Watermelon: The Summer Favorite
If I bring out watermelon, all manners disappear.
Watermelon is loaded with water, which makes it a great warm-weather treat. On really hot afternoons, I’ll toss a few chilled pieces into the run and let the chickens go to work.
A few quick tips:
- Remove large seeds if possible
- Offer in moderation
- Chill it before serving for an extra cooling effect
Bonus: watching chickens race around with watermelon pieces is free entertainment.
Cucumbers: The Unexpected Hit
I honestly underestimated cucumbers at first. I assumed my chickens would peck at them a little and move on.
Wrong.
Slice them in half and suddenly it turns into a competition. Cucumbers are another treat packed with moisture and can help support hydration during hot weather.
Some easy ways to serve them:
- Slice into rounds
- Cut lengthwise and place in the run
- Hang whole cucumbers for enrichment
The hanging method usually buys me several minutes of entertainment.
Frozen Peas: Tiny Chicken Candy
Frozen peas are probably one of the easiest summer treats ever.
Just toss a handful into a bowl of cool water and let your chickens bob for them. It becomes part snack, part game, and helps encourage drinking too.
If you haven't tried it yet, do yourself a favor and watch. It's one of those random chicken-owner moments that somehow becomes the highlight of your day.
My Summer Secret: Growing Fresh Wheatgrass
One thing I've started loving during warmer months is growing fresh wheatgrass for the flock.
Summer is actually one of the easiest times to grow it. It grows quickly, doesn't require a huge amount of space, and in just about a week you can have fresh greens ready for your chickens.
What I like most is that it feels like giving them something fresh straight from the garden — even when my garden isn't cooperating.
The nice thing about Healthy Greens Wheatgrass is how simple it is:
- Grow indoors or outdoors
- Usually ready in around 7–10 days
- Provides natural greens and enrichment
- Great when pasture access is limited
I love setting out a tray and watching the flock peck at it throughout the day. It keeps them busy and they seem to absolutely love it.
