My Chickens Ate Insects! Should I Be Worried?
Chickens pecking excitedly at the ground is an indication of looking for insects or seeds! Insects are a delicious and nutritious animal snack for our feathered friends. Chickens are actually omnivores, so, they can jump over anything find nearby to eat!
So, do chickens eat insects? Yes, chickens eat insects. Chickens love to find and eat all sorts of bugs, from wiggly worms to hard-shelled beetles. This natural behavior comes from way back when chickens lived in the wild and needed protein to stay healthy. They can even contribute to controlling pests in the garden!
Go on to know what kind of bugs chickens love to munch on and what to avoid. Learn whether you should raise insects for them or not!
Table of Contents
Do Chickens Eat Insects? Yes, They Love It!
Chickens, believe it or not, enjoy eating plants and insects!
Poultry chickens have a natural foraging behavior, an instinct passed down from their wild ancestors. Back then, insects were a vital source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Chickens love to gobble up all sorts of insects they find in the dirt. They use their sharp beaks and keen eyesight to spot bugs. They catch bugs or insects wherever they’re hiding in the dirt, leaves, or even under rocks.
According to NCBI research, insect meals are used for poultry.
The world farm animal industry faces a big problem: not enough protein feed. But insects can help! They’re an alternative source of protein for chickens and other poultry. Lots of different insects can be used in their diets.
Insect babies, called larvae, grow in poop and other organic waste. They make special things called antimicrobial peptides to stay healthy and fight off germs. These peptides might also be good for chickens when they eat them in their food.
So, is it okay for chickens to eat bugs?
Certainly! Chickens get some nutrition like protein for their growth. It’s a natural and beneficial part of their diet.
Just keep an eye out for any unusual insects and provide a balanced diet.
What Insects Do Chickens Like the Most?
Chickens aren’t picky eaters when it comes to insects! They’re more than happy to gobble up a wide variety. Here are some of their top choices:
- Grubs and Worms: These juicy morsels are packed with protein and are a favorite among chickens. From plump earthworms to beetle larvae (mealworms!), chickens gonna love them all!
- Beetles: Full of protein, beetles are another insect high on the chicken menu. From click beetles to ground beetles, these hard-shelled treats can be healthy and enjoyable for the poultries. They especially enjoy Japanese beetles the most.
- Flies and Fly Larvae (Maggots): While catching adult flies might be a bit trickier, chickens love feasting on fly larvae, too. They’re a great source of protein and readily available for chickens.
- Grasshoppers and Crickets: These hopping insects are like tiny treats for chickens. They’re easy to catch and full of protein as well.
See a video of chickens eating insects!
What Bugs Should Chickens Not Eat?
While chickens are enthusiastic insect eaters, there are a few creepy crawlies they might avoid. Here is a list!
- Toxic Insects: Some insects pack a poisonous punch for chickens. Blister beetles, for instance, contain toxins that can make chickens sick or even cause death. Fireflies can also irritate a chicken’s digestive system.
- Large or Stinging Insects: Chickens are more likely to avoid large insects like some type of spiders, centipedes, or wasps. These insects can bite or sting.
- Fast and Elusive Insects: Catching a fly on the wing can be a challenge for a chicken. Speedy insects might simply escape their grasp.
- Unfamiliar Insects: If a chicken encounters an unfamiliar insect, it can be cautious. This is an instinct to avoid potentially harmful new foods.
Related Article: Raise Mealworms for Chicken Feed
Do Baby Chickens Eat Insects?
Yes, baby chicks love to eat insects.
These little protein-packed snacks are a healthy food source for our feathered friends. Bugs provide essential proteins that help chickens build muscle. Also, it helps maintain normal bodily functions.
Usually, most commercially raised chicks receive a specially formulated starter feed. This balanced feed often eliminates the need for insect protein.
However, some chick owners might choose to offer a small amount of chopped insects. They provide commercially available mealworms as a treat.
When it’s the backyard chicks, they raised by a mother hen will likely learn to forage for insects alongside her. In this case, insects become a natural part of a backyard chick’s diet.
5 Benefits of Insects in Chickens’ Diet
Insects aren’t just a tasty treat for chickens – they’re a crucial part of a healthy, balanced diet. Here’s how these bugs benefit your feathered friends –
Nutritional Powerhouse
Insects are packed with protein, essential for muscle growth and overall health. Unlike some protein sources, they offer a complete amino acid profile. It ensures chickens get all the building blocks they need.
These highly digestible bugs are loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. The contribution is egg production, muscle maintenance, and overall vitality.
Improved Natural Behavior
Chickens are natural foragers, and insects are a staple food in their wild diet. Including them in their current diet allows you to replicate their natural behavior and promote their well-being.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Choice
Raising insects for chicken feed is much more sustainable. They have a smaller environmental footprint and don’t contribute to deforestation or greenhouse gas emissions.
