Your backyard chickens give you fresh eggs, natural pest control, and plenty of entertainment, so why not return the favor with plants that keep them happy and healthy?
Many vegetables and herbs you can grow in your garden double as nutritious snacks for your flock. Some boost their immune systems, others provide hydration, and a few even help keep pests away.
Growing these treats not only saves you money on feed but also adds variety to your chickens’ diet. Plus, watching them scratch, peck, and cluck around their favorite plants is its own reward.
Here are 13 great choices to start planting for your feathered friends.
#1 Corn
Corn is a classic favorite that will have your chickens running to you the moment they hear it hit the ground. Sweet varieties are especially loved, making them a perfect summer treat.
You can toss fresh kernels, give them a whole ear, or let them forage for dried corn in the run. To grow your own, plant in a sunny spot and water regularly until the ears are mature. Serve it fresh for hydration or dried for a long-lasting snack.
#2 Oregano
Oregano is more than a tasty herb for your kitchen; it’s a wellness booster for your flock. Studies suggest it helps support chicken immune systems, acting as a natural antibiotic.
Plant it in a sunny bed or container where it can spread, and snip fresh sprigs to mix into feed. You can also dry and crumble it over their meals for an extra health kick. The strong aroma often draws them right over for a nibble.
#3 Carrot Greens
Don’t toss those carrot tops; your chickens will happily gobble them up. The leafy greens are packed with nutrients and make a great supplement to their regular feed.
Grow carrots in loose, well-draining soil, then offer the greens after harvest. You can feed them fresh or hang a bunch in the run to keep your birds entertained. The crunch of the stems gives them something fun to peck at.
#4 Watermelon
Few treats bring as much joy on a hot day as a juicy watermelon. Chickens eat every part of it, including seeds and rind, making it a zero-waste snack.
Slice it in half and place it in the shade for them to peck at, or scatter chunks around for a fun scavenger hunt. Watermelon grows best in warm weather with plenty of sun and space to sprawl.
Keep a few extra in the garden just for your flock during the summer.
#5 Strawberries
Sweet and tangy, strawberries are a treat your chickens will chase after. They’ll eat them fresh or even ones that are a little overripe. Just make sure to protect your berry patch if you want some for yourself.
Grow them in full sun and give them consistent moisture for the juiciest harvest. Hand-feed a few to your birds and watch them peck happily.
#6 Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a refreshing snack and a natural worm deterrent thanks to their seeds. Your birds will enjoy them sliced, halved, or even whole for longer pecking sessions.
They’re easy to grow in sunny spots with regular watering. Try tossing chilled cucumbers into the run on warm days for extra hydration. The crisp texture is irresistible to a curious hen.
#7 Mustard Greens
Peppery and packed with nutrients, mustard greens give your flock both flavor and health benefits. Chickens love the tender leaves and often snap up any bugs hiding on them.
Plant them in early spring or fall for a steady supply. You can harvest leaves young for a softer texture or let them grow larger for more volume. Rinse before feeding to remove dirt and keep the greens fresh.
#8 Swiss Chard
With its colorful stems and lush leaves, Swiss chard is as pretty as it is tasty. Chickens devour the leafy greens, which are rich in vitamins.
Grow it in a sunny to partially shaded spot and keep harvesting the outer leaves to encourage new growth. Serve it fresh or slightly wilted to bring out the sweetness. It’s a long-lasting crop that will feed your birds for weeks.
#9 Beet and Beet Greens
Beets offer a double treat: the root and the greens. The roots are a sweet, crunchy snack, while the greens help support blood health in chickens.
Plant them in loose soil and water consistently for tender growth. You can give the roots whole for pecking or slice them for smaller birds. The deep color can even tint their beaks temporarily, which is always amusing.
#10 Fennel
Fennel’s aromatic seeds and feathery foliage attract chickens and keep them busy. The seeds are believed to help with reproductive health, making them especially useful for laying hens.
Grow fennel in a sunny, well-drained spot and let some plants go to seed for your flock. You can also clip fresh fronds for a light, refreshing snack. Chickens often enjoy scratching around the stalks for hidden insects.
#11 Dandelions
Dandelions might be weeds to you, but they’re gourmet greens for your birds. Every part is edible and full of nutrients. Let your chickens forage for them in the yard or pick fresh greens to toss into their pen.
They’re incredibly easy to grow. Usually, they grow without any help at all. Feeding dandelions regularly can cut down on your feed costs.
#12 Sunflowers
Sunflower seeds are a high-energy snack that chickens love to crack open. You can grow tall sunflowers to harvest seeds later or plant smaller varieties for quicker results.
Once the heads are mature, hang them in the run for your birds to pick clean. The leaves and stems also provide shade and shelter in the garden. For the best results, plant in full sun and keep soil moist during germination.