21 Best Garden Plants To Grow As Chicken Food – Herbs, Fruits, Veggies & Flowers
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Say goodbye to those sky-high feed bills and hello to a garden full of chicken-approved delights. We’ve scratched up 21 fantastic chicken garden plants that your hungry chickens love to forage, eat, snack on, and devour. These crops are easy on the farmyard budget and will turn your backyard into a five-star chicken resort with an all-you-can-eat buffet.
So, grab your gardening gloves, and let’s transform your coop into a chicken paradise. Your hens will be clucking your praises, and you might even catch them doing a little chicken dance of joy.
Sound good?
Then, let’s dig in!
21 Best Plants For Chicken Food Gardens
Chickens are natural foragers, delighting in exploring the garden for tasty treats. Among the abundance of crops, these 21 will capture their hearts and appetites more than most!
1. Pumpkins
Who says pumpkins are just for lattes and jack-o’-lanterns? These orange orbs of goodness are a chicken’s autumn dream come true. Pumpkins offer a nutritious treat that keeps your hens happy and healthy. Pumpkins are also surprisingly easy to grow in most climates, making Halloween ten times more enjoyable. So, plant some extra for a spooky and yummy harvest.
- Nutritional Benefits: Crammed with vitamins A and C and fiber.
- How to Serve: Raw, seeds and flesh.
- Growing Difficulty: Moderate.
- Season: Fall.
- Chicken Preference: High.
Watching chickens peck at pumpkins is like a farm-fresh version of Angry Birds – entertainment and nutrition all in one!
2. Cabbage
Cabbage is the perfect entertainment for you and your chickens! This cruciferous wonder is like a piñata for your flock. Hang a head in the run and watch the feathered fiesta unfold. Rich in vitamins and fiber, cabbage keeps your chickens healthy and entertained.
- Nutritional Benefits: High in vitamins K and C, fiber.
- How to Serve: Raw, chopped.
- Growing Difficulty: Easy.
- Season: Cool seasons (spring/fall).
- Chicken Preference: Moderate to high.
Watching your hungry chickens peck at a cabbage hanging from a string is far more entertaining than scrolling on social media or watching politics. And probably better for your stress levels!
Read More – The 21 Best Egg-Laying Chicken Breeds For Backyard Coops!
3. Berries
Berries are nature’s candy, and guess what? Chickens have a surprisingly heavy sweet tooth! Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries – your flock will go berry wild for these fruity treats. Not only are they packed with antioxidants and vitamins, but watching chickens with berry-stained beaks is downright adorable.
- Nutritional Benefits: Antioxidants, vitamins C and K.
- How to Serve: Fresh, whole.
- Growing Difficulty: Varies by type, generally moderate.
- Season: Summer.
- Chicken Preference: High.
Chickens love foraging around the berry bushes in spring and summer. You can toss a handful into their chicken feed for a flavorful, yummy upgrade.
4. Alfalfa
Alfalfa: the unsung hero of the chicken coop! Beyond its bunny-approved reputation, this verdant legume is like a spa day for your feathered friends. Picture your clucking hens munching hungrily on alfalfa grass, their beaks savoring the tender shoots. It’s not just protein—it’s poultry nirvana. Whether serving it fresh and sprouty or growing it into a lush, green carpet, your chickens will cluck their gratitude.
- Nutritional Benefits: High in protein, calcium, and other minerals.
- How to Serve: Fresh or dried.
- Growing Difficulty: Easy.
- Season: Spring to fall.
- Chicken Preference: Moderate.
Chickens adore alfalfa like a cozy nest on a chilly morning. It’s their green elixir—a vitamin-packed, leafy treasure trove.
5. Squash
Squash is a backyard gift that keeps on giving for your chicken coop. From summer squash to winter varieties, these versatile veggies offer a bounty of nutrition for your flock. The leaves, flowers, and fruits are all fair game for chickens, making squash plants a genuine triple threat.
- Nutritional Benefits: Vitamins A and C, fiber.
- How to Serve: Raw, chopped.
- Growing Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
- Season: Summer to fall.
- Chicken Preference: Moderate to high.
Zucchini and yellow squash work perfectly. Butternut squash is also a flawless chicken treat. And watching chickens try to tackle a whole butternut squash is better than any weekend football game. (Even still, slice it up so your birds can access the flesh easily.)
Read More – Are Your Chickens Still Hungry? Here Are 39 Inexpensive Ways To Feed Your Flock!
6. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are like party flowers (and favors) for chickens. These edible blooms are beautiful and contain vitamin C and compounds with antimicrobial properties. The leaves, flowers, and seeds are all fair game for your flock, offering a peppery taste that many hens enjoy. It’s like hosting a fancy garden party for your chickens – with edible decorations. Who said chickens can’t be sophisticated?
- Nutritional Benefits: Vitamin C, A, some iron.
- How to Serve: Fresh flowers and leaves.
- Growing Difficulty: Easy.
- Season: Spring to fall.
- Chicken Preference: Moderate.
I’ve also heard farmstead rumors that nasturtiums might have a vermifuge effect—like a gentle dewormer for your flock. (As always, consult a vet before you treat your chickens for any illness.)
7. Kale
This nutrient-packed powerhouse is like a multivitamin for your feathered friends. Crammed with ample vitamins A, C, and calcium, kale will keep your chickens clucking with joy. Growing kale in cooler temperatures is straightforward, making it the perfect crop for those “oops, I forgot to plant until late summer” moments.
- Nutritional Benefits: High in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium.
- How to Serve: Raw, chopped.
- Growing Difficulty: Easy.
- Season: Cool seasons (spring/fall).
- Chicken Preference: Moderate to high.
Move over, hipster salads – kale isn’t just for trendy cafes anymore! Chickens love pecking at its leaves, making it a delightful addition to your garden.
8. Oats
Oats, those unassuming grains, are a superfood for your feathered friends. They’re like the avian equivalent of a green smoothie—boosting digestion and delivering a hearty energy boost. Imagine your chickens doing morning yoga, channeling their inner zen with a massive boost of fiber and protein.
- Nutritional Benefits: Fiber, protein, B vitamins.
- How to Serve: Cooked or raw.
- Growing Difficulty: Moderate.
- Season: Cool seasons.
- Chicken Preference: High.
As you tend to your chicken garden, consider oats a secret weapon. Their high protein content fuels growth, while the energy boost keeps your chickens lively. Chickens also love eating oats, and you can add them to almost any other chicken feed to keep your flock happy.
Read More – Here’s How To Keep Your Chickens Cool In The Hot Summer Without Electricity!
9. Beets
Beets are the funkiest addition to your chicken garden. These root veggies offer a trifecta of chicken treats – nutritious leaves, tasty roots, and even the potential for natural egg-yolk coloring.
- Nutritional Benefits: Fiber, folate, manganese.
- How to Serve: Raw, grated (both root and leaves).
- Growing Difficulty: Easy.
- Season: Cool seasons.
- Chicken Preference: Moderate.
Ah, beets—the vibrant gems of the garden! These earthy wonders serve as a tasty, nutrient-packed treat. When those beets enter the coop, they bring nutrients—folate, iron, and antioxidants—that keep your feathered friends healthy and their eggshells strong.
10. Lettuce
Lettuce, that verdant delight, brings more to your chicken coop than meets the eye. Imagine your clucking companions pecking at crisp, leafy greens—their equivalent of chicken potato chips (minus the guilt). But it’s not just about flavor; lettuce is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s like serving up a mini salad bar for your feathered friends, complete with vitamins and minerals. And the best part? Growing lettuce is a breeze, making it a win-win for you and your flock.
- Nutritional Benefits: Vitamins A and K, water content.
- How to Serve: Fresh, whole leaves.
- Growing Difficulty: Easy.
- Season: Cool seasons.
- Chicken Preference: High.
So, germinate some lettuce seeds next time you tend to your chicken coop garden. Watch them sprout, thrive, and become the crunchy delight your chickens adore. It’s a simple pleasure, a greens supply that keeps your flock happy and healthy.
11. Mealworms
Technically, it is not a plant, but raising mealworms is like cultivating a chicken’s version of filet mignon. These wiggly treats are packed with protein and will turn your ordinary chickens into feathered ninjas, leaping and pecking with unparalleled enthusiasm. Plus, raising mealworms is a great way to upcycle your veggie scraps.
- Nutritional Benefits: High protein.
- How to Serve: Dried or live.
- Growing Difficulty: Moderate.
- Season: Year-round.
- Chicken Preference: Very high.
These tiny, wriggling creatures provide essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, fats, minerals, and amino acids, supporting overall well-being. Your feathered friends will thank you for this tasty and nutritious addition!
12. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is perfect for homemade salads and as a chicken treat—it’s colorful, resilient, and crammed with more healthy nutrients than you can shake a feather at. This leafy green is a superb source of vitamins A, K, and C, making it a true powerhouse for your poultry. Its vibrant stems also add a pop of color to your garden, turning your chicken run into a runway for fashionable fowls.
