Cabbage is one of the most useful treats for winter, when a bored flock stuck indoors needs something to do. Here is why a hanging cabbage is such a hit, and why moderation still applies.
Can chickens eat cabbage?
Yes. Cabbage is a safe and nutritious treat that chickens can eat raw, and it brings vitamins and fibre along for the ride. It belongs to the brassica family — the same group as broccoli and kale — which means it is genuinely good for them but is best fed in moderation, as too much can cause a bit of gas or slightly loose droppings. Fed sensibly, though, it is an excellent addition to the treat portion of the diet, which should stay at around a tenth of what your birds eat, with a complete layer feed making up the rest. Our guide to a balanced chicken diet explains how that fits together.
The winter boredom-buster
Cabbage's real party trick is entertainment. Hang a whole head of cabbage from a string or hook in the run or coop, just high enough that the birds have to stretch and jump for it, and it becomes a swinging pecking toy that can keep a flock busy for hours. This is especially valuable in winter, when hens are cooped up more, the ground is bare, and boredom can lead to squabbling or feather-pecking. A hanging cabbage gives them a focus, a bit of exercise and a slow-release treat all in one. It is one of the cheapest and most effective enrichment ideas around, and it works nicely alongside other leafy greens such as lettuce.
Both green and red cabbage are fine, and the red kind adds a bit of colour variety, though your birds will not care one way or the other. A slightly tired cabbage from the bottom of the veg rack, one you might not fancy cooking, is perfect for hanging up. Just peel away any outer leaves that have started to go slimy first, since those are best composted rather than fed.
How to feed cabbage to your chickens
There are two easy approaches: hang it whole for enrichment, or chop it for an ordinary treat.
- Hang a whole head on a string in the run as a pecking toy.
- Or chop cabbage into pieces and scatter it for the flock.
- Feed it raw — there is no need to cook it.
- Offer it in moderation, as brassicas can cause gas in excess.
- Keep grit available and remove any leftover stump before it rots.
Why moderation matters with brassicas
Brassicas such as cabbage are perfectly healthy in sensible amounts, but a flock that gorges on nothing but cabbage may end up with a bit of wind or looser droppings than usual. This is not harmful, just a sign to ease off. Variety is the key: cabbage is at its best as one of several treats in rotation rather than the only green on offer. Keep portions reasonable, mix it up with other fruit and veg, and your hens get the benefit without the downside. The same easy-going approach applies to cabbage's leafy relatives such as kale and spring greens, which are also fine in moderation and make good winter fare. For more everyday ideas, browse our backyard chicken guides.