What chicken scraps should you avoid feeding? Can they have cheese or citrus? While some are okay in small amounts, others not at all.
Leftover salad from dinner, the leafy tops from vegetables, that plastic bag of “something” in the back of the refrigerator — well, they might become “give-it-to-the-chickens” food. Let’s face it, we like to be thrifty, and we don’t like to waste food, but consider that temptation to toss chicken scraps to our feathered “composters.” Sure, they might enjoy the treat for its variety from the regular diet of grains and those occasional insects (except ants — chickens don’t like those). But there are good and bad foods. There are things your chicken should not eat. Your veterinarian can give you guidance, and farm stores might have pamphlets or books to help, too. So do your research on what chickens scraps they can eat and be careful with those chicken scraps. Here’s a look at some pointers that can help.
Hey there, fellow chicken enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably stared at that pan of leftover bacon grease after a hearty breakfast and thought, “Hmm, would my feathered buddies enjoy a taste of this?” I mean, chickens ain’t exactly gourmet critics, right? They’ll peck at just about anything. But hold up—can chickens eat bacon grease, or are we riskin’ somethin’ bad by tossin’ it their way? Well, I’ve been down this road with my own flock, and I’m here to spill the beans Short answer yeah, they can have a tiny bit, but only in super small doses and not without some serious caveats. Let’s dig into the nitty-gritty of this greasy dilemma and figure out what’s best for our clucky pals
What Even Is Bacon Grease, Anyway?
First things first let’s break down what we’re dealin’ with. Bacon grease—ya know that yummy, smoky fat left in the pan after fryin’ up some strips—is basically the rendered fat and oil from the meat. It’s loaded with saturated fat, a hefty dose of sodium from the curing process, and a bit of protein bits from the bacon itself. It’s got some vitamins like A, D, E, and K floatin’ around in there, plus tiny traces of minerals like iron. Sounds decent, right? Well, not so fast. Compared to the sky-high fat and salt levels, the nutritional goodies are pretty darn low. It’s more of a calorie bomb than a health food, and that’s where things get tricky for our chickens.
So, Can Chickens Eat Bacon Grease or Nah?
Alright, let’s cut to the chase. Yes, chickens can eat bacon grease, but—and this is a big ol’ but—it’s gotta be in crazy small amounts and not somethin’ you’re givin’ ‘em every day. Think of it like a rare treat, not a staple in their diet. I’ve tossed a little bit to my birds on a chilly winter mornin’, and they went absolutely bonkers for it, peckin’ away like it was the best thing since sliced bread. The fat can give ‘em a quick energy boost, especially when it’s freezin’ outside and they need extra calories to stay warm. Plus, the flavor seems to get even the pickiest eaters to chow down.
But here’s the deal: just ‘cause they love it don’t mean it’s good for ‘em. There’s a bunch of risks tied to this stuff, and if you overdo it, you might end up with some sick chickens on your hands. So, if you’re gonna do it, ya gotta be real careful-like.
Why Bacon Grease Might Be a Win (In Tiny Doses)
There are a few reasons why a smidge of bacon grease might not be the worst idea, especially in certain situations. Here’s what I’ve noticed with my own flock:
- Extra Calories for Cold Weather: When the temps drop, chickens burn more energy just to keep themselves toasty. A little fat from bacon grease can help with that, givin’ ‘em a quick burst of warmth. I’ve seen my birds perk up on frosty days after a small nibble.
- Boosts Egg Production: Fat and protein can support egg-layin’ hens by givin’ ‘em the energy they need to keep poppin’ out those beauties.
- Picky Eater Fix: Got a chicken that turns up its beak at regular feed? The salty, smoky taste of bacon grease can make ‘em interested again. It’s like chicken candy, y’all.
- Foraging Fun: Dabbin’ a bit on bread or scraps encourages ‘em to peck around, mimickin’ their natural foraging behavior. Keeps ‘em busy and happy.
- Tiny Nutrient Kick: There’s small amounts of vitamins and minerals in there, though honestly, it ain’t much to write home about.
So yeah, there’s some upsides, but don’t go dumpin’ the whole pan out there just yet. The downsides are where things get dicey.