- Nutritional Benefits: Vitamins A, C, and K, calcium.
- How to Serve: Raw, chopped.
- Growing Difficulty: Easy.
- Season: Cool seasons.
- Chicken Preference: Moderate to high.
The high calcium content in Swiss chard supports strong eggshell formation, while its leafy greens contribute to overall health. Plus, chickens love pecking at those crunchy stems!
Read More – Here’s How To Feed Yummy Cantaloupe To Your Backyard Chickens! They Love Fresh Melons!
13. Spinach
Spinach is a fantastic crop for chickens due to its high nutritional value. It has boatloads of vitamins and minerals, like vitamins A, C, iron, and calcium. Chickens also love pecking at the fresh leaves, making it a great source of entertainment for everyone.
- Nutritional Benefits: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium.
- Growing Difficulty: Easy.
- Season: Best grown in cool seasons like spring and fall.
- Chicken Preference: High.
Spinach is easy to grow in various climates and continues to offer fresh leaves throughout the season, offering a continuous supply of yummy greens for your feathered friends.
14. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are the chicken equivalent of juicy gossip—irresistible and slightly messy. These red (or yellow or purple) gems are packed with lycopene and other antioxidants, making them a healthy treat for your flock. Watching chickens attack a tomato is like a feathered remake of “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes”—with an added dash of humor.
- Nutritional Benefits: Vitamins C and K, potassium.
- How to Serve: Ripe fruits only, chopped.
- Growing Difficulty: Moderate.
- Season: Summer.
- Chicken Preference: Moderate.
Chickens can safely consume ripe tomatoes. These juicy fruits contain loads of vitamins A and C, which support their immune systems. Plus, the water content provides a refreshing treat, especially during warmer months.
However, green tomatoes (unripe versions) have a caveat. They contain solanine, a toxic (for chickens) compound found in tomato plants’ stems, leaves, and seeds. While chickens have some tolerance, excessive consumption can lead to gastrointestinal upset.
15. Corn
Here’s the popcorn of the chicken world! These golden kernels are like chicken candy. Your flock will be corn-crazy for them. Corn is an excellent energy source, and watching chickens chase rolling kernels is better than any sitcom. For bonus points, plant a Three Sisters garden with corn, beans, and squash for a chicken buffet that would make any rooster crow with delight.
- Nutritional Benefits: Carbohydrates, some protein.
- How to Serve: Kernels, fresh or dried.
- Growing Difficulty: Moderate.
- Season: Summer.
- Chicken Preference: Very high.
Corn, that golden grain, is exceptional in our feathered friends’ hearts (and beaks). Chickens, with their discerning palates, seem to have an unwritten rule: “Corn is life!” Whether it’s scattered across the coop floor or served as a delightful treat during afternoon strolls, corn kernels vanish faster than a worm in a henhouse.
Read More – Here’s The Real-World Cost Of Raising Chickens In The USA! Are They Still Worth The Price?
16. Clover
Clover isn’t just for lucky leprechauns – it’s also a chicken’s version of an all-you-can-eat buffet. This low-growing plant is perfect for free-ranging flocks, offering a constant supply of greens rich in protein and minerals.
- Nutritional Benefits: Protein, calcium.
- How to Serve: Fresh.
- Growing Difficulty: Easy.
- Season: Spring to fall.
- Chicken Preference: High.
Plus, it’s great for soil health. It’s a win-win situation—happy chickens, happy garden, and maybe you’ll even find a four-leaf clover.
17. Peas
Many of our gardening friends think peas taste bland. But your chickens disagree! These little green globes of goodness are like nature’s chicken treats. High in protein and easy to grow, peas are a fantastic addition to any chicken garden. You can even let your chickens graze on the pea shoots for an extra nutritional boost.
- Nutritional Benefits: Protein, vitamins A and C.
- How to Serve: Fresh or dried.
- Growing Difficulty: Easy.
- Season: Cool seasons.
- Chicken Preference: High.
These legumes are tiny powerhouses packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. As chickens peck at the tender leaves and pluck the pods, they’re not just indulging in a tasty treat but nourishing their bodies. Grow some, and your clucking companions will thank you!
18. Herbs
Growing herbs like oregano, thyme, and mint adds flavor to your cooking and provides natural health benefits for your flock. Plus, your coop will smell like a gourmet restaurant. Gordon Ramsay, eat your heart out – these chickens have refined palates!
- Nutritional Benefits: Varies, often high in antioxidants.
- How to Serve: Fresh, chopped.
- Growing Difficulty: Generally easy.
- Season: Varies by herb.
- Chicken Preference: Moderate.
