very spring, I find myself asking the same question when I step out into the coop and everything starts coming back to life.
The days are longer. The grass is greener. The chickens are more active, scratching, exploring, and just overall happier. And naturally, it makes you think… they’re getting everything they need now, right?
I used to believe that spring meant my chickens didn’t need any extra support. After all, they’re outside more, foraging, finding bugs, picking at fresh greens. It feels like nature is doing all the work for you.
But over time, I realized it’s not quite that simple.
Spring is actually a demanding time for your flock. Their bodies are coming out of winter, egg production is picking back up, and their energy levels are higher than they’ve been in months. Even though they’re foraging more, they’re also using more nutrients than they were before.
And depending on your setup, they’re not always getting a perfectly balanced diet just from what they find outside.
That’s where I’ve learned supplements can make a real difference—not in an overcomplicated way, but in a way that just supports what they’re already doing naturally.
For me, it starts with greens.
Even with access to grass, I’ve noticed my chickens still benefit from something more consistent and nutrient-dense. That’s why I like adding Healthy Greens Wheatgrass into their routine. It’s an easy way to give them that boost of vitamins and nutrients, especially early in the season when your yard isn’t fully grown in yet.
I’ll scatter it or mix it in, and they go after it right away. It’s one of those things that feels simple, but you can tell it supports their overall condition—feathers, energy, and even egg quality.
Then there’s scratch.
I used to think of scratch as more of a treat, especially in the colder months. But I’ve come to appreciate how useful it can be in spring too, especially when you’re trying to keep your flock active and engaged.
I like using Chicken's Choice Organic Chicken Scratch as a way to encourage natural foraging behavior. I’ll toss some out in the run or yard, and it gets them moving, scratching, and working for their food the way they’re meant to.
It’s not about replacing their regular feed—it’s about complementing it.
What I’ve learned is that supplements in spring aren’t about fixing a problem. They’re about supporting a transition. Your chickens are shifting from a slower winter pace into a much more active season, and giving them a little extra support helps them handle that shift better.
You don’t need to overdo it. In fact, keeping it simple is usually best.
A good layer feed should still be your foundation. Fresh water, clean coop conditions, and access to the outdoors all matter more than anything else. But adding in nutrient-rich greens and a quality scratch gives your flock that extra edge—especially during this time of year when their needs are changing.
Now, when I walk out to the coop in the spring, I don’t assume they’re getting everything they need. I pay attention. I watch how they’re acting, how they look, how they’re laying.
And I support them where it makes sense.
Because at the end of the day, healthy chickens don’t happen by accident. It’s the small, consistent things we do that add up—and spring is one of the most important times to get it right.
