Chickens enjoy a variety of vegetables, including leafy greens, carrots, peas, and broccoli, providing essential nutrients for their health.
Chickens thrive on a varied diet that includes vegetables alongside their regular feed. Vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and enrichment for your flock. Knowing which vegetables chickens can eat helps keep them healthy and productive.
Leafy Greens for Chickens
Leafy greens are packed with nutrients and make excellent chicken treats. They’re low in calories but high in vitamins A, C, and K.
Best Leafy Greens
- Kale – High in calcium and antioxidants
- Spinach – Rich in iron and folate
- Swiss chard – Contains magnesium and potassium
- Lettuce (romaine or leaf) – Hydrating with vitamin K
Feed leafy greens in moderation as too much can cause loose droppings. Chop larger leaves to prevent choking. Learn more about how to stop chickens from pecking if they get overexcited about treats.
Colorful Vegetables Chickens Love
Brightly colored vegetables provide different nutrients and keep chickens engaged with their food.
Top Picks
| Vegetable | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Carrots | Beta carotene for eye health |
| Bell peppers | Vitamin C boost |
| Pumpkin | Fiber and gut-healthy seeds |
| Beets | Natural detox support |
According to Get Strong Animals, chickens particularly enjoy pecking at colorful vegetables. The variety stimulates their natural foraging instincts.
Squash Family Vegetables
Squashes are hydrating and provide important nutrients for chickens.
Great Options
- Zucchini – Soft texture easy to peck
- Cucumbers – Excellent summer hydration
- Yellow squash – Mild flavor chickens enjoy
- Pumpkins – Seeds act as natural dewormer
Cut larger squashes in half so chickens can access the flesh and seeds. For more on chicken behavior, see why chickens dig holes.
Legumes and Pod Vegetables
These vegetables provide plant-based protein for your flock.
Best Choices
- Peas (fresh or frozen) – Good protein source
- Green beans – Fiber and vitamin K
- Edamame – Complete plant protein
- Lentils (cooked) – Iron and B vitamins
As noted by Purina Mills, legumes should be cooked to improve digestibility. Raw beans contain compounds that can be harmful.
Feeding Tips for Vegetables
Follow these guidelines when offering vegetables to your chickens:
Preparation Methods
- Chop large vegetables into manageable pieces
- Cook hard vegetables like sweet potatoes
- Hang leafy greens for enrichment
- Scatter small pieces to encourage foraging
Safety Considerations
- Introduce new vegetables gradually
- Remove uneaten vegetables after a few hours
- Avoid moldy or spoiled produce
- Limit high-oxalate vegetables like spinach
Vegetables should make up no more than 10% of a chicken’s daily diet according to the 90/10 rule – 90% complete feed to 10% treats.
Vegetables to Avoid
Some vegetables can be harmful to chickens and should be avoided.
Potentially Dangerous Vegetables
- Raw potatoes (especially green parts)
- Onions and garlic (can affect egg flavor)
- Avocado skins and pits
- Rhubarb leaves
Always research new foods before feeding them to your flock. When in doubt, stick to known safe options.