Your hens step delicately, beaks questing, through the herb garden, each leaf a treasure trove of scents and stories. The softer leaves vanish first—the tender morsels of clover and the delicate fronds of parsley. As they forage, they weave their verses, celebrating life, health, and the simple joy of pecking at nature’s bounty.
Read More – Here’s Our Ultimate List Of 134 Foods Your Chickens Can And Cannot Eat!
19. Amaranth
Amaranth is the overachiever of the chicken garden world. This ancient grain produces nutritious seeds and offers leafy greens for your flock to munch on. It’s like getting two crops for the price of one! Plus, its striking red color will add a touch of exotic beauty to your garden. Your chickens will feel like they’re on a tropical vacation – no passport required.
- Nutritional Benefits: Protein, iron, calcium.
- How to Serve: Leaves raw, seeds cooked.
- Growing Difficulty: Easy.
- Season: Warm seasons.
- Chicken Preference: Moderate.
In the heart of the chicken garden, where sunlight weaves through leaves like golden threads, stands amaranth—the hidden gem of your chicken garden. As hens nibble, they unlock secrets whispered by ancient oaks and carried on the breeze. Perhaps they learn of forgotten battles fought by ants or the tender love story of dewdrops and morning glories. Maybe they glimpse the map to the sun’s resting place, etched in chlorophyll.
20. Sunflowers
Sunflowers aren’t just pretty faces in your garden but also a chicken’s version of a divine banquet. From leaves to seeds, these sunny giants provide an array of nutrients for your flock. As a bonus, the tall stalks offer shade on hot days, proving that sunflowers are the ultimate multitaskers of the plant world. Your chickens will think they’ve died and gone to sunny heaven!
- Nutritional Benefits: Healthy fats, vitamin E.
- How to Serve: Seeds, raw or toasted.
- Growing Difficulty: Easy.
- Season: Summer.
- Chicken Preference: Very high.
Sunflowers, with their vibrant yellow petals and towering stalks, delight any chicken garden. Chickens love to peck at the seeds, and they’re not alone! Hummingbirds, turkeys, bluejays, and songbirds all flock to these sunny blooms, savoring every bite. But not just the birds—bees and butterflies also crave their nectar. So, plant more than one sunflower, or better yet, a whole field of them, and watch your garden come alive with avian and insect activity!
Read More – 20 Backyard Chicken Breeds That Lay Beautifully Colored Eggs! Blue, Green, And Pink Eggs!
21. Dandelions
Stop waging war on these sunny yellow weeds and start seeing them as a chicken superfood! Dandelions are packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious treat for your flock. From leaves to flowers, the entire plant is edible for chickens. It’s like turning your lawn into a salad bar – your chickens will think they’ve won the lottery, and your neighbors will think you’ve embraced alternative landscaping.
- Nutritional Benefits: Vitamins A and C, calcium.
- How to Serve: Fresh leaves and flowers.
- Growing Difficulty: Grows wild.
- Season: Spring to fall.
- Chicken Preference: High.
While chickens enjoy pecking at dandelions, they’re not the only ones with a taste for these sunny weeds. Surprisingly, dandelion fritters—yes, you read that right—are a delightful treat! Imagine golden, crispy fritters made from lightly battered and perfectly fried dandelion flowers. Their slightly bitter flavor transforms into something magical when cooked this way.
Conclusion
Thanks for joining us on this magnificent journey through chicken gardens! Whether you’re a seasoned poultry enthusiast or a curious beginner, we hope you’ve gleaned valuable insights into creating a harmonious space for feathered friends and flourishing flora.
What about you?
- What’s Your Favorite Chicken Treat? Share your go-to snack for spoiling your clucking companions. Is it mealworms, kitchen scraps, or perhaps a secret recipe?
- Beyond Sunflowers: What Else Do Chickens Love? We’ve covered sunflowers, herbs, and many yummy dandelions, but what other crops or plants have your chickens enthusiastically pecked at? Let us know!
- Designing Chicken-Friendly Landscapes: Have you incorporated any specific features in your garden to cater to your feathered pals? Let us know your creative ideas about dust baths, perches, or hidden nesting spots!
- The Great Pest Control Debate: Chickens are excellent bug hunters, but do you encourage them to snack on pests like slugs and snails? Or do you prefer a more hands-on approach?
- Share Your Garden Photos! We’d love to see your chicken gardens in all their glory. Post snapshots of your coop, run, and lush greenery—bonus points for happy hens!
We hope to hear from fellow chicken fanciers and chicken treat enthusiasts.
Thanks again for reading.
Have a great day!