Chicken Stew on Easter: Turning Food Waste Into a Feast for the Flock

4-1-2018

Chicken Stew on Easter: Turning Food Waste Into a Feast for the Flock

In a world where food waste is a constant issue, why not repurpose leftovers into a nutritious meal for your backyard chickens? Chickens are excellent recyclers, and giving them homemade "chicken stew" is a great way to reduce waste while keeping them healthy and happy. My girls go wild when they see the Instapot and spoon—it's like they know a feast is on the way!

Let me walk you through how I prepared a special Easter stew for my flock, along with tips for crafting your own version.

Why Feed Chickens Leftovers?

Feeding chickens kitchen scraps is not only economical but also a sustainable way to manage household waste. Here are some benefits:

1. Reduces Waste: Instead of throwing away scraps, you’re turning them into valuable nutrition for your chickens.
2. Improves Nutrition: Homemade feeds often contain diverse ingredients that supplement a chicken's diet with additional vitamins and minerals.
3. Enrichment: Chickens love variety, and offering different textures and flavors keeps them entertained and engaged.

Note: Not all human foods are safe for chickens. Avoid feeding them chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or anything moldy.

The Chicken Stew Recipe

Ingredients:

• Leftover cabbage (or any leafy greens)
• Grass-fed organic steak roast (or another protein source)
• Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed pepper
• Fresh eggs for hard boiling
• Water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the leftover cabbage and defrost the steak roast. These ingredients provide fiber, protein, and flavor.
2. Combine in the Instapot: Add the cabbage, steak, seasonings, and water to the pot. Drop in a few eggs to hard boil along with the stew.
3. Cook: Set the Instapot to Menu 5 with a pre-set time of 30 minutes. Let it cook overnight on the "Keep Warm" setting for a slow, rich infusion of flavors.
4. Cool and Serve: In the morning, release the pressure and allow the stew to cool. Mix it with the chickens' 20% feed, allowing the broth to soak in and expand the pellets.

Your chickens will be singing their happy clucks as they enjoy this nutritious treat!

Tips for Making Chicken Stew

1. Incorporate Variety: Use different vegetables, such as carrots, peas, or squash, to ensure your flock gets a wide range of nutrients.
2. Add Grains: Rice, oats, or barley can be cooked and added to the stew for extra carbohydrates.
3. Don’t Overdo It: While scraps are great, they should complement—not replace—a balanced layer feed. Scraps should ONLY be 10% of their diet.

The Joy of Feeding the Flock

Watching my chickens enjoy their meal is one of the highlights of my day. When I bring out their bowls, they crowd around, almost singing their excitement. It’s a reminder of how rewarding backyard chicken keeping can be.

 

Food Waste in Numbers

Did you know?

• The U.S. generates approximately 103 million tons of food waste each year.
• By feeding leftovers to chickens, you’re not just reducing waste—you’re contributing to a more sustainable food cycle.

Until Next Time...

That’s how I turned Easter leftovers into a feast for my flock. If you’ve tried feeding your chickens homemade treats, I’d love to hear your recipes or ideas in the comments below!