Insect meals are safe for chickens and don’t harm the environment like other alternatives. They don’t compete with human food consumption and offer a viable, eco-friendly solution.
Gut Health
Studies suggest that a small amount of insect meal can stimulate beneficial gut bacteria in chickens. It promotes overall digestive health.
Natural Pest Control
Chickens love to munch on bugs from long ago. So, you can utilize them working to help control pest populations in your garden. It ensures a safe garden with plants.
Nutritional Value of Insects for Chickens
Although we cannot say the exact amount of nutrition, here is an approximate value of insects –
| Insect Species | Protein (%) | Fat (%) | Fiber (%) | Ash (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grubs (various species) | 50-70 | 10-20 | 5-10 | 5-10 |
| Worms (earthworms) | 60-70 | 5-15 | 5-10 | 10-15 |
| Beetles (various species) | 40-60 | 5-25 | 5-15 | 5-10 |
| Flies (adult houseflies) | 15-20 | 5-10 | 10-15 | 5-10 |
| Fly Larvae (maggots) | 40-50 | 10-20 | 5-10 | 5-10 |
| Grasshoppers (adult) | 50-60 | 5-15 | 5-10 | 5-10 |
| Crickets (adult) | 60-70 | 5-15 | 5-10 | 5-10 |
Related Read: 4 Steps to Make My Own Chicken Feed
How to Feed Insects to Chickens?
Although it’s the natural diet for chickens, you can feed them as well. Here are the detailed facts to learn about feeding insects to chickens –
What Type of Insects to Feed?
You can buy live insects like mealworms, crickets, or other feeder insects. Just make sure they’re healthy and come from a reputable source.
Some stores sell dried insects like crickets or worms. These are a good option if you don’t like the idea of live bugs!
How Often to Feed?
A few times a week is plenty. Insects are a yummy snack, but your chickens still need their regular chicken feed for all their nutrients.
How Much to Feed?
A small handful per chicken is enough. You don’t want them to fill up on bugs and skip their main course!
Tip: Scatter the insects in your chicken run or coop. This encourages them to hunt and peck as they would naturally.
Should I Raise Insects for Chicken Feed?
Ever thought about raising insects like mealworms or crickets for your chickens? It can be cool, but there are things to think about –
Good Stuff
- Homegrown bugs are a protein treat for your chickens.
- Raising insects is eco-friendly!
- Once you let the chicken eat insects naturally, it can be a cheaper way to keep them healthy.
Things to Consider
- Setting up an insect home (farm) takes some money.
- Depending on your flock size, you’ll need a dedicated space.
- Like any pet, your insects need regular cleaning, feeding, and a comfy temperature.
- Make sure your bug containers are escape-proof to avoid unwanted visitors.
Maybe raising insects isn’t for you, but you still want happy, bug-eating chickens! Now, how do I attract bugs to my chicken coop?
- Water the ground can make the ground ideal for worms.
- Piles of leaves or straw attract all sorts of creepy crawlies.
- A little leftover food or droppings can attract bugs for your chickens to enjoy.
How can I encourage my Chickens to eat Insects?
As insects are a protein source, why don’t you encourage them to eat? Follow the given tips and let them remain healthy in your yard!
- Mix small amounts of insect-based feed with their regular feed.
- Scatter insect treats instead of serving them in a dish.
- Offer a variety of insects like mealworms or chopped worms.
- Use insect-attracting plants, flowers, herbs, or shrubs like marigolds, dill, or lavender.
- You can even show them where the bugs are by tossing a few near them.
- Avoid harsh chemicals in your yard to keep the natural bug stays.
- You can also hand-feed them insects occasionally.
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FAQs
Here, you’ll have more questions about insects as a part of the chicken diet.
Q. How can I tell if my chickens are getting enough insects?
You can look for signs of a healthy appetite and overall well-being. Healthy chickens are active, have bright eyes, clean vents, and lay eggs regularly.
Q. Do chickens need to be dewormed if they eat a lot of insects?
Yes, deworming is still recommended for chickens, regardless of their insect intake. Wild insects can carry parasites. So, regular deworming helps prevent internal parasites.
Q. Is it safe to feed my chickens insects from a pet store?
Yes, commercially available insects like mealworms or crickets from a reputable pet store are safe for chickens. These insects are specifically bred for feeder purposes. Just make sure they are the appropriate size for your chickens.
Final Word
Chickens love munching on insects, and it’s okay for them to do so! Insects are a natural and nutritious part of their diet. It offers essential protein, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, they help chickens stay healthy and stimulate their natural foraging behavior.
Chickens also help the environment to keep it pest-free. If you prefer to feed, you can also raise insects in your yard. Let the chicken praise you as a good poultry owner!
