What can I feed my chook?

Some chooks are fussier than others, but in order to give them a healthy, balanced diet, the following is a handy guide:

Feed lots of

Tips: if you don't grow your own leafy greens, make sure you wash any bought produce in case it has been sprayed with nasty chemicals
  • Clean fresh water. Chooks need constant access to water
  • Fresh leafy greens - especially silverbeet
  • Fresh grass - it's important to give chooks access to roam and graze in the garden
  • Kitchen scraps (Make sure to read the list below on what NOT to feed your chooks)
  • Bugs and insects - try not to use any bug killers in the garden, as not only will your chooks ingest it, it can cause long term health issues, and potentially leave residue in the eggs too
  • Worms! Every once in a while we let our girls turn over the compost, veggie patch and even enjoy a tray of the worm farm. Wormfarms + chooks = CHOOKTOPIA! Of course!
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Feed moderately
  • Parsley - it is a great medicinal tonic. Pop a fresh sprig or two in their water each day as well
  • Calcium source - egg shells (optional), shell grit or cuttlefish
  • Grain and/or pellet mix - I prefer a certified organic grain 
  • Treats like a watermelon. Chooks love most fruit, but make sure it is safe for them and don't overload them with sugar. 
  • Stinging nettle and other herbs. We have comfrey growing near the chooks too.
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Feed a little
  • Garlic and apple cider vinegar - these can be used as a water tonic instead of worming with commercial wormers - use every 6-8 weeks
  • Bread - it's quite filling and doesn't offer a lot of nutrition

Foods you should never feed your chook

Never feed your chook any of the following:

Rhubarb leaves


Avocado

Green potato/peel

Chocolate


Coffee Grinds
If it's not safe for us, it's not safe for them, due to the oxylic acid in the leaves 

Avocado believe it or not is toxic to chooks, so save it for the worm farm. Worms love cracking the seed in half! Chooks, not so much.

Potatoes and potato peel are toxic whilst green. They are better for the compost or worm farm

Chemical compounds found in chocolate are toxic to most pets, including chooks, cats and dogs

Similar issues as that of chocolate. Coffee grinds are a great snail repellent for the garden, and failing that, are fabulous in the worm farm or compost bin - just manage the acidity with a sprinkle of ash/lime/dolomite.