Chickens can start eating scraps at around 8 weeks old, but ensure the scraps are healthy and appropriate for their diet to avoid digestive issues.
Feeding kitchen scraps to chickens reduces waste and provides extra nutrients. But timing matters – introduce scraps too early and you risk nutritional imbalances. This guide covers the ideal age to start, safe foods, portion control, and expert tips for healthy flock management.
When Can Baby Chicks Eat Scraps?
Chicks should wait until 8-10 weeks old before trying scraps. Their first two months require a strict diet of:
- Starter feed (18-20% protein)
- Clean water
- Chick-sized grit (if eating anything besides feed)
Mother hens naturally teach chicks to forage, but human-raised chicks need different care. As Gail Damerow notes in The Chicken Health Handbook, early treats can cause:
- Stunted growth
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Digestive issues
Transitioning to Scraps
At 8-10 weeks:
- Start with small amounts (1 tbsp per chick)
- Choose soft, easy-to-digest foods first
- Always provide grit for digestion
- Monitor droppings for changes
Best First Scraps for Young Chickens
| Food Type | Examples | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked Grains | Rice, oatmeal, pasta | Easy to digest, energy source |
| Soft Vegetables | Cooked sweet potato, zucchini | Vitamin A, fiber |
| Protein Sources | Scrambled eggs, mealworms | Supports feather growth |
Complete List of Safe Scraps
Always Safe
- Most fruits (berries, melons, apples)
- Leafy greens (kale, lettuce, spinach)
- Squashes (pumpkin, zucchini)
- Cooked beans/lentils
Moderation Required
- Bread products (no mold)
- Dairy (plain yogurt)
- Meat scraps (fully cooked)
Dangerous Foods to Avoid
These can cause illness or death:
- Avocados (persin toxin)
- Chocolate/Caffeine (theobromine)
- Raw potatoes (solanine)
- Onions/Garlic (can taint eggs)
For more on toxic foods, see our guide on what happens when chickens eat moldy food.
Feeding Tips for Healthy Chickens
Portion Control
Scraps should never exceed:
- 10% of daily intake for layers
- 5% for meat birds
Presentation Methods
- Hang cabbage heads for pecking
- Scatter grains to encourage foraging
- Use puzzle feeders for mental stimulation
Seasonal Considerations
Adjust scraps based on weather:
- Summer: Watermelon (hydration)
- Winter: Scratch grains (energy)
Common Scrap-Feeding Mistakes
Overfeeding
Excess scraps lead to:
- Obesity
- Reduced egg production
- Selective eating (they’ll ignore feed)
Poor Food Prep
- Not chopping large pieces
- Feeding moldy items
- Mixing scraps with droppings
For proper coop maintenance, read our article on stopping chickens from pooping in nesting boxes.
Expert Scrap-Feeding Schedule
Follow this timeline for healthy scrap introduction:
| Age | Scrap Type | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 0-8 weeks | None | Starter feed only |
| 8-12 weeks | Soft cooked foods | 2-3x weekly |
| 12+ weeks | Varied scraps | Daily (10% max) |
Supplementing with Grit
Chickens need grit to digest scraps properly. Provide:
- Chick grit (size #1) for young birds
- Adult grit (size #2) after 12 weeks
- Oyster shell (for layers 18+ weeks)
According to McMurray Hatchery, grit should always be available when feeding non-commercial feeds.
Scrap Feeding for Different Life Stages
Pullets (8-18 weeks)
Focus on high-protein scraps:
- Mealworms
- Cooked eggs
- Plain yogurt
Laying Hens
Prioritize calcium-rich foods:
- Crushed eggshells
- Leafy greens
- Pumpkin seeds
Meat Birds
Limit scraps to prevent:
- Excess fat
- Rapid growth issues
For more on meat birds, see our guide on processing chickens.
Troubleshooting Scrap Feeding
Chicks Not Eating Feed
If chicks ignore starter feed:
- Remove all scraps for 48 hours
- Add feed toppers (like herbs)
- Use shallow feeders
Digestive Issues
Signs of trouble:
- Watery droppings
- Lethargy
- Pasty butt
As noted by Backyard Chickens members, some chicks tolerate scraps earlier than others. Always monitor individual reactions.