What Do Chickens Eat Naturally? (A Comprehensive Guide)


Chickens have been at the heart of family farms for centuries, but did you know that they need more than just store-bought feed to stay healthy and happy? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what chickens eat naturally, the benefits of allowing them to forage, and the different types of insects, worms, fruits, and vegetables they enjoy.

We’ll also discuss sources of protein and calcium, commercial feed options, and additional natural food sources.

So, if you want to learn more about what chickens eat and why it’s important, read on!

Short Answer

Chickens are omnivorous animals and will eat a variety of things.

In the wild, chickens eat seeds, berries, insects, worms, and other small animals.

They also eat grasses, clover, and other vegetation.

Chickens can also eat kitchen scraps such as vegetables, bread, and other grains.

What Do Chickens Eat Naturally?

Chickens are omnivores, meaning they eat a variety of both plant and animal-based foods.

In the natural environment, chickens forage for insects, worms, seeds, and other small animals.

This means that they can find and consume a wide variety of natural foods, such as grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars, and earthworms.

They can also glean a variety of seeds from plants and grains, such as wheat, oats, and barley.

Additionally, chickens are able to consume a variety of fruits and vegetables, including leafy greens, corn, and potatoes.

In order to ensure that chickens remain healthy and get the correct amount of nutrients, they need to have a balanced diet, which includes both protein and calcium.

These can be provided through commercially-available feed or from sources such as eggs, mealworms, and cooked meat.

Having access to a variety of food sources is essential for chickens to remain healthy and strong.

This includes providing them with access to a variety of insects, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.

Additionally, a balanced diet of protein and calcium must be maintained in order for chickens to thrive and live a healthy, natural life.

By providing chickens with these natural food sources, they can enjoy a happy and healthy life.

Benefits of Allowing Chickens to Forage

When it comes to a healthy, natural diet for chickens, allowing them to forage for their own food is a great way to supplement their regular feed.

Foraging can provide chickens with a variety of beneficial foods, including high-protein sources like insects, worms, and other small animals, as well as nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables.

Not only does foraging help to diversify a chicken’s diet, it also encourages natural behaviors like scratching and pecking, which can help keep their beaks and feet healthy.

Additionally, foraging can provide chickens with a source of mental stimulation and can help to prevent boredom, which can become a problem in an enclosed coop.

Allowing chickens to forage can be a great way to support their health and wellbeing, and is an important part of providing a natural, healthy lifestyle.

Types of Insects, Worms, and Seeds

When it comes to what chickens eat naturally, insects, worms, and seeds are some of their favorite foods.

Insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, and mealworms are a great source of protein for chickens.

They will also happily munch on earthworms, snails, slugs, and other small invertebrates.

Seeds, including grains, are an important part of a chickens diet.

Grains such as wheat, oats, rye, and barley can all be found in a chickens natural habitat.

Chickens will also forage for other seeds, such as sunflower, millet, and flax.

To ensure a balanced diet, chickens should be given a mix of grains and other seeds.

In addition to the insects and seeds found in nature, chickens also enjoy other sources of protein.

Mealworms are a great source of protein for chickens, as they provide essential amino acids and fatty acids that are important for chicken health.

Cooked meats, such as chicken, beef, and fish, can also be given to chickens in moderation.

Eggs, either from the chicken itself or from other sources, are also a great source of protein for chickens.

Types of Fruits and Vegetables

When it comes to what chickens eat naturally, fruits and vegetables are an essential part of their diet.

Fruits and vegetables provide chickens with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are necessary for a healthy and balanced diet.

Chickens can eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, including leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and cabbage, as well as corn, potatoes, tomatoes, and squash.

Additionally, chickens enjoy a wide range of berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.

Other fruits that chickens can eat include apples, peaches, and pears.

It is important to remember that chickens should not be fed citrus fruits such as oranges or lemons, as these can be toxic to them.

Additionally, some fruits and vegetables should be fed in moderation, such as apples, which can cause digestive problems if eaten in large quantities.

In addition to providing essential vitamins and minerals, fruits and vegetables are also a great source of dietary fiber, which helps keep chickens digestive systems running smoothly.

Additionally, fruits and vegetables can provide chickens with mental stimulation and enrichment, as they will often forage for their food.

