is a good source of protein and easy to grow in the garden. Mixed into feed, parsley adds both protein and essential vitamins.
• Sunflower Seeds: Black oil sunflower seeds are about 20-25% protein and packed with healthy fats. Offer these in moderation, as they’re relatively high in calories.

How to Incorporate Protein Treats into Their Diet

Adding treats to your hens’ diet is simple, but it’s best to introduce them gradually. Here are some strategies for incorporating treats into their daily routine:

• Sprinkling on Feed: Mixing treats like FlyGrubs or sunflower seeds with their feed can enhance their diet without overwhelming their system.
• Scatter Feeding: Toss mealworms or FlyGrubs around the coop to encourage natural foraging behavior, which keeps them active and engaged.
• Treats as Training Tools: High-protein treats are great for training purposes. Use them to teach your flock to come when called, return to the coop, or learn new behaviors.

How Can I Incorporate Mealworms into Their Diet?

Incorporating mealworms into your hens' diet can be as simple as scattering a handful among their regular feed. Here are some effective ways:

• Treat Routine: Offer dried or live mealworms as a daily treat, preferably during the afternoon to avoid affecting their appetite for balanced feeds.
• Training Tool: Use mealworms to encourage positive behaviors, such as returning to the coop or learning to roost.
• Mixing with Feed: Blend mealworms with their daily feed to ensure a more balanced intake, or use them as a topper to encourage picky eaters.

What are Some other Chicken Snacks My Hens Will Enjoy?

Aside from protein-dense treats, there are other nutritious snacks hens enjoy. These can include vegetable scraps (cucumbers, tomatoes), fruit treats (watermelon, berries), and grains (oats, cracked corn). While these treats are enjoyable and provide variety, they should be balanced with protein treats to maintain optimal nutrition.

How Much Protein Do Chickens Need Daily?

The protein needs of chickens vary depending on age, activity level, and purpose (e.g., egg production or meat). Generally, chickens require:

• Chicks (1-8 weeks): 18-20% protein
• Growing chickens (8-18 weeks): 16-18% protein
• Laying hens: 16-18% protein
• Molting or stressed hens: up to 20% protein

These levels ensure that each stage of a chicken’s life receives the appropriate nutrition for growth and productivity.

How Protein Content Affects Egg Production

Protein directly impacts egg quality and production. When hens receive adequate protein, they produce larger, stronger eggs more consistently. Protein deficiencies, on the other hand, can lead to thin shells, smaller eggs, or inconsistent laying. High-protein treats like FlyGrubs and mealworms are especially useful during times when hens are under stress or laying frequently.

Can I Use Scraps as a Protein Source for My Chickens?

Yes, certain household scraps are high in protein and safe for chickens. However, it’s essential to choose wisely to avoid unnecessary additives or harmful ingredients.

Common Protein-Rich Scraps for Chickens

• Cooked Meat: Small, unseasoned pieces of cooked meat add protein, but avoid processed meats.
• Cheese: Cheese is high in protein, though it should be given sparingly due to its fat content.
• Beans (Cooked): Black beans and pinto beans are great protein sources but must be fully cooked to eliminate toxins.

Are There Any Protein Treats I Should Avoid?

When it comes to offering protein treats to your flock, it’s essential to be mindful of certain foods that may be high in protein but are harmful to chickens. Some foods contain toxins, excessive additives, or spoil quickly, which can lead to health issues in chickens. Here’s a more detailed look at what to avoid:

1. Raw Beans
   Raw or undercooked beans, especially kidney beans, contain lectins, particularly a type called phytohemagglutinin, which is highly toxic to chickens and can even be fatal in small amounts. Lectins interfere with the digestive tract, causing severe intestinal distress. If you want to feed beans, make sure they are thoroughly cooked, as cooking at high heat destroys these harmful toxins.
2. Spoiled Dairy or Meat
   Offering chickens expired or spoiled dairy products, meat, or other foods poses a risk of bacterial infections, such as salmonella or E. coli. Spoiled food can lead to digestive upset, respiratory issues, and even poisoning. Chickens do enjoy fresh dairy in moderation, such as small amounts of cheese or yogurt, but only when it is unspoiled and fed in small quantities to avoid digestive issues.
3. Processed Foods
   Foods high in salt, sugar, and preservatives, such as processed meats, baked goods, or packaged snacks, can disrupt chickens’ digestion and lead to long-term health problems. Salt, in particular, is toxic to chickens, as they are highly sensitive to it. Excessive salt can cause dehydration, kidney damage, and in severe cases, toxicity. Sugar and preservatives can lead to metabolic issues and interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients. It’s best to stick to natural, unprocessed treats.
4. Chocolate
   Chocolate is toxic to many animals, including chickens, due to the presence of theobromine and caffeine. Even in small amounts, chocolate can cause heart problems, seizures, and death in chickens. Never offer chocolate or any foods containing chocolate as treats.
5. Avocado
   The skin, pit, and leaves of avocados contain persin, a fungicidal toxin that can be harmful to chickens. Ingesting even a small amount of avocado skin or pit can cause respiratory distress, heart issues, or even death in chickens. Stick to safe fruits like berries, melons, and apples (without seeds) if you want to add variety to their diet.
6. Onions and Garlic in Excess
   While garlic in small amounts can benefit chickens as a natural antibiotic and immune booster, excessive amounts of onions or garlic can be harmful. Both contain compounds that can cause hemolytic anemia, a condition that destroys red blood cells and leads to weakness and lethargy. Feeding these foods occasionally and in small quantities is usually safe, but it’s best to avoid onions altogether.
7. Green Potatoes and Tomato Leaves
   Both potatoes and tomatoes are part of the nightshade family, and their leaves, stems, and unripe or green parts contain solanine, a toxic compound. Chickens that consume solanine may suffer from diarrhea, confusion, lethargy, or even more severe health issues. It’s safest to avoid feeding them any parts of these plants.
8. Moldy Grains or Bread
   Mold contains toxins known as mycotoxins, which are highly dangerous for chickens. Moldy food can cause severe respiratory issues, digestive upset, and even death. Always inspect grains, bread, or any other foods for mold before feeding them to chickens.
9. High-Fat or Greasy Foods
   Foods that are excessively fatty or greasy, like leftover fried foods or bacon, can lead to obesity and liver issues in chickens. A high-fat diet can interfere with their overall nutrient absorption, putting stress on their liver and leading to other health complications. Stick to lean protein treats like mealworms or FlyGrubs instead.
10. Citrus Fruits
    While not immediately toxic, citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes can interfere with calcium absorption in chickens, which may impact eggshell quality in laying hens. Consuming large amounts of citrus can also cause digestive upset. It’s best to avoid citrus fruits and offer safer, chicken-friendly fruits like berries, apples, or melons.

In summary, providing high-protein treats is a fantastic way to support your chickens' health, but it’s crucial to avoid these harmful foods. By choosing safe, nutritious options, you’ll keep your flock happy, healthy, and productive without the risks associated with these potentially harmful foods.

Seasonal Protein Needs: Supporting Chickens Through Molting and Winter

During molting and winter, chickens require additional protein to maintain body warmth and regrow feathers. Here are some high-protein treats ideal for these times:

• Fish Meal: With 60% protein, fish meal can be mixed into feed as an additional protein source.
• Soybeans: Cooked soybeans offer plant-based protein, which is great during winter when insects are scarce.
• Crickets: Crickets are similar to mealworms in protein content and can provide variety in treats.

In winter, offering high-protein snacks is crucial as chickens expend more energy keeping warm. Treats like FlyGrubs, sunflower seeds, and mealworms can help meet these demands and maintain egg production.

Protein-Rich Snacks to Encourage Foraging

Foraging is an excellent activity for chickens, providing both mental stimulation and physical exercise. Allowing your hens to forage taps into their natural behaviors, such as scratching, pecking, and exploring their environment. This activity can significantly reduce boredom and stress, leading to healthier and happier birds. In addition to the physical benefits, foraging also serves an important function for their habitat by helping to aerate the soil, control pests, and contribute to an overall cleaner coop and yard environment.

To encourage foraging, you can scatter protein-rich snacks around the coop or yard. High-protein treats like Black Soldier Fly Larvae, sunflower seeds, and mealworms are especially effective because they provide the extra nutrients chickens need, especially during times of stress or molting. As your chickens search for these treats, they engage in scratching and pecking behaviors that are both instinctual and enriching.

FlyGrubs: The Ultimate Protein Treat for Chickens

If you're looking for a nutritious, protein-packed treat to enhance your flock's diet, FlyGrubs Black Soldier Fly Larvae are an ideal choice. These grubs contain essential nutrients, including calcium, phosphorus, and amino acids that support healthy growth and optimal egg production. They’re also sustainably farmed, which makes them an eco-friendly choice for chicken keepers looking to support both their flock and the environment. You can learn more about FlyGrubs and their nutritional benefits by visiting their website here.

Conclusion

High-protein treats play an essential role in maintaining your chickens’ health, productivity, and happiness. From dried mealworms and FlyGrubs to seasonal treats like pumpkin and Japanese millet, these options give your flock the protein boost they need. By offering treats in moderation and focusing on quality sources, you can support their natural behaviors, improve egg production, and ensure their resilience during molting and winter.

Enhance your flock’s diet with high-protein treats, and watch your hens thrive with better feathers, stronger eggs, and a happier, healthier life all year round.