The Big Risks of Feedin’ Chickens Bacon Grease
Now, let’s talk about why I’m super hesitant to make bacon grease a regular thing for my birds I’ve learned the hard way that too much of a good thing can turn bad real quick Here’s the lowdown on the risks
- Way Too Much Fat: Bacon grease is packed with saturated fat, and chickens ain’t built to handle a ton of it. Over time, it can lead to obesity or even fatty liver issues. I’ve seen a hen or two get a bit too chunky from scraps, and it ain’t a pretty sight.
- Salt Overload: The sodium in bacon grease is off the charts, and too much salt can straight-up poison your chickens. I’ve heard horror stories of birds gettin’ sick or worse from salty snacks, and it’s made me real cautious.
- Tummy Troubles: Excess fat can mess with their digestion, causin’ diarrhea or other gut issues. Nothin’ worse than cleanin’ up a messy coop ‘cause I gave ‘em somethin’ they couldn’t handle.
- Rancid Grease Risk: If it’s warm out, that grease can go bad fast, and rancid fat is no good for anybody. It’s just askin’ for trouble.
- Messy Feathers: If they get grease on their feathers while peckin’ at it, it can attract pests or make ‘em lose their insulation. I had a hen look like a greasy mess once, and it took forever to get her cleaned up.
- Nasty Preservatives: Store-bought bacon often has nitrates and other junk from the curin’ process. That stuff might not bug us much, but it ain’t great for chickens in big amounts.
Bottom line? The risks are real, and they outweigh the benefits if you ain’t super strict about how much you’re givin’. I’d rather play it safe than sorry with my flock.
How Much Bacon Grease Is Okay, If Any?
If you’re dead set on sharin’ a bit of bacon grease with your chickens, ya gotta keep it minimal. Here’s what I stick to, based on trial and error with my own birds:
- Portion Size: No more than 1-2 tablespoons for a small flock of 3-5 chickens. That’s it. Spread it thin, maybe on a piece of bread or mixed into some feed.
- Frequency: Once or twice a week at most, and only during the cold months when they need the extra energy. I don’t even think about it in summer—too risky.
- Never Free-Feed: Don’t just pour it out for ‘em to go nuts on. Chickens don’t know when to stop, and they’ll overeat if you let ‘em. Control the amount yourself.
Here’s a quick lil’ table to keep things straight:
| Aspect | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Amount per 3-5 birds | 1-2 tablespoons max |
| How often | 1-2 times weekly, only in winter |
| Method | Mix with feed or on bread, small dab |
And a word of caution—don’t ever dump it on the ground or in the coop. They’ll forage and eat way too much, plus it’s a mess. Keep it tidy and limited, y’hear?
Better Alternatives to Bacon Grease for Your Flock
Now, if you’re like me and wanna give your chickens a lil’ somethin’ extra without the worry, there’s plenty of healthier options to boost their calories, especially in winter. I’ve tried a bunch with my birds, and they gobble these up without the nasty side effects. Check these out:
- High-Fat Grains: Stuff like cracked corn, black oil sunflower seeds, or oats. These give energy without overloadin’ on bad fats.
- Nuts and Seeds: Chopped nuts or seeds are a great protein and fat source. Just a handful mixed in their feed works wonders.
- Mealworms or Grubs: My chickens lose their minds over dried mealworms. It’s like a five-star treat for ‘em, and it’s packed with good stuff.
- Unsalted Peanut Butter: A tiny smear on some bread or mixed with grain. Make sure it’s unsalted, though—salt’s the enemy!
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: Chop ‘em up or mash ‘em. It’s funny givin’ chickens their own eggs, but they love it, and it’s full of protein.
- Plain Yogurt or Kefir: A spoonful of unsweetened yogurt gives ‘em probiotics and a bit of fat. Great for gut health.
- Canned Fish: A bit of tuna or sardines (in water, not oil) is a nice occasional treat. Smelly, but they dig it.
These options got more nutritional bang for your buck, and I feel way better tossin’ these to my flock than riskin’ it with bacon grease. Mix ‘em into their regular feed for a balanced boost.
Practical Tips for Treatin’ Your Chickens Right
If you’re gonna give any treats, includin’ a tiny bit of bacon grease, there’s some tricks to do it safe. Here’s what I’ve learned from messin’ up a time or two with my own birds:
- Always Mix It In: Don’t just chuck treats out there. Mix small amounts into their feed so they don’t overindulge on one thing.
- Watch ‘Em Close: After givin’ any new food, keep an eye out for weird behavior. Loose poops, droopy wings, or not eatin’ regular feed are red flags. Stop the treat ASAP if ya see this.