Feeding chickens a variety of fruits and vegetables is a great way to keep them healthy and happy.

Sources of Protein and Calcium

When it comes to providing chickens with a healthy, natural diet, protein and calcium are essential.

While chickens can forage for insects and other small animals in the wild, it is important to supplement their diet with additional sources of these vital nutrients.

A great source of protein and calcium for chickens is commercially-available feed.

This feed typically contains a combination of grains, seeds, and other ingredients that provide the necessary nutrients to keep chickens healthy.

Additionally, the feed may contain minerals, vitamins, and other trace elements that help ensure a balanced diet.

Eggs are another great source of protein and calcium for chickens.

Not only do eggs provide a good source of both nutrients, but they can also be used as a regular treat for the chickens.

The shells of the eggs are a great source of calcium, and the yolk provides essential protein.

Mealworms are also an excellent source of protein and calcium for chickens.

These are small worms that can be purchased from pet stores and online retailers.

They are packed with nutrients and provide a great treat for chickens.

Cooked meat is another great source of both protein and calcium for chickens.

Chicken, beef, and other types of meat can provide a great source of both nutrients.

However, it is important to ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly before feeding it to your chickens, as raw meat can make them sick.

Finally, fruits and vegetables are also important sources of nutrients for chickens.

Leafy greens, corn, and potatoes are all excellent sources of calcium, and they provide essential vitamins and minerals, as well.

Additionally, fruits such as apples, berries, and grapes are great sources of vitamins and minerals, and can make a nice treat for chickens.

By providing a balanced diet of proteins and calcium from sources such as commercially-available feed, eggs, mealworms, and cooked meat, as well as fruits and vegetables, chickens can thrive and live a healthy, natural life.

Commercially-Available Feed

When it comes to providing a balanced diet for chickens, commercially-available feed is an essential part of the equation.

The various types of poultry feed available on the market today are formulated to provide chickens with the essential nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy.

Types of feed can range from starter feed for chicks to layer feed for hens, and even game bird feed for larger breeds like turkeys.

In addition to providing a balanced diet, commercially-available feed can also help chickens stay safe by eliminating the risk of ingesting parasites or contaminants that may be present in their natural environment.

When selecting a feed, look for a product that is free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

It’s also important to consider the formulation of the feed, as some are designed to meet the specific needs of certain breeds or age groups.

When supplementing commercially-available feed with other sources of nutrition, it’s important to keep in mind that chickens require a balanced diet of protein and calcium.

Additionally, some breeds may require additional nutrients depending on their size or age.

Make sure to consult with a veterinarian or poultry specialist if you are unsure of what type of feed is best for your chickens.

Additional Natural Food Sources

In addition to foraging for insects, worms, seeds, and other small animals, chickens also eat a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Leafy greens, corn, and potatoes are all great options for chickens and can be found in abundance in the wild.

Other fruits and vegetables that chickens can enjoy include apples, carrots, and squash.

Berries such as strawberries and blueberries can also be a tasty treat for chickens.

Providing a balanced diet for chickens is important, and they need a variety of proteins and calcium to stay healthy.

Eggs can provide chickens with a good source of protein and calcium, and can be a great addition to their diet.

Mealworms are also a great source of protein and calcium, and can be found in pet stores or online.

Cooked meats such as chicken, beef, and fish can also be a great source of protein for chickens.

Its important to note that chickens can be prone to overeating if given too much food.

To ensure that your chickens stay healthy, its important to provide them with a balanced diet that includes a variety of proteins and calcium sources.

By providing them with a variety of natural food sources, you can help your chickens stay healthy and live a natural life.

Final Thoughts

By providing a balanced diet of both proteins and calcium, chickens can thrive and live a healthy life, just as they would in the wild.

Naturally foraging for insects, worms, seeds, fruits, and vegetables is a great way to ensure your chickens are getting the nutrients they need.

Additionally, a combination of commercially-available feed and other natural food sources such as eggs, mealworms, and cooked meat can provide a well-rounded diet.

With the right mixture of food sources, you can ensure your chickens are living a naturally healthy life.

Marco Morse

Marco’s goal is to help people become more self-sufficient and connected to the earth. He believes in the importance of living a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, and he is passionate about helping others learn how to do the same. He is always looking for new ways to inspire and educate his audience.

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