Your chickens may not be dressing up and knocking on doors for candy, but that doesn't mean they have to miss out on the Halloween fun! T
here are plenty of chicken-safe treats that let your flock join in on the seasonal festivities.
Just remember: chickens have very different ideas about what counts as a good treat. Chocolate? Definitely not. Mealworms? Now we're talking.
So, let’s talk some TRICKS (big no-nos) and TREATS (yes, please!).
Pumpkin
Pumpkin isn't just for carving! Chickens can enjoy the flesh and seeds of a fresh pumpkin, making it a fun fall treat for your flock.
Have an uncarved pumpkin left over after Halloween? Cut it open and let your chickens peck, scratch and forage their way through it. Just make sure it hasn't started to rot or grow mold and skip any pumpkins that have been painted, glittered or decorated with anything your chickens could eat.
Cupcakes, Cookies & Other Sweets
Halloween baked goods may look tempting, but they're better saved for the humans.
Cookies, cupcakes, brownies and other sweets can contain too much sugar and fat, along with ingredients that aren't appropriate for chickens. Stick with simple, chicken-safe food and treats instead.
Mealworms & Other Chicken Treats
Want to really get the flock excited? Try adding some protein-packed Pecking Order Mealworms to the Halloween festivities.
Scatter them around the run or hide them in a pumpkin and let your chickens forage for their "spooky snacks." You can also sprinkle in some Pecking Order treats that you know they already love.
After all, chickens don't need chocolate bars when they've got sunflower seeds, dried fruit and grubs!
Chocolate
This is one Halloween treat that should stay firmly in the candy bowl, NOT the chicken coop.
Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, compounds that can be harmful to birds. The darker and more concentrated the chocolate, the greater the concern.
So even if your chicken gives you her best "but I want some" stare, don't share.
Fresh Fruits & Veggies
Apples, berries, watermelon, melon, bananas, carrots, squash and corn can all make tasty occasional treats.
If you're serving apples, be sure to remove the seeds first. And as with any treat, keep portions reasonable. Your chickens should still get most of their nutrition from their regular, complete feed.
Halloween Candy
Candy isn't a good treat for chickens, either. It's loaded with sugar and doesn't provide the balanced nutrition they need.
And don't assume sugar-free candy is a better option. Some sugar-free products contain ingredients that can be dangerous to animals.
Cupcakes, Cookies & Other Sweets
Halloween baked goods may look tempting, but they're better saved for the humans. Cookies, cupcakes, brownies and other sweets can contain too much sugar and fat, along with ingredients that aren't appropriate for chickens. Stick with simple, chicken-safe food and treats instead.
One Last Halloween Rule: When in Doubt, Throw It Out
Halloween can mean lots of leftover food sitting around and that's when it's especially important to pay attention to what makes its way into the chicken run.
Never give your flock food that is moldy, rotten or spoiled. And remember that treats should be just that: treats! A chicken's regular complete feed should remain the mainstay of its diet.
What's on Your Chickens' Halloween Menu?
Skip the candy corn and give your ock something they'll actually run to. A pumpkin full of mealworms, some fresh fruits and veggies, or a handful of their favorite Pecking Order treats can make Halloween just as exciting for your flock as it is for you.
Because every flock deserves a little Halloween fun to make them a flock full of joy!
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