- Clean Up Quick: Any uneaten stuff, especially greasy bits, should be picked up pronto. Don’t let it sit and go bad or attract rodents.
- Balance Is Key: Treats should only be a small part of their diet—like 10% max. The rest should be proper chicken feed to keep ‘em healthy.
- Know Your Birds: Some chickens got sensitive stomachs. If yours seem off after treats, dial it back. My old hen Gertie can’t handle much beyond her feed, and I respect that.
And hey, if you’re ever unsure, skip the risky stuff. I’d rather have happy, healthy chickens than take a gamble on somethin’ like bacon grease.
Signs Your Chickens Might Be Sick from Bacon Grease
If you’ve already given ‘em some bacon grease and you’re worryin’, here’s what to watch for. I’ve had to keep tabs on my flock after tryin’ new foods, and these signs tell me somethin’ ain’t right:
- Runny Droppings: Diarrhea or weird poops can mean their gut’s upset from too much fat.
- Actin’ Lethargic: If they’re just sittin’ there, wings droopin’, or not peckin’ around like usual, that’s a bad sign.
- Not Eatin’: A chicken off its feed is a chicken in trouble. Could be from salt or fat overload.
- Lookin’ Puffy or Fat: Weight gain creepin’ in quick might mean the fat’s pilin’ up in a bad way.
- Feathers a Mess: Greasy feathers or damage from peckin’ at sticky stuff ain’t good. Plus, it can invite bugs.
- Weird Smells or Vomitin’: Any odd odors or signs of throwin’ up means their system’s rejectin’ somethin’.
If ya see any of this, stop the grease immediately and get ‘em back on regular feed. If things don’t improve quick, don’t mess around—call a vet or someone who knows chickens better than I do. Better safe than losin’ a bird.
Why I’m Super Careful with My Flock’s Diet
Lemme tell ya, I love my chickens like family. Each one’s got a personality—there’s bossy ol’ Mabel who rules the roost, and shy lil’ Peep who hides behind the others. I’ve made mistakes feedin’ ‘em scraps before, thinkin’ they could handle anything. Once, I gave ‘em too much of a fatty leftover, and poor Mabel got so sluggish I thought I’d lose her. She bounced back, thank goodness, but it scared the heck outta me. That’s why I’m real picky now about what I toss in their run. Bacon grease? Maybe a dab once in a blue moon, but I’d rather stick to safer goodies.
Plus, keepin’ their diet right means better eggs and happier birds. I’ve noticed when I overdo treats, the egg shells get funky or production drops. Ain’t worth it. I want my girls struttin’ around, healthy as can be, not waddlin’ from too much junk food.
Other Stuff Chickens Shouldn’t Eat (Just So Ya Know)
While we’re on the topic, there’s a few other kitchen scraps I steer clear of with my flock. Bacon grease ain’t the only thing that can cause trouble. Here’s a quick list of no-nos I’ve learned to avoid:
- Chocolate: Toxic as heck to chickens. Don’t even think about it.
- Onions and Garlic: Can mess with their blood and make eggs taste weird. I skip these entirely.
- Avocado: The pit and skin got stuff that’s bad for birds. I don’t risk it.
- Raw Potatoes: Green bits or sprouts are poisonous. Cooked is okay, but I don’t bother.
- Salty Snacks: Chips, pretzels, anything loaded with sodium is a recipe for disaster, just like bacon grease.
Stick to fresh veggies, grains, and safe proteins, and you’ll keep your chickens cluckin’ along just fine.
Wrappin’ It Up: Play It Safe with Your Feathered Friends
So, can chickens eat bacon grease? Sure, in a super tiny amount as a rare treat, especially when it’s cold out. But honestly, I’m leanin’ toward skipin’ it most of the time. The high fat and salt just ain’t worth the risk when there’s so many better ways to give ‘em a boost. I’ve found my flock does just fine with some sunflower seeds or a spoonful of yogurt when I wanna spoil ‘em. Keep their main diet solid with good feed, toss in safe treats now and then, and watch how they’re actin’. That’s the recipe for a happy coop in my book.
Got any funny stories about your chickens goin’ wild over a weird food? Or maybe you’ve got a fave treat they can’t resist? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear how y’all pamper your birds. Let’s keep learnin’ together and make sure our feathered crew stays healthy and sassy!
Feed These Chicken Scraps Only Occasionally
Cheese Chickens can tolerate very small amounts of cheese or cottage cheese but avoid serving a chunk of cheese or a big blob of cottage cheese in your chicken scraps. Www.ChickenAndChicksInfo.com states large amounts of dairy products will cause stomach and digestive problems in chickens. Very small amounts of cheese can be fed, but only as a treat and only occasionally.Yogurt Just like cheese, chickens can tolerate only tiny amounts. It seems that dairy products and chickens don’t mix!
Popcorn Limit how much salt chickens are offered in their chicken scraps. They need some sodium, but not tons. If the popcorn is plain and free of butter, artificial flavorings, or salt, it can be fed.
Grapes and Raisins Chickens seem to love these, but the saponins in the skin of these fruits can be harmful if eaten in quantity. Just sprinkle a few of these sweet treats in the run once or twice a month.
Onions Anything beyond a small amount can cause anemia in chickens. Some researchers say avoid feeding onions at all. Onion flavor can also creep into your chickens’ eggs — probably not the taste you want! Although some people say they notice no difference in the taste of meat or eggs if the chickens have been eating onions, others say it’s noticeable. LearnPoultry.com recommends feeding only very small amounts of onion, once or twice a month, at most. Onion skin should be tossed out — it has no nutritional value.
Meat Technically, chickens are omnivores and will eat meat when it’s available. It should only be cooked meat and given in very small amounts — a few bits of that leftover roast in the chicken scraps. Processed meats like ham, wieners, or sausage shouldn’t be fed. Processed meat products (including fast food) are too high in salt, preservatives, unhealthy fats, and nitrates/nitrites that make them poor poultry food choices. Trimmed of fat, meat such as pork or beef is better, but chickens won’t do well on a diet that has too much meat. Just avoid feeding the fried, breaded, sauce-covered, or otherwise “enhanced” meat, says petkeen.com.
Chickens enjoy occasional treats to supplement a balanced diet.
Modify These Chicken Scraps Before Feeding Them
Fruits Always remove the pits and seeds before tossing the chickens any fruit. Apples and cherries have cyanide (poisonous!) in their seeds, and other fruits’ pits and seeds can clog a chicken’s crop.
Beans Cooked beans, pulses, and legumes are fine, but never uncooked. (See the section below on saponins.)
Lawn Cuttings Be sure no insecticides, weed killers, or fertilizers were put on the lawn. They’ll be poisonous to your birds. If you’re certain the clippings are free of such dangers, use only the shortest clippings. Long ones can clog the crop on chickens.
Mealworms Some of us raise our own mealworms to provide the flock with nutritious protein. But if you don’t raise your own, beware of the freeze-dried ones from a store or online source. Research where and how mealworms are raised and stick with a source you know is safe. Better yet, raise your own mealworms. The British Trust for Ornithology states mealworms aren’t worms, but the larval stage of a beetle. They occur in nature in undisturbed damp grain or cereal products but can be raised for a steady supply if placed in a dark and undisturbed area, where there’s a steady, moderately warm temperature. A bag of wheat bran or oats provides both bedding and food for them, along with some moisture from such things as apple slices, shredded carrots, cucumber, or other vegetables. The Stanford News reports that mealworms can consume toxic, additive-containing plastic and have no apparent ill effects. Although used for protein-rich feed supplement, the chemical additive eaten is apparently kept or perhaps “biodegraded” in the mealworms’ bodies. Still, many chicken raisers might prefer to keep food for the flock that isn’t polystyrene or other chemicals and, instead, choose items and treats that are natural.
Chickens & Bacon?! Can Chickens can solve a plumbing problem?
FAQ
Is bacon grease safe for birds?
Bacon grease is not good for birds just because they like it. Like with humans, bacon grease can lead to obesity and heart problems. It is high in fat, salt, and carcinogens like nitrates. Use sparingly. If you want to be good to the birds, peanut butter and pure lard are healthy substitutes for bacon fat.
Can I use bacon grease for chicken?
Scoop the Bacon Up® Bacon Grease into a deep skillet, or deep fryer, and heat it to 350°F. Add chicken thighs and legs, and cook for several minutes. Add other chicken pieces, being careful not to overcrowd skillet. Continue cooking, turning once, until chicken pieces are golden brown and cooked through.
Is it okay to feed chickens pork fat?
I have feed them pure fat before from slaughter by products they did just fine. Small amounts no problem.