Omnivorous Diet

by Mary Hussey
(Middletown, NJ)

My birds get Flock Raiser pellets (Purina) in their feeder, and about 2 cups of scratch in the morning only. Every once in a while I pick up a flock block for them.

My birds' favorite treat is the fridge clean-out plate. Any leftovers that come out of the fridge - including meat - gets offered somewhat early in the day, so they have time to eat it. I usually just throw everything in the food processor, adding milk, yogurt, raw eggs, etc, if it needs moisture. If the mix is too wet, I add oatmeal, corn meal, kelp flakes, dry milk powder, wheat germ, or some torn bread to make the mix the thickness of oatmeal. I do offer them chicken when I have it. The pink in the picture is from the addition of cranberries after Thanksgiving.

I regularly buy them fresh greens like kale and collards, and melons. Our store has a "bruised fruit" section, where I get fruits and vegetables that are still good, just unattractive.

I also take the really poopy eggs and put them aside for the birds. I throw the eggs, shells and all, into the blender to really pulverize the shells, and then scramble up the whole mess. They really love that.

I also give them food as "toys." I hang a cabbage or an ear of corn on a string from the top of the run, and the chickens play tetherball with it.