by Sue Weaver

It’s fun to pamper your flock with treats and toys, and it’s good for your chickens’ happiness as well. Chickens, especially birds kept in confinement, that aren’t provided with physical and mental stimulation are prone to behavioral problems such as bullying, cannibalism, egg eating and feather pulling. Free-range chickens benefit from treats, too

Chickens are smart and quick to learn things, but they need a reason to want to do it. Treats are the way to your chickens’ hearts, whether you treat them in an effort to teach them something or just because you enjoy watching them savor the goodies you give them.

Menu Do’s and Don’ts

Chickens can safely eat the following.

• bread, crackers - in moderation, nonmoldy

• breakfast cereal - no sugary products

•broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower. Tip: Hang whole heads or entire plants where chickens can pick them, or tuck pieces in a suet cage to hang on the fence or wall

•carrots - raw in chunks, cooked and foliage

•cheese, including cottage cheese - in moderation due to fat content.

•corn - cracked raw kernels, on the cob, and canned, raw